Job Search Tactics Turn Unusual

What would you do to have a chance at a job?

Those who are unemployed know they have fierce competition in the job search market at the moment. Because of this, some candidates are going above and beyond to market themselves to potential employers.

CareerBuilder and Harris Interactive recently completed a survey among 2,543 full-time hiring managers and human resource professionals. The survey found that many job seekers are using unusual tactics and gimmicks to get the attention of potential employers.

The survey found that nearly one-fifth of hiring managers have seen more unconventional practices this year, compared with 12 percent last year.

Some of the most notable attempts at garnering attention included:
sending a shoe with a resume to get a "foot in the door"
handing out resumes at stoplights
washing cars in a company parking lot
staging a sit-in in a company lobby to demand a meeting with a director
sending a cake designed as a business card with the candidate's picture
handing out personalized coffee cups
going to the same barber as the company chairman to have the barber speak on his behalf

"The search for employment is taking longer and is more competitive than it has been in past years," Jason Ferrara, senior career adviser at CareerBuilder, said. "To compensate, some candidates have turned to extreme tactics. While unusual job search antics may attract the attention of hiring managers, they need to be done with care and professionalism so that candidates are remembered for the right reasons."