• by Beverly Weinstein , September 8, 2009

Dear Bev: I've read about resume and job search gimmicks. Do they really work?

A well thought-out communication with or without a gimmick should be effective. But just a gimmick? Not so much.

There's the taxi cab driver with his resume in full view of his passengers, the sandwich-board-wearing Wall Street job hunter, the college grad with a billboard, and even the anxious wife with a "hire my husband" Web site. They all succeeded in getting media attention, but none have managed to snag a job, according to a recent check. Why? Their messages announced that they needed a job, but didn't convey why someone should give them one.

There is one gimmick, or let's call it a unique, well-targeted communication, that a newly minted college grad with a marketing major tried that's working: a music video cover letter. His name is Alec Biedrzycki, and I talked to him about his strategy. At 22, his approach was better thought-out than older and more experienced candidates I've interviewed.

Alec figured out pretty quickly that in a competitive job market, resumes sent to blind P.O. boxes rarely get responses. He also understood that a personal referral or connection provides the best job chances, but he just have many. So he put what he learned in his marketing classes and his musical talent to work.

In mid-July, he wrote and recorded a musical cover letter one Sunday, then posted it to YouTube and Facebook. So far, he's had over 14,000 YouTube hits and has been interviewed by CNN, Headline News and Fox Philadelphia. He was also featured in an Italian newspaper. The gimmick part got him press coverage. But what about a pay check?

The targeted communication has netted him six solid job prospects and 10 freelance opportunities. He's also been able to develop a more effective written cover letter. Here are excerpts from cover letters he sent before and after creating the music video:

Before Music Video

As a recent graduate of Bentley University with a degree in marketing, I've had much experience working with several different Corporate Businesses that specialize in Social Media utilization. Throughout these positions, I've:

• Worked ...to develop marketing strategies for a new social media platform that enables consumers to promote, distribute and support brands and charities via social networks. • Worked .... to create new Facebook application for job search and career advice

Also, being an avid Social Media user, I also have a Twitter account (@albiedrzycki) and blog (http://alecdotes.blogspot.com/), both of which I contribute to frequently.

After

"So that's the basic work I've done throughout my academic and work career. But what about the innovative aspect of marketing? I said that I'm creative and naturally, I like to think outside the box. As an example of this claim, check out the "Musical Cover Letter" that I created to aid me in my job search. (I was interviewed on CNN and Headline News because of it.) You can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot4K-KCLAqs

Also, be sure to check out my Web site, too (www.albiedrzycki.com), as it showcases my skills in a more concrete way. So please take a look at what I've done and consider what I can do for you. I hope to hear back from you soon!" Here's some good advice from a 22-year-old that a much-older job recruiter seconds. Know your audience! "I did a music video to relate to what I'm applying for -- if I was an accountant, it wouldn't fly," he said. "I marketed myself to a marketing job. You have to stay true to what you want to do. Be relevant, and get yourself out there."

To watch Alec's music video, visit http://www.dearbev.com.