Be Creative
In this tough market it’s increasingly important to take a creative approach to your job search, but that’s easier said than done. To help spark some of your own creativity, we have profiled students that have taken the initiative to go above and beyond in their effort to find that special someone ( read: job). Check out these student profiles as well as some select resources that can get you headed in the right direction. Remember, stay positive and get creative!
After picking up some tips from these guys, we’d love to hear your stories and ideas too. Post them in the comments section below.
Student Profiles:
Meredith Derian-Toth
Name: Meredith Derian-Toth
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Company you’re applying to: TOMSshoes, http://cdn2.tomsshoes.com/default14.htm
Job you’re applying for: Internship, TOMSshoes Headquarters in Santa Monica, CA
Home town: Plymouth, MI
1. What did you do in your career search that was creative?
I created a video explaining that through their application alone my passion would not be heard. In order for TOMS to fully understand and absorb the passion I hold for their company, they would have to see the video.
2. How did you come up with the idea?
My roommate, Brett Kopf, suggested it. He informed me the advantages of applying creatively to job positions. A black and white resume is not enough anymore. We discussed the pros and cons of a creative job application. I needed TOMSshoes to see the real me, and that did not show through in my writing.
3. Why is this better than taking the “normal route” in your career search?
This type of application sets you apart from the others who applied. The company also appreciates the extra effort you put into your application. It shows the amount you care about working for their company. Also I am applying for a marketing position, it only made sense for me to use online marketing tools to sell myself (twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc..)
4. Has your approach been successful so far? Why or why not?
So far my approach has been successful. It has definitely created buzz that I am trying to obtain a job at their company. Through sharing my video amongst everyone I know, spreads the word of my effort. If this got all the way to Blake Mycoskie at TOMSshoes, it would be a complete success. But just the fact that the video is creating buzz is a success in itself.
If I am unsuccessful in obtaining the position at TOMSshoes, this will have been a learning experience. If there is a job your very passionate about, I highly suggest applying in any creative way you can think of.
*Follow me on twitter: derianto
Christine Garland
Name: Christine Garland
Year: Junior
Major: Communication with PR specialization
Company: FYIndOut.com
Position: PR/Marketing Intern
Location: Chicago (I am working remotely from my computer)
Home Town: Mecosta, MI
Answer to the following questions:
1. What have you done in your job search that was creative or unconventional?
I was talking with a friend of mine about the frustration of searching for internships while playing around with social media and job search sites to get some ideas. In our conversation he updated his twitter page with something along the lines of “I know a qualified PR intern on the hunt.” Within five minutes one of the owners of FYIndOut.com contacted my friend asking for my information. I emailed him the next morning and attached my resume. He returned my call within a few hours, after hearing about the company and internship opportunity we arranged a second interview the following week.
2. How did you get your idea?
It was my friend’s idea. He has a great network on twitter and, although we didn’t expect things to happens so fast, an absolute success story.
3. Why is this better than taking a traditional route in finding a job?
I was frustrated with the same old cover letter and resume routine. Any unique process of getting into a potential employers head makes you a more interesting candidate for a program.
4. How has your creative approach been successful?
Within a week and a half of my friend posting his twitter message I had the internship I’d been seeking for months. I went into my interview with more questions to ask them than they had to ask me. It made it clear to the company that I was interested in the position and willing to put in the work they needed.
Resources and Related Links:
Feel free to share your own creative success stories in the comments section!
Here’s some more good ideas for using some new tech…”7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media”
http://mashable.com/2009/01/05/job-search-secrets/