Today’s job climate demands one to be different in order to stand out from the crowd. Being different is absolutely KEY and it means you must be creative.  Below are 4 creative ideas to help get you thinking about approaches to get you in the door to your next gig. Remember, once you get in the door – keep the creativity coming! This could mean asking the hiring manager to have your interview over lunch, or even a beer after work. Use your own ideas – just remember to be different and stand out!

1. Send a business Improvement Idea

This could be anything – something on operations efficiency for their industry; a super clever marketing ad they could consider; a new product idea; even a lucrative referral. Add this to your cover letter with a note saying “Give me ten minutes and I can explain how this could add to your bottom line”.  There are many ways you can approach this – 1, setting the hook by revealing just enough to get their interest, or 2, sharing full details and letting them know that those ideas are just the beginning.  If that doesn’t get you in the door, keep it going. Follow up the next week detailing your previous ideas while adding a Part II. Chances are good that they will have already discussed your ideas and will be hungry for more.

2. Advertise to Your Target Companies

Pardee, 22 of Lakeview, built some self-promotional Facebook ads to target Conde Nast employees. He got the job.  Things are also looking positive for Mark Heuer of Milwaukee after he created a web site Mark4Hire.com then marketed it via billboard. People are even known to advertise with signs at stop-lights or in front of target corporation headquarters. Be creative and try something new – the world is changing and it means you need to compete more for that next job.

3. Offer a Finders Fee

Offering a finders fee can help motivate your network to help you land your next job. Michael Checkoway used his public relations expertise to craft a finder’s fee based on the salary of next job. He even offered trips to Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, and New York to grab attention as a grand prize. He then put a website together that outlined the details which were more than generous – asking only for leads and referrals.

4. Create Something Viral

This is something companies do to create stealth marketing campaigns for brand awareness or other marketing objectives. These techniques use pre-existing social networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or even chain emails and can take the form of funny videos, images, games etc. Jeremy Hunt and Bruce Branit were widely known as the first to use this medium for success with their 3 minute digital short movie ‘405’. Following the films launch, Hunt and Branit saw their lives turned upside down by the media attention that followed. They were signed by talent agents CAA, offered directing deals, and now sell merchandise related to the film. Be creative – be yourself – just remember to tag your viral with your website or contact details!

Below is an actual resume of a Finance Director $102,000 annual salary.

We have made some minor changes i.e. dates and names, to her resume for privacy concerns.

Shannon Melbourne

558 W. 9th St. #167
El Segundo, CA 90021

(310)000-0000

Objective:

Director of Finance

Personal Statement

Detail-focused and highly succesful Fortune 500 Financial Analyst and Director of Finance. My professional growth has bounded from financial analyst, to senior financial analyst, to a director of finance through strong leadership skills, my ability to interface between cross-functional teams and senior managment, and my constant pursuit of knowledge. I have 6 years of experience in forecasting, budgeting, risk management, long range planning , and ad hoc analysis of expense, income, capital, and cash flows. I’m a graduate of the BofA Leadership program and I have a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting.

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In a tough economy such as this, one can’t be passive about their job search. Hiring managers today can receive over 500 resumes for one position. This of course makes it difficult to be distinguished from the stack, if you’re noticed at all. One must instead be creative in their plans to get noticed – (more…)

Alternatives: Video Resume, Brochure Resume, Personal Website Portfolio, Chat Sessions, Power Point CV

Keywords: Job Hunting, Resume Writing, Resume Example, CV Sample, Free Resume Help, How To Resume, Professional Resume, Format

Have you been writing your resume and wondering how you can really make it stand out? Some might format it with their best picture, and others might highlight certain spots. But one isn’t limited to paper as this is the age of the internet - websites, streaming video, chat utilities etc. Just think out of the box - and use all of the resources available today to customize and offer your prospective employers an alternative resume, (more…)

The Home Depot – Home Depot has legions of angry consumer as well as employees. Home depot used to have qualified personnel to provide expert advice. They essentially canned them all to hire cheap labor. After firing all of their decent staff, they took or severely cut back any worthwhile employee benefits and incentives; merit badges worth $20 each, tuition reimbursement, dental, employee discounts, Christmas bonuses (now just a coupon) credit signup bonuses etc. Several sites host complaints by disgruntled employees, from the Consumerist to Retailworker.com.

(more…)

Desired Salary/Wage: $125,000.00 Annual

Eddie Mitchell , IT Director VP
860 N. Wilshire #448

San Francisco CA 42448
Home (415) 656-2232 / Mobile (415) 656-1257
EddieMitchell@gmail.com

Objective:

I excel in reorganizing dysfunctional IT departments. I can provide leadership and technical expertise across the technology spectrum. Networking, hardware acquisition, server administration, network security, disaster recovery.

Experience:

SF Gate 5/2000 - Present, San Francisco CA
Director, Information Technology

• Responsible for all technology aspects within TRIRIGA Information Systems. Manage over 50 environments hosting TRIRIGA’s leading web-based application running on a J2EE application servers and Oracle and Microsoft SQL Servers. Also responsible for all customer installations and sizing. Works with Sales to evaluate the technology impact in customer environments.
• Manage a team of 8 working with all Linux, Windows, Solaris, Tru64 systems. Also directs all data and voice communications networks including links to international and domestic locations. Hardware includes Sun, Dell, Compaq, HP, Cisco and Foundry.

Majo Jewelry 5/1999 - 4/2000, Oakland CA
IT Manager

• Responsible for all aspects of Information Systems for a $15 million/year importer. Primarily hired to repair major data and system problems systemic to operation. Lead project to replace Account/Distribution application to Solomon 4.21. Managed 50 node/4 NT server environment using vertical accounting application and off-the-shelf office automation. Created in-depth Crystal Reports based on Pervasive SQL to give management information on current business metrics. Also managed 1 full-time and 1 part-time assistants. Tools: Windows NT 4.0 Server / Workstation, Windows Terminal Server, MS Exchange, Crystal Info, Solomon 4.21, Microsoft SQL 7.0.

Ebay 7/1997 - 9/1998, San Jose CA
IT Manager

• Project Manager for revenue producing application. Responsibilities included internal and external customer requirements assessment, application design, development, quality assurance, user support and product infrastructure needs. Lead a 4 person Data Analysis team and an 8 – 10 person application development team. Tools: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL Server.

UCLA 5/1992 - 7/1997 Los Angeles CA
Director, IT

• Director, User Services & Technical Services–
  Responsibility for Technical Services consists of Network infrastructure, including Wide-Area Networking and dial-up connectivity. Also had responsibility for User Services, which consisted of user support, help desk, telephone support, network security, electronic mail and network administration. Developed standards for software deployment on servers and implemented software distribution. Managed the design of LAN/WAN consisting of 10BaseT & 100BaseT, FDDI, Frame-Relay and ATM networks for a large national WAN.
  Tools: Cabletron Hubs, Cisco Switches, 3Com Routers, Nortel PBXs. Microsoft SMS, Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Office, Windows NT 3.x/4.x.
  Manager, Client/Server Development & LAN Administration
  Administrated network consisting of 30 Novell servers and 4 Windows NT servers serving 1500 clients. Firm understanding of IPX/SPX & TCP/IP protocols. Tools: Windows NT 4.0, Novell Server 3.12, Novell Server 4.x.
  Manager, Systems & Programming
  Installed Sybase SQL servers on Windows NT 3.x and 4.x servers and Novell 3.x server. Served on a development team creating a decision support system built with Powerbuilder. The team was headed by an external consulting firm, Booz-Allen & Hamilton. Used Powerbuilder, Infomaker and various SQL tools.
  Tools: Powerbuilder, Sybase SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Server.

• Clarion application development and occasional utility development including data conversion and EDI translations. Responsibilities to provide technical support to the MIS department. Explored new technologies.
• Programmer/Analyst
  Developing single and multi-user applications in Clarion. Developed applications dealing with dealing with Grant Accounting, Editorial Contacts, Warehousing Control and Pre-sales Support. Full life-cycle development including requirements gathering, design and data analysis, development, testing, installation, data conversion and user training.

Additional Information:

Oracle OCP
Active Top Secret Clearance

Desired Salary/Wage: $45,000.00 Annual

Michelle Michaels , Senior Loan Officer
1102 Stuart Court
San Jose, CA 64542
Home (323) 656-2232 / Mobile (323) 656-1257
Michelle.Michaels@hotmail.com

Objective:

Experienced Licensed Loan Officer and customer service leader with proven ability to integrate and coordinate multiple intricate department functions. Extremely creative problem solver, able to make quick accurate decisions from start to finish. Experienced funder, loan processor. Specializing in second mortgages. Monthly goals met thru dedication and team work . Excellent at meeting costumers needs in order to sell a loan. Great social skills and enjoy the benefits of team work.

Employment History:

Countrywide, Aliso Viejo 2005-2006
Loan Officer

• Top loan officer more than once.
• Contact the client after reviewing information (provided by the initiator) to discuss their personal needs in order to provided them with a loan that best suits them.
• Run and review credit history, income, length of employment and seasoning of home.
• Work up a loan offer that most benefit’s borrower.
• Sell the loan.
• Work with client one on one so they do not have to deal with more than one person.
• Assist borrower in locating required documents.
• Process and meet the conditions prior to funding.
• Update foresight with all information and con log everything so that others can see status.
• Order and review appraisals.
• Submit completed loan to Funding.
• Receive incoming calls from main line and input the data to create an application.

eLoan, CA. 2004-2005
Jr. Funder/ Processor

• Ensured files were shipped out in a timely fashion in order to help Investors purchase loans quicker, also helping to meet monthly goals.
• Responsible for updating point, i.e. recording when files were shipped, updating when
  borrowers check were sent along with DHL tracking # for LO to better serve our customers.
• Keep tight records of all transactions including who had a file and why in our conversation log.
• Made sure that investors conditions were met in order for them to sell the loans. Which also included additional processing.
• In charge of requesting that the Note be sent to the investor once funded and file sent.
• Keeping excel chart to track status of all loans.

Main Logistics, Salinas, CA 2001- 2003
Customer Service Supervisor

• Reduced consumer fraud, saving company over $180,000.00 through identification and close monitoring of shipping errors<
• Wrote Customer Service policies and procedures to ensure consistent superior interaction with customers .
• Lowered mispicks of tired by 30% through tracking pullers.
• Inventory Control
• Performed regular cycle counts ensuring stock requirements were correct and met.
• Lowered company loss by 20% while recharging and locating lost product.
• Updated SAP system with correct inventory.
• Tracked shipments to make sure there departure times were met allowing Exel would meet our monthly goal.
• Managed order desk, helping to keep puller on schedule.
• Increased productivity in shipping and receiving departments through efficient work which motivated other employees, helped set puling standards while testing new methods and equipment
• Set hourly quotas to be met, still hold title of fasted puller.

Mako Medical Center, Orange County, CA 1999-2000
Office Manager

• Researched market to maintain competitive pricing
• Guaranteed appointment times and quotes were kept.
• Significantly increasing customer satisfaction, helped established lasting business relationships in order have returned customers.
• Established and achieved office policies and trained new personnel.

Walmart Distribution Center, Los Angeles, CA 1997-1999
Order filler

• Created and implemented new safety procedures as a member of the safety and fire team
• By surpassing department goals raised morale among fellow workers.
• Maintained accurate order pulling, helping department to receive recognition as a team.

Longs Drugs, Orange County, CA 19951996
Assistant Manager

• Increased repeat business by responding to customers needs in a small town personal way.
• Trained and assisted all new hires in all aspects of duties i.e. performance, attendance, and company policies and expectations.
• Achieved sales goals and contributed to loss prevention awareness, the things to look for.

MAC Corp. Victorville, CA 1993-1995
Office Supervisor

• Established and maintained loyal client base with making their experience with their children or family portrait’s a enjoyable experiencing.
• Let customers make appointments after hours to continue excellent service.
• Met company sales goals every month.

Jones & Michaels, Apple Valley, CA 1992-1194
Counter Girl/Desk clerk

• Implemented daily retail operations such as balancing drawers and light book keeping
• Gave customers a “small town welcome every visit” by greeting them with names, having their Dry cleaning hanging up at pick up line ready when I saw their cars.
• Trained new employees regularly

Technical Skills:

SAP Program, Point, AS400 Program, DSI, MS Excell, Word and Foresight

Licenses:

Licensed Loan Officer in California and Oregon