Whether seeking a part time job or executive position, job hunting can drain even the most ambitious person. At some stage everyone has been searching for a job and the monotony of trawling through craigslist or the dejection of rebuttals is not too fondly remembered. From drawing up a resume to attending interviews the entire process is fundamentally based on selling oneself again, and again, and again and again.

Tinkering with the boundaries between garrulous and ambitious, applicants wishing to stand out often employ aggressive tactics. From cold calling companies to personally approaching potential employers nothing is too bold. While some taciturn job hunters may stick to the traditional methods, Marilyn Machlowitz, a New York executive recruiter, says that they shouldn’t fear “standing out in promoting themselves because the tried and true isn’t working during this recession.”

The Wall Street Journal documents three people who took self-promotion to more unconventional heights. Mr. Persky, after losing his job as an outside contractor at Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin a New York investment bank, was confident he would secure another job. Time passed and Mr. Persky’s families were forced to give up their home in Manhattan. Confidence waned even further as interviews became scarcer and Mr. Persky’s prospects began looking bleaker.

Eventually, with the resolution of someone with nothing to lose, Mr. Persky crafted a large, hand written sandwich board, placed it over his suit and began to pound the pavements of Park Avenue. Whilst aware that he could face former colleagues Mr. Persky eschewed his embarrassment and displayed his sign bearing the words: “Experienced MIT grad for hire,” along with this telephone number. After his wife took his picture and sent it to several newspapers Mr. Persky received substantial media attention. He created a blog to deal with the level of attention, and was employed by Weiser LLP, only to be laid off five months later.

Mr. Persky’s eccentric job seeking gambit did however, give him a platform to pursue another career ambition: “A book he wrote about his extreme job hunting has drawn interest from publishers. He pens career columns for a financial-service Web site, gives speeches and advises several small firms about business development.”

Two other examples The Wall Street Journal offer are that of James A. Williamson III and Peggy Greco. James, who posted his resume in the back of the cab he drove, received several interview requests but instead ended up getting a job from the recommendation of a friend. Private nurse Peggy Greco credits her previous employment success to a quirky resume but when, in 2008 she found herself jobless, this method did not work twice. She then painted her web address and number on a tee-shirt and cycled through affluent neighborhoods in the hope of attracting potential clients.

The line between unorthodox and unprofessional is becoming increasingly blurred as job seekers take a more forceful approach. However, what could be considered as bold and innovative may also be considered brazen and rude. Whilst the three applicants did not secure employment from their extreme methods, all three claim that their strategies have enlightened them about what does, and doesn’t work. Betsy Richards, director of career resources at Kaplan University, says “In today’s market, you need to reach out to people who could give you access to new networks and employment communities outside of your field and your normal work group,” Richards says. “Even effective job seekers may have exhausted their network and have to expand it. It could mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful job search.”
There are ways to network and be noticed, without resorting to such drastic measures:

Social Networking:Facebook, MySpace and Twitter dominate the internet. Every day millions of people utilize social networking sites for personal and business matters, why not post your resume or reach out within your own network, making it aware you are searching for a job.

Supermarket, gym, salon, restaurants: As long as you keep it informal these communal places offer a neutral and relaxed environment to meet people. Striking up a conversation with the right person could expand your network and get you some leads.

Classes or Courses: Joining a club or taking a class will not only expand your skills but will put you in contact with those who have similar interests as you. They may know of jobs that don’t suit them but are perfect for you.

CareerBuilder.com gives the following tips, following advice from Betsy Richard’s:

1. Prepare an “elevator speech” of three to four sentences that introduces your most marketable skills. Keep it succinct at no more than 20 seconds.

2. When networking, introduce yourself and ask the people what they do for work. After they tell you, you have the opportunity to let them know that you are searching for a job. Explain what type of position fits your particular background. You should ask if they have heard of anything that could be a match for your skills.

3. Always carry business cards no matter what the circumstance. Keep them in your wallet, handbag or cardholder at all times.

4. Make sure your résumé and/or bio and cover letter are prepared so you can quickly send out the information if a contact is made.