Ever seen a job application that made you stop scrolling — and maybe even laugh out loud?
I did recently when I came across this young woman applying to OLIPOP. She called it her official “thirst trap” and presented her Social Media Manager skills in a bold, hilarious, and totally unconventional way. I couldn’t help but follow along to see what would happen.
Her post ended up with 12.5K reactions and 1K+ comments on LinkedIn. Creative, attention-grabbing, and undeniably viral, but do these stunts actually land jobs?
Every once in a while, I come across these wild applications — Candidates pulling out all the stops just to get noticed. Totally understandable, especially for roles where the competition is fierce and landing an interview can feel almost impossible.
The OLIPOP girl didn’t get the job, but she sure got noticed. And that’s the key takeaway about unconventional job applications: they can help you get seen, but results aren’t guaranteed.
When do unconventional applications work?
From my experience, creative approaches are more likely to work if:
- You’re in a creative field (marketing, design, content creation, social media)
- The company has a fun, innovative culture (think tl;dv)
- You’re early in your career or entry-level and have fewer traditional accomplishments
Some examples I know of:
- One person applied with a hand delivery of a box of cookies that had a QR code that linked to his application. This is sweet and interactive, and might work for startups or small companies with a playful culture.
- Another candidate figured out the hiring manager was into rap, so he made a rap song about why they should be hired. Memorable, fun, but risky and requires at least a bit of talent to avoid overwhelming cringe.
- A job candidate delivered his resume inside boxes of donuts while posing as a Postmates delivery person. He did this with 40 companies and landed 10 job interviews.
- Gen Z candidates are trying to get noticed through the platform they love and know best — TikTok video resumes are a thing.
If you’re considering something like this, here are my top 5 tips:
Submit the formal application first
Before you attempt something bold or unconventional, make sure you get the basics right and apply the standard way. Have a resume that’s tailored to the job ad, write a proper cover letter that shows you understand the company and the position, and make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated.
Know your audience and the role
If you’re applying for a role where innovation and creativity are valued, a bold application can get you noticed. But do your homework first — get info about the company, who the hiring manager is and what excites them.
Don’t look desperate
Your application should say clearly: “I can do this job, I’m confident, and I’d be amazing on your team.” If you use creativity, use it to show your skills and personality, not to cover up for experience you don’t have. Mention your real accomplishments, show that you understand the role, and make it clear how you’ll add value.
Know the difference between cool and cringe
Not every bold idea is a good idea. Always check if your stunt shows skills and knowledge related to the role or company. Make sure there’s a connection, otherwise, your random creativity may end up feeling forced. Even if it’s funny, your application should show you’re serious about the job.
Don’t make the recruiter uncomfortable (ever!)
When in doubt, imagine yourself as the recruiter. Would this make you smile, nod, and think, “Amazing, I want to meet this person,” or would it make you feel stalked or unsafe? Your goal is to get noticed, not to make anyone uncomfortable. Avoid repeated messages, uninvited visits, or anything that could feel pushy. Being bold should never cross the line into harassment.
Another thing to keep in mind — Unconventional applications aren’t usually the best move for senior-level roles. At higher levels, companies are looking for experience, leadership, and a certain executive presence. A wild stunt can sometimes come across as immature or desperate.
And one final rule to rule them all: Reserve creative approaches for when there’s a dream job that you know would be a great fit if only you could get seen by a human.
Your goal is to be remembered for the right reasons. If a creative approach aligns with your personality, your field, and the company culture, go for it.
And if not? Stick with the strategic approach and maybe save the cookies for a treat.
