4. A personalised candidate advertisement

Peter Linas, European development director, Parity IT recruitment agency
I was impressed when one candidate placed an ad in the recruitment advertising section of the relevant press to say who they were and what they did. They were proactively promoting themselves in an unusual manner.

Why was it so effective?
Most employers read the job section of the trade press. This advertisement jumped out at prospective employers who pick up on the candidate and their availability. It's a creative approach that gives the candidate a competitive advantage.

What would you advise against?
Lying on your CV. There's a big difference between elaborating on your skills and lying outright. Smart employers are diligent when it comes to screening candidates. Any falsifications will be discovered.

5. Cold calling the recruiter at work

Nigel Hutchinson, recruitment manager at accountants PKF
A lady called me the other day about a job we were advertising. She had done some background research on the firm, found out who dealt with recruitment and then called me. She introduced herself, told me her background, and then asked if she was the sort of person we were looking for. I said yes, and she said, 'Great, I'll forward my CV to you.' I was so impressed by her professionalism, I made a mental note to remember her approach when it came to CV sifting.

Why was it so effective?
People who pick up the phone really make themselves stand out. It shows they are very interested in the position and it helps give their CV a voice. Of course, in the same way, it is very easy to come over badly on the phone. If you sound unprofessional, or if you show that you have not researched the company, I remember your name for different reasons.

What would you advise against?
I am all for emailed CVs, but, when they are sent from an email address that begins with something like sexpot@... - and graduates often do this - I am immediately put off. Think about what your email address is saying about you. It makes me wonder how you are going to present yourself to our clients if that is how you present yourself to us. It's just not professional.

Other tips
Before you go rushing off to record your own music video, here are some tips to tailor and temper your approach:
Know how much individuality your industry will take - and how bold you can afford to be with your application. For example, sending a video to an advertising agency is fine, as they expect creativity in candidates. But sending an 'alternative' CV to an accountancy firm might backfire. Tailor your approach - three of the four candidates above targeted the company and even the person to speak to. Don't confuse brash with bold - a daring CV sent to a 'Dear Sir' is brash, rushed and not thought through. A tailored CV sent to a real person after an initial phonecall to establish interest is a bold approach. Think of the level of job you're after The more senior your job, the more subtle your approach may have to be. Placing an ad in the trade press as a senior manager may give the impression you are desperate for work.