CollegeRecruiter.com Blog

Struggling for a way of standing out from other candidates? Then write a ransom note in which you demand an interview. Edwin Sitt of Entreplist sent out a ransom letter to an ad agency in which he jokingly informed them that he had taken their art director hostage and demand that they read his resume and consider him for a job if the agency ever wants to see their art director again.

So far no word on whether Edwin has received a response from the agency or local law enforcement, but I have to believe that his correspondence with the agency is garnering him more attention than if he had applied using more conventional means. If I were the recipient of Edwin's note, I'd get a good laugh, would definitely read his resume, and would definitely interview him if he were qualified. Those without a sense of humor not take as kindly, but that's okay because Edwin probably wouldn't want to work for such an uptight firm.

So will the ransom letter get Edwin the job? Unlikely. But will it separate out his application from applications from other qualified applicants? You bet. Gimmicks such as ransom letters are no substitute for proving to the potential employer that you can do the job due to your practical and academic experiences so don't spend all of your time creating gimmicks if what you really need is more experience. But a gimmick like Edwin's is a great idea if the firm to which you're applying appears to be the type that would appreciate the humor.