In the previous video, I also mentioned that we’d be looking at ways of delivering your resume (resume submission) as well as how to do a proper resume follow up. Let’s start with addressing Resume Submission. Seems like a no-brainer, eh? Just ‘get it there on time and into the right hands, right? In principal, yes. But there are a few resume submission tricks you can try to ensure that your resume goes directly to the hiring manager – the one who would be responsible for hiring you – and past the ‘resume sentry’. Some of them may be a bit ‘out there’ – and I don’t recommend you use them unless you’re willing to take a chance: I warn you – some are not for the faint hearted! But resume submission tips can and do work. So here goes:

Option One: Try sending your resume with a gift – this works especially well during the holidays. So go ahead – get creative here! Of course, it’s important to choose the right kind of gift: so if you know anything about the person you’re sending your resume to, that can help point you in the right direction. If you don’t know anything about them, it’s time to get smart. I heard of one person sending an egg timer along with his resume: the note attached said, “If you give me this much time, I’ll prove to you why I am the best systems analyst you’ll ever have.” Apparently, that person not only got the interview, they got the job! Other safe options are flowers and pizza. And if you go for the pizza approach, don’t forget to put your resume in a zip-lock bag – and tape it to the top of the inside flap on the pizza box. The gift idea may not work with certain personality types: but hey, you’ve got nothing to lose by standing out in a crowd – so my advice is, ‘Go for it – but be SUPER SMART about how you go about it. OK?

Option 2: Use some unusual looking or sized paper to print your cover letter and resume on. There are all kinds of paper shops around – you just might have to do a bit of digging to find one.   Most people use standard sized cream, white, or gray paper color – so be original and use something else. I wouldn’t go the lime green legal sized card stock route – but a lovely soft sage coloured linen paper cut to just a quarter inch longer or wider just might do the trick. This option may cost a few extra dollars, but it could just be what lands you the interview – and maybe even the job.

To view other videos in the “Marketing You” Video Series about marketing yourself to employers and recruiters please view Introduction to Marketing You, Success and Creative Visualization, 60 Second Pitch,  Job Interview Tips, Resume Writing and Resume Cover Letters videos. The next video in this series is Resume Submission Options- More Ways to Get Your Resume Read. Video 9.

You may also want to download one of our Marketing You FREE E-books or visit our vast Resources Section including Tax Tip Videos and the Interview Coach articles.