Do It Up Differently!

I love hearing about people who are doing things differently in the job market these days and business world – positive things that get them noticed and called in for interviews, hired, promoted, or launched into business. They are proactive and creative and unafraid to get out there and take a chance that just might bring great reward.

What prompts this sort of activity? Some people I know were tired of waiting on others for job offers, others wanted to demonstrate their talents and desire for a particular job, and still others sought to rise above the mainstream norm and make themselves known. Read below for some ideas on doing it up differently!

With competition for jobs at high levels and job security still in question in many places, it’s crucial that you, too rise above it all and take a stand for what you want. Consider some of these real-life examples and then design your own:

If your department or position is being eliminated, proactively hand deliver resumes to other department heads, in addition to working with Human Resources, to let them know of your company experience and qualifications.

Have pre-addressed, stamped thank you cards in your car ready to mail immediately after interviews.

Personally deliver resumes to your target companies and ask to speak to the hiring manager.

When given a choice on how to respond to a job opening, do all of them – fax, phone, and email.

Put together a creative follow-up package with references and testimonials as to why you are the best person for the job.

Deliver cookies or snacks with your thank you note after interviews or informational meetings.

Turn your favorite past-time into a part-time business to ease full-time job uncertainty.

If a position you applied for continues to show up online as open, inquire about being a temporary fill-in while they are still looking for the right person.

Own up to mistakes or challenges you know will surface during your performance reviews anyway and show your enthusiasm for overcoming them and moving forward in your career.

After surviving a layoff, ask for a meeting with your manager to find out what you can do to help the company while making yourself a more valuable employee.

Send handwritten thank you notes to recruiters you meet at job fairs.

Bring interview or review conversations back around to where you can accentuate your strengths and talents.

Ask the next question that many are afraid to – “Why was I not your top choice for the job?”, “Do you have any suggestions for me as I continue my job search?”, “How can I improve my performance and contribute more to the company’s success?”


Anyone can send an email, post their resume online, wait to see what will happen or hear what the boss’ or client’s decision will be. Take back control of your job search or career path and decide what your own positive steps will be to get what you want.

Ask, “How do I want this to turn out?” and aim for that end result. Or as my husband frequently reminds me when pondering a decision, “What do you have to lose?” You and I have the power to create the life of our dreams. Let’s go for it!