The Wow Factor - Survey Reveals Actions Job Seekers Have Taken to Impress Employers

TORONTO, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - Sometimes it's the little things that get job seekers noticed by employers, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. Human resources (HR) managers were asked to recount the most impressive action they have seen or heard an individual take to try to land a position. Here are some of their responses:

    <<
    - "An applicant walked in with coffee and doughnuts, and her resume
underneath."
    - "I've had someone outline what he planned to do for the company in his
first six months."
    - "One job seeker sent a handmade get well card when she heard the hiring
manager was under the weather."
    - "I've had people offer to work for free."
    - "I recall someone who travelled a great distance just to be
interviewed."
    - "One applicant sent a gift and an invitation to coffee."
    - "We had a candidate who contacted our board of directors to try to make
his case for being hired."
    >>

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specialising in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 650 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States and Canada.

Some job seekers did a little show and tell:

    <<
    - "I recall applicants who have impressed me with their overall marketing
approach. A few have sent in fancy CDs that contained a video message
explaining why they should get the job."
    - "Someone applying for a position as a car detailer brought in his own
vehicle to demonstrate his skills."
    - "I was impressed by a candidate who prepared an elaborate online
portfolio and presentation."
    - "One woman showed up with, literally, a suitcase full of binders
containing letters of reference, certificates of achievement and other
accolades."
    - "A job seeker brought in a performance review from his past employer."
    - "The most impressive thing to me is a creative resume."
    >>

There were professionals who shined by going back to basics:

    <<
    - "One applicant explained what he knew about our company. I was very
impressed with his knowledge and research."
    - "I had a follow-up email from a candidate immediately after our
meeting."
    - "I liked the way one job seeker explained his skills in a way that
correlated directly to what we needed for the position."
    - "A candidate gave me a thank-you note right after the interview."
    - "One woman didn't just recite her skills -- she provided many examples
of her work."
    - "The candidates I recall most are the ones who were persistent in
calling to make sure they got the position."
    - "An entry-level job applicant arrived for the interview in a three-piece
suit."
    - "I am impressed when a job seeker arrives on time and is well-dressed.
It's that simple."
    >>

And then sometimes employers just want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth:

    <<
    - "The most impressive thing to me in any applicant is honesty."
    >>

"Extreme tactics aren't always the best way to stand out with hiring managers. Often, perfecting job-search basics can get you noticed," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "There is much to be said about showing up on time for interviews, dressing in professional attire and doing your homework."

OfficeTeam offers the following tips for taking job-search basics to the next level:

    <<
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ordinary                    Extraordinary
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Creating a flawless resume  Regularly updating your profile on networking
                                sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, and
                                creating a professional website showcasing
                                your expertise, qualifications and work
                                samples
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Researching the company     Using your findings to discuss the value you
                                bring, particularly your ability to help them
                                address current needs
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Talking about your past     Providing specific examples of how you made
    experience                  a positive difference in previous roles and
                                saved organisations time and money
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Preparing a list of         In advance of the interview, asking the
    questions                   hiring manager to identify a challenge the
                                company is facing and then bringing your
                                proposed solutions to discuss during the
                                meeting
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Sending a thank-you note    Delivering a thank-you message or pertinent
                                news article within hours after the interview
                                that builds on your conversation and
                                reinforces why you're the best person for the
                                job
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    >>

About OfficeTeam

OfficeTeam is a leading staffing service specialising in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

SOURCE: OfficeTeam

Nadia Santoli, [phone], [email protected]