From sending a shoe along with a resume to wearing no footwear at all at an interview, many job candidates have tried unconventional tactics to get a hiring managers attention, the findings from a national survey show.


Executives were asked, in the study released last fall, to identify unique strategies applicants have used to stand out from the crowd. Menlo Park, Calif.-based Accountemps, the surveys sponsor, says the results suggest that communicating your ingenuity, resourcefulness, and creativity to potential employers can give you a leg upor set you back.


Those surveyed were asked, What is the most unusual thing you have seen or heard of a job candidate doing to stand out from the crowd? Sample responses included the following:


A job seeker sent a shoe with his resume and a note saying, I just want to get my foot in the door.


One candidate came in barefoot.


A job seeker included an 8-by-10-inch beauty pageant photo of herself.


A candidate put confetti in the resume package, which made a huge mess.


One woman brought a poodle to the interview because she didnt want to leave it in the car.


An applicant sent his resume on a bottle of alcohol to the companys CEO.


All of the important words were circled on the resume.


Someone sent a packet of coffee with a note that said, Have a coffee on me.


I was sent a piece of gum with the resume and asked to chew on the facts.


An applicant came in dressed as a clownin a colorful, satin clown suit with red hair, a bright-red nose, and big shoes.


We received a giant cookie with writing on the package that said, Id like to be a chip in your cookie.


In todays competitive employment market, candidates feel increasing pressure to distinguish themselves, says Max Messmer, Accountemps chairman and author of Job Hunting for Dummies. He adds, While nontraditional methods can help candidates get noticed, job seekers should remain professional at all times and carefully tailor their approach to the individual company or industry.


Which job-hunting tactics are appropriate when looking to distinguish yourself from other applicants? Messmer says the classic approach still is best: develop a concise and targeted resume that details your successes in previous roles and demonstrates the types of contributions you can make if hired.


Theres no substitution, he says, for initiative and professionalism, and he offers the following suggestions:


Review the job description and highlight in your resume and cover letter those aspects of your background that make you the best fit.


Research the company prior to the interview and ask focused and intelligent questions that showcase your knowledge.


Cite skills used in volunteer activities outside of work.


Take notes during the interview to demonstrate your attentiveness.


Send a thank-you card or e-mail immediately after meeting with a hiring manager.


Become involved with a professional or industry association.


Accountemps has more than 325 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.


Its survey included responses from 150 with the nations 1,000 largest companies.