A Right-Brain and Left-Brain Approach to Job Search

Job search requires a combination of the creative and the logical. What I caution against, however, is following the extreme for either of these. For example, sending your resume to a potential employer inside a shoe with the note "Just wanted to get my foot in the door" is certain to generate some chuckles, but it will probably be deemed unprofessional and most likely won't get you the interview. At the same time, following the standard posting-your-resume-online-and-waiting-for-employers-to-call probably won't cut it, either. Here are the areas in which to use the right-brain and the left-brain approach:

Left Brain (Logical)
** Use a standard format for your resume- opening summary section, experience section in reverse chronological order, education/credential section. Only in rare instances should you use a functional or non-reverse-chronological format.
** Dress appropriately for the interview (see previous blog entry "Dressing for the Interview").
** Follow up with a thank-you letter.

Right Brain (Creative)
** Do some sleuthing and find out who the hiring manager is for the position you are applying for, and send your resume directly to him/her with a cover letter detailing how you can help them meet their goals.
** During the interview, provide a demonstration or visual illustration (chart, PowerPoint presentation) indicating a skill set that you would utilize for the position (e.g. sales professionals can provide an analysis of the company's competitors via a chart and include strategies for how they would outdistance them).
** Send thank-you letters to all you come in contact with, including the administrative assistant who greeted you and escorted you to the proper office.

As you'll notice, the Creative examples aren't outlandish; however, judging from the feedback of interviewers and recruiters, they are not standard practice and thus involve creative thought. The key is to think outside the box, but not outside the storage area.

Further reading:
http://www.escapefromcorporate.com/right-brain-left-brain-career/