Ah, networking. That mysterious art of schmoozing, mingling, and occasionally dropping the name of that distant relative who once shook hands with someone vaguely important.
Networking is supposed to open doors. It’s the key to unlocking hidden opportunities and making career magic happen. But as with most things in life, some people take it a tad too far.
And when they do, they often leave us with tales so bizarre and bewildering that they deserve a category all of their own.
So, in honour of those brave souls who believed that “thinking outside the box” meant climbing into a whole new one, let’s explore some of the strangest ways people have ever tried to network their way into a job.
1. The Cake with a Resume Inside
Some people hand out business cards. Others bake a cake.
Yes, you heard that right. One ambitious job seeker decided that the best way to stand out was to bake a cake, hide a copy of their resume inside, and deliver it to the office of their dream employer.
While this certainly makes a memorable impression, there’s always the risk that your resume ends up in crumbs with the company’s afternoon tea.
2. The Billboard Proposal
Subtlety is not for everyone.
Some folks decide that the best way to get noticed is to rent a billboard outside a company’s HQ with a giant picture of their face and the words: “Hire Me!”
While this might guarantee attention, it also raises questions about judgment. After all, if you’re spending your life savings on an ad campaign before even getting the job, one shudders to think what you’ll do with the company credit card.
3. The Elevator Pitch (Literally)
You’ve heard about the elevator pitch, but one hopeful candidate took it to another level—by getting into the actual lift with the CEO and delivering their pitch between floors.
While it might sound clever, there’s always the risk that the CEO just wants a quiet ride or, worse, that you get stuck between floors and have to improvise your way through an unexpected bonding session.
4. The Song and Dance Routine
In a world where everyone’s trying to make their LinkedIn profile stand out, one candidate decided to forego text altogether and submit a musical video application.
Complete with choreography, catchy lyrics, and an impressive falsetto, this approach certainly turns heads. However, if you’re tone-deaf and rhythmically challenged, it’s probably best to leave this to the professionals.
5. The Social Media Stalker
We all know that social media can be a powerful networking tool, but there’s a fine line between networking and stalking.
One enterprising job seeker followed a potential employer on every platform imaginable and began commenting on every post—personal or professional. While enthusiasm is great, commenting on holiday photos with “Hope this vacation gives you inspiration for our future collaboration!” might be pushing it.
6. The Fake Interviewer
In a move that straddles the line between genius and sheer lunacy, one hopeful applicant posed as an interviewer at a job fair.
They set up a fake booth, complete with brochures and branded pens, and proceeded to interview the company’s HR staff.
While this certainly demonstrates initiative, it’s also a quick way to get a reputation as the person who brought a whole new meaning to “talking your way into a job.”
7. The Send-a-Pigeon Approach
For those who feel emails are too modern and carrier pigeons are just right, there was actually someone who attempted the latter.
They attached their resume to a pigeon’s leg and sent it off to deliver their application. While it’s unclear if the pigeon got lost or if the employer simply wasn’t looking for avian correspondence, the job seeker remains unemployed—but with an interesting story to tell at parties.
8. The Free Coffee Giveaway
Who can resist free coffee? Certainly not the caffeine-addicted among us.
One candidate decided to stand outside their desired workplace with a coffee cart, offering free brews to employees while handing out their resume.
While it’s a great way to get people’s attention, there’s always the risk that you’ll end up just being remembered as ‘the coffee guy’ rather than the next big hire.
Trying to Hire People Who Know How to Network? (Without the Drama)
If these stories have left you questioning the sanity of the modern job market, fear not.
At Coburg Banks, we specialise in finding candidates who know how to network effectively—without renting billboards, baking resumes into cakes, or sending messages via pigeon.
So, if you’re looking for professionals who understand the art of networking without the theatrics, get in touch.
We promise we won’t send you a singing telegram.
