Sometimes getting a job is a lot harder than keeping one. There's nothing more difficult than knowing you're the perfect person for the position and not being able to get your foot in the door. So how do you stand out from the crowd? There are a lot of ways to make that happen, of course, but these probably aren't the best examples.
According to a survey by staffing firm
Accountemps, job seekers can sometimes go overboard in their efforts to make a lasting impression on potential employers. At least 150 executives from a variety of firms were asked to list the strangest job interview pitches they'd ever come across. And the results are as bizarre as they are desperate.
One would-be employee brought his mother to the interview - and let her do all the talking. Another entered the office of her boss-in-waiting and proceeded to sing all of the answers to his questions - and no, she wasn't auditioning for anything to do with music. Then there's the guy who complimented the company's benefit plan - and said he was hoping to be hired so he could take a lot of time off over the next year.
But for sheer chutzpah, you sort of have to admire the applicant who came in carrying his resume - and a printed press release announcing that the company had already hired him!
Experts claim it's important to stand out from the crowd and all those endless applications that can otherwise wind up in a desk drawer. But it's equally essential to be sensible and present the kind of image that leads the interviewer to remember you for the right reasons. That includes being prepared and doing your homework; knowing a lot about a company before you talk to anyone; tailoring your resume to fit the exact opening; following up on your appearance without seeming too pushy; and knowing the answer to the question 'why should I hire you?' before you go in.
And oh yeah, try not to sing while you're in the employer's office. Or the person you're talking to just may 'tune' you out.
Other no-no's from the survey:
"An individual told me he was allergic to unemployment."
"One candidate said that we should hire him because he would be a great addition to our softball team."
"One job seeker said he should get the job because he had already applied three times and felt that it was now his turn."
"A person said he had no relevant experience for the position he was interviewing for, but his friend did."
"A gentleman delivered his entire cover letter verbally as a rap song."
"An applicant once told me she wanted the position because she wanted to get away from dealing with people."
"One applicant gave me his resume in a brown paper lunch bag."
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