Every job candidate has the same three goals: capture a hiring manager’s attention, nail the interview, and land the job. But, fail to achieve the first one, and you fail them all.

Today’s increasingly competitive job market makes it hard to stand out in a sea of candidates all boasting the same skills and qualifications. For that reason, job seekers do anything and everything they can to attract a hiring manager’s attention.

That may sound like a good thing, but too much of anything — even a good thing — can work against you.

A 2015 CareerBuilder survey of more than 2,000 full-time hiring and human resources managers in the U.S. revealed some of the strangest stunts job seekers have pulled in order to attract a hiring manager’s attention and land the job.

Here are five of those stunts, why those tactics didn’t work, and what to do instead (warning: do not attempt these stunts yourself):

Stunt #1: Candidate found out where the hiring manager was having dinner and picked up the tab.

Why it didn‘t work: This candidate might have had good intentions, but a bribe — one that requires a bit of stalking at that — will not work in your favor. In fact, it can potentially hurt your chances at getting the job.

Even if bribing a hiring manager did result in a job offer, do you really want to work for an organization that values things like money and status over the necessary skills and experience? I think not.

What to do instead: Avoid doing or saying anything that could come across as a bribe. Ditch the extrinsic motivators and focus on intrinsic motivators. In other words, persuade hiring managers with your unique skills and knowledge of the job, company, and industry — not the fact that you picked up their tab at a four star restaurant.

Stunt #2: Candidate had his daughter call the hiring manager prior to the interview to thank the hiring manager “for giving her dad a job.”

Why it didn‘t work: While this candidate’s attempt at landing the job isn’t monetary, it can still be considered a bribe. This candidate used his daughter (which, in and of itself, is strange) to persuade the hiring manager to act in his favor — before even taking part in the interview process.

Every job candidate has their own personal reasons for wanting or needing a particular job, but those reasons are irrelevant to organizational success and, therefore, irrelevant to hiring managers.

What to do instead: First and foremost, don’t ever assume the job is yours. Second, save your reasons for wanting the job until the interviewer asks you why you’re interested in the position and/or company. When that time arises, connect your reasons to the job at hand. Remember, a hiring manager’s sole job is to hire based on skill and potential.

Stunt #3: Candidate answered a call during the interview stating that another company was calling to discuss a job offer.

Why it didn‘t work: First of all, all mobile devices should be turned off during an interview. Using your phone for any reason during an interview is unprofessional and just plain rude. Not to mention, this tactic is insulting. The interviewee just happened to receive a call about another job offer during the interview? Unlikely.

What to do instead: There’s no need to mention what other companies you’ve applied to unless you’re asked (and some hiring managers do ask). Instead, focus on attracting hiring managers with samples of your work and evidence of your past successes. Tangible evidence of your skills and success will speak louder than a “job offer” from another company.

Stunt #4: Candidate showed pictures of their relatives working at the company many years prior.

Why it didn‘t work: While having a personal tie to a company can sometimes work to your advantage, your eligibility is dependent upon your education, skills, personality, and experience above all else. Showing pictures of your relatives or friends that also work or worked at the company doesn’t highlight your own qualifications.

What to do instead: It doesn’t hurt to mention names during an interview, as those names can serve as references, but don’t rely on your connections to secure the job. Instead of simply name-dropping, use those family members, friends, or acquaintances as professional references when the time comes.

Stunt #5: Candidate lit a corner of their resume on fire to show their “burning desire” for the job.

Why it didn‘t work: I think we can all agree on why this attention-seeking stunt was unsuccessful; it’s overly dramatic, not to mention dangerous.

What to do instead: There’s no need to burn your resume to showcase your desire for the job. Simply doing your homework on the company and applying what you learned to your own skills, knowledge, and experience is proof enough of your interest in joining the team.

What are some other reasonable alternatives to these attention-seeking stunts?

5 Ways NOT to Get a Hiring Manager’s Attention is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

Source:: Glassdoor.com