Monkey Business Can be a Good Thing

Exploring Guerilla Job Search Tactics
With the current national unemployment rate still hovering around 10 percent, some job seekers are taking more aggressive approaches to stand apart from the competition.

I recently heard a story of one job seeker who walked the busy streets of his hometown, with his resume adjourned to his body for everyone to see. There was another recent story involving a group of people recently laid off from the same office, who collectively rented a billboard in an effort to get the attention of potential employers that might be hiring. Job search experts label these approaches as “Guerilla Job Search Tactics.”

While taking the unconventional approach can help you get your foot in the door, it is important to always use tact and decorum when trying to get the attention of targeted employers.

Proceed with Caution

If an employer has made it clear that they are not to be contacted directly, it is wise to abide by those rules. The only logical reason to attempt to circumvent the advised application process of a company is if you have an inside contact who is willing to pass on your information to a department head or key decision maker who they might know on a personal level. Most companies will simply disqualify you from consideration altogether if you have been identified as someone who has broken the rules. Most companies now employ strict application guidelines in order to meet EEOC specifications.

Do’s and Don’ts when Gorilla Job Searching

Here are a few things to remember when attempting to make non-traditional interaction with employers while job searching.

1) Weekly follow up with an employer after an interview with a simple call or e-mail is appropriate, but don’t be overly persistent. You don’t want to come off pesky.

2) If you decide to send a well-crafted illustration other than a resume to highlight your skills and attributes, PowerPoint or Publisher usually works best. The key is to be creative and tie it into exactly how your talents can benefit the company. Be careful to not over do it and shorter is always better.

3) Sending gifts or trinkets to a company official is usually not a good idea, unless it is something that can tactfully showcase a glimpse of your craftiness and technical aptitude.

4) Rule out messages that are colorful or racy. If you have to think twice about whether or not you should send it, it’s probably not a good idea.

5) Showing up unannounced at an employer’s site is never a good idea. It would be smarter to join a chamber or other networking association that might put you in direct contact with the employer you are targeting.

Always remember that your intent is to stand apart from other applicants to land the interview, not to get yourself eliminated from the process. Companies are only interested in how you can help their bottom line and little more.

Good luck with your job search and keep your head in the game!