In December, I hand-delivered a small gift-wrapped, personalized ornament to a local advertising agency a week before Christmas.
I got it from an ornament kiosk at the shopping mall. I asked the attendant to address the envelope to the agency and write on the front, "A job for Christmas would be nice...". On the back, I asked her to write "... but I guess an interview would suffice." The back also featured my contact information and website www.HireThatRedhead.com.
By hand-delivering the gift, I was able to meet the agency director. I got an interview after Christmas. The director later told me that I would make a great addition to her team, but the economy had the agency in a holding pattern at the moment.
For another local firm looking for a communication coordinator, I created a contest and wrote a custom press release for one of their properties. I've posted that press release in my online portfolio and you can also read it here (I've changed the name of the business and owner). I had two interviews with the firm, and they offered me the job, but I turned it down. Unfortunately, their budget didn't allow for benefits.
Most recently, I sent my resume to a nonprofit looking for a researcher for an 18-month grant project. Instead of just emailing a resume and saying how much I'd love an interview, I outlined a brief proposal about how I would actually conduct the research using in-depth interviews, surveys, focus groups, and on-site observation. The nonprofit's president complimented my insights, and I think I made a great impression on him.
I've also sent hand-written post cards to a few HR managers and marketing directors to set myself apart from the hundreds of other applicants. Post a comment if you've done something creative during your own job search or if you've got any ideas for mine.
Something I learned while interviewing, is that aside from talking about your skills, get to know your interviewer, talk to them about relevant stuff, but not so relevant.
ReplyDeleteFor example, talk about a TV series that you find interesting and you can related it back to the position, and it is also a way for them to gauge your personality. Don't just talk all business, let them want to have you around because of your hobbies, likes/dislikes.
Good luck on your job search, I know Florida is a tough market right now, I had to leave and found a job in New York.
Let me know how it goes!
Karol,
ReplyDeleteYour comment reminds me that my favorite interview question so far has been "If you were an animal, what kind would you be?"
I thought about it for a moment and said a fox because they're creative, clever, resourceful, and quick on their feet.
The interviewer said, "And because they're red?" I said "But of course."
Chase