Even as the job market improves, with unemployment still hovering around 10 percent, job seekers have turned to unconventional methods to stand out from the competition. According to a new survey from CareerBuilder, nearly one-quarter of hiring managers (22 percent) reported that they are seeing more job seekers try unusual tactics to capture their attention in 2010 compared to last year. This is up from 18 percent of hiring managers who said the same in 2009 and 12 percent in 2008.
"While we are seeing positive signs in the job market as employers gradually add headcount, competition is still high for open positions," said Jason Ferrara, senior career adviser at CareerBuilder. "As a result, more candidates are turning to unconventional tactics to attract the attention of hiring managers. While these tactics may work occasionally, they still need to be done with professionalism. That way, candidates are remembered for what they can offer an organization and not just for an unusual antic."
Some hiring managers report that unusual job seeking tactics can be effective. Nearly one-in-ten (9 percent) said they have hired someone who used an unconventional tactic to get their attention. When asked what unusual job search methods made them hire a job seeker, hiring managers reported the following: