Showing Up Unannounced

Staff Writer. September 5, 2009

- You've thought about rocking up to show your enthusiasm and initiative. But does it work?

More people are reportedly turning to unconventional ways of gaining employer attention in difficult times. Turning up uninvited at the office, for instance. Even sending two dress shirts with contact details (which actually helped secure an interview) to hiring recruiters. It's not difficult, however, to take that additional step when sending seemingly endless CVs and covering letters yield little result.

Typically a recruiter, especially now, find themself inundated with piles of unsolicited job applications. Showing up dressed impeccably with the right credentials and sales pitch may well get you ahead of the pack. That said, it doesn't work with everyone. Some will find the approach far too brazen or even rude in which case they'd remember you for all the wrong reasons. You may run into physical obstacles, such as finding yourself standing in the reception/lobby area without security clearances. That can be frustrating. Others will appreciate the initiative and glad to give you a go. Small companies tend to be more receptive to this approach.

 

None of this, of course, substitute for a well written cover letter and CV. Bottomline: showing up unannounced is a risky approach but it can payoff with the right person.