Job Hunting 2.0: Lessons from a Skydiver, a Pizza Box and a Hawk

Plummeting through the skies over London after diving from a plane, a U.K. resident held a large cardboard sign emblazoned with: “Open4Work.”^[1]

As he parachuted to the ground, his attempt to stand out from the vast crowd of applicants was unforgettable. Shortly thereafter, he posted footage of the event with a caption that read:

If you’re looking for an award-winning creative that works hard, takes risks, and knows how to pack a parachute, reach out.

While this story might sound absurd—talk about a leap of faith—it’s only a more intense version of what countless job seekers are attempting today, albeit in less visible ways.

Consider a case where a job seeker explained how they used AI Hawk’s Auto Jobs Applier bot to apply for 2,843 jobs.^[2] By leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and Python scripting, this candidate automated every step—from resume generation to custom cover letters. In one instance, they claim to have used the technique to apply for 17 jobs on LinkedIn—within an hour.

Extreme? Perhaps. But there’s more.

Another account surfaced of a job seeker who used AI to scrape LinkedIn for openings while creating application materials and submitting them to multiple companies through “Easy Apply,” all within minutes.^[3] With no coding background, they still managed to harness the power of automation, hoping that sheer volume would tilt the odds in their favor.

These examples underscore the growing lengths job seekers are willing to go to get noticed.

What’s driving this behavior?

If you ask them, they might point to any number of forces contributing to a job market that feels impenetrable:

• Fake job postings
• Rampant recruiting scams
• Inflation and financial strain
• Intense candidate competition
• Exhausting application processes
• Economic and political uncertainty
• The prevalence of AI tools in the hiring workflow

In today’s market, this translates into a heightened, often crushing pressure to secure any role related to one’s expertise, pushing professionals to try anything and everything.

Desperate times, as they say, call for desperate measures.

Jumping out of a plane and hacking LinkedIn may be less common, but the reality of a challenging job market is well-recognized.

PART 1: Pizza Hut ‘ResZAmes,’ #Desperate Movements and TikTok Job Shoppers

From unconventional company campaigns to grassroots social media movements, people acknowledge the financial, emotional and mental toll that many job seekers face.

1. Pizza Hut’s ‘ResZAmes’: A Job Search Delivered with a Twist

In late 2024, Pizza Hut launched a contest dubbed “ResZAmes.” The campaign was designed to help job seekers stand out by delivering resumes—on pizza boxes.

Recognizing that the typical resume has a high chance of being overlooked, Pizza Hut used the timeless appeal of pizza to ensure job seekers’ credentials land on employers’ desks in a memorable way.

As Pizza Hut’s CMO explained, they hoped to lend a hand by combining their brand’s fun, relatable image with a thoughtful acknowledgment of the job market’s obstacles.

2. #Desperate: Breaking the Stigma of Job-Seeking

While some rely on creative resumes, others have taken to social media with a more vulnerable approach.

As described in a Wall Street Journal article, #Desperate on LinkedIn was originally a response to job seekers’ mounting frustration and sense of urgency. Unlike the familiar green #OpenToWork badge, the pink #Desperate banner signaled a higher level of need and, for many, an emotional appeal to potential employers.

Started by a professional who was laid off and struggling to regain traction in their field, #Desperate led others to adopt the tag in solidarity with the intent of creating opportunities through visibility.

3. ‘Job Shopping’ Mental Model: A Different Way to Think About Jobs

For younger generations in particular, the concept of “job shopping” introduced a mental shift in how they approach the search. Coined by a popular TikToker in the latter half of 2024, “job shopping” originated as a coping mechanism intended to reframe the job search as a selective, empowering process.^[5]

In place of the traditional “hunt” or “search,” this mindset advocates treating the search like a shopping experience, where candidates compare options based on alignment with their personal and professional goals rather than applying out of sheer necessity.

The idea is that, to better manage negative emotions often associated with finding a new job, applicants are encouraged to approach the process with intentionality and self-worth. This method has proven valuable for many, countering the stress and scarcity mentality that job seekers often face.

Lessons from Tough Times: Flipping the Script

In challenging times, candidates are proving just how imaginative they can be—finding ways to stand out and demonstrating they’re willing to go the distance.

But what if that same creative energy could be channeled into delivering undeniable value to potential employers? What if the path forward doesn’t lie in extremes, but rather in focused actions that leave a lasting impression?

PART 2: Prove Your Value with a ‘POP’ (Personal Opportunity Portfolio)

In the book ‘Hustle,’ authors Neil Patel, Patrick Vlaskovits, and Jonas Koffler introduced an action-focused framework for career growth. It’s called a personal opportunity portfolio (POP).^[6]

The authors explain that establishing a POP can help individuals navigate their careers and identify opportunities for growth and development. Consistent with the catchy title, the framework is about “breaking out” and increasing market value through the following four areas:

1. Potential: Emphasizing skills, capabilities and personal growth
2. People: Cultivating a supportive community and network
3. Projects: Expressing original thought and applying skills
4. Proof: Creating tangible evidence of abilities

These components help individuals take control of their career journey by doing rather than telling. This is accomplished by showcasing:

• Where they’ve been
• What they’re doing
• Where they’re going

The approach is about creating a living, dynamic testament to your career. Your “portfolio” represents a narrative of growth, a network of relationships, and a catalog of accomplishments that speak louder than words.

It reflects credibility, creativity, and achievements you’ve realized over time.

Refer to Table 1 below to see how this framework can be used for job opportunities:

PART 3: Real-World Examples of Attracting Job Opportunities with a POP Mindset

1. The “Airbnb Dream Job” – Turning Research into Proof

One job seeker with a deep understanding of the travel industry found herself repeatedly overlooked by her dream company, Airbnb. Instead of giving up, she decided to “POP” her way in through an unconventional application.^[7] Below are the highlights:

1. Resume Website: Mimicking the design of Airbnb’s own website, she crafted a custom “resume” site with a six-point breakdown of why she belongs at the company, an analysis of what’s missing in Airbnb’s business model and a tailored research report. The initiative demonstrated her understanding of Airbnb’s brand but also highlighted her technical ability, vision and attention to detail—traits Airbnb values.
2. Targeted Market Research: She dug into Airbnb’s expansion potential in the Middle East, compiling detailed insights, including regional growth data and strategic recommendations. These findings positioned her as a proactive, market-savvy candidate.
3. Detailed White Paper: To communicate her findings, she created a professional white paper on Airbnb’s expansion opportunities in the region. This document demonstrated her analytical skills and her ability to present actionable strategies—making her value tangible.
4. Social Media Outreach: Lastly, she didn’t just hope Airbnb would notice—she took action, tagging Airbnb’s CEO and CMO directly on Twitter, where she shared her project publicly. This bold move exhibited her confidence and commitment while maximizing visibility. By putting herself out there, she encouraged others to take notice, creating a ripple effect of validation and social proof as people admired her initiative and creativity.

Ultimately, this attention opened the door to an interview and demonstrated how courage paired with proof can attract opportunities.

2. The Viral Video Resume – Showing Skills in Action

Another candidate, aiming to break into the competitive world of marketing, took an innovative route with a two-minute video resume. His video, titled “A Dream Job Would Be Nice,” stood out for its clever, well-executed storytelling that brought his skills to life.^[8] Below are the highlights:

1. Storytelling and Video Production: In the video, he presented his journey, accomplishments, and strengths in a captivating way, proving his storytelling abilities and flair for engaging an audience—essential skills for a marketing role.
2. Creative Execution: By producing a high-quality, entertaining video that stayed under 2.5 minutes, he revealed his ability to deliver concise, impactful messages—a key requirement for his field. This proved his resourcefulness and understanding of digital media.
3. Gaining Visibility through Social Sharing: Once finished, he published his video on YouTube and shared it with his network. By promoting the video across platforms, he created multiple touchpoints, making his approach highly visible and engaging to a wide audience.

The video gained immediate traction and within two weeks, it landed him a job as a country manager for a major global nonprofit.

Moving Forward with POP

Both examples illustrate how to transform a job search from a passive application process into a proactive strategy for attracting the right attention.

Each candidate targeted a specific audience with a clear career objective, purposefully mapped out messages, and tangible projects that demonstrated their value.

However, rest assured—a successful outcome doesn’t always require a grand gesture.

In fact, most job seekers can realize results with a series of small, intentional steps over time. Whether it’s initiating rewarding projects, building meaningful connections, or simply sharing your journey publicly, each effort adds a valuable layer to your “POP,” exemplifying not only what you’ve done but what you’re capable of achieving.

PART 4: Tips to Generate Career Currency Like a ‘POP’ Star

The following are four strategies that can help demonstrate skills, strengthen credibility and expand networks—whether you’re currently employed or searching for your next role:

1. Showcase growth potential: Commit to learning new skills in ways that others can see. Experiment, learn and share as you go along. Organize and promote collaborative learning.
2. Package and publicize tangible proof: Document, track and accumulate evidence of your accomplishments. Focus on positive feedback, testimonials, endorsements and references.
3. Deliver a project-based impact: Bring your ideas to life by approaching each project as an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities in a meaningful way, even if it’s a small task.
4. Serve and connect with intent: Engage authentically in your field by turning networking into collaboration and offering consistent value. Present unique industry perspectives. Actively participate in industry events. Nurture a community. Mentor emerging leaders.

Refer to Table 2 below for further examples:

Final Thought

You don’t need to jump out of a plane, hack LinkedIn, or send pizza to corporate headquarters to get noticed.

Instead, consider steps that:

• Demonstrate solutions-based skills valued across your industry
• Build a diverse support network that energizes you and opens doors
• Develop a career history that speaks to prospective employers’ needs
• Define a professional brand that aligns with career goals and enhances visibility
• Create a library of progress that guides career decisions and tracks growth metrics
• Show commitment to growth through continuous learning, adaptation and innovation

By focusing on consistent, purposeful actions that serve both you and your network, you can craft a career path that’s driven by value and grounded in impact. And that’s the kind of reputation that stands the test of time.

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Editor’s note: A variation of this article was originally published in ACAMS Today – The award-winning publication and magazine for career-minded professionals in the anti-financial crime field, dedicated to empowering individuals across the globe with the knowledge and skills to prevent financial crime.

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[1] Emma Elsworthy, “Daredevil job seeker lands his dream role after a very daring act,” The Sun, May 30, 2023, https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/22517911/daredevil-job-seeker-lands-dream-role/

[2] Jason Koebler, “‘I Applied to 2,843 Roles’: The Rise of AI-Powered Job Application Bots,” 404 Media, October 10, 2024, https://www.404media.co/i-applied-to-2-843-roles-the-rise-of-ai-powered-job-application-bots/

[3] Joe Procopio, “Job Seekers Are Using AI to Fight AI,” Inc., October 18, 2024, https://www.inc.com/joe-procopio/job-seekers-are-using-ai-to-fight-ai/90989906

[4a] “Pizza Hut Aims to Support Your Job Search With The Launch Of ‘ResZAmes’: A Pizza Box That Doubles As A Resume,” Pizza Hut, September 17, 2024, https://blog.pizzahut.com/pizza-hut-aims-to-support-your-job-search-with-the-launch-of-reszames-a-pizza-box-that-doubles-as-a-resume/

[4b] Ann-Marie Alcántara, “They’re Desperate for Work—and Being Brutally Open About It,” Wall Street Journal, October 10, 2024, https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/job-search-linkedin-desperate-banner-0ed229d0

[5] Langa Chinyoka, “The Viral Mindset Shift That Made My Job Search Less Stressful,” The Everygirl, October 21, 2024, https://theeverygirl.com/what-is-job-shopping/

[6] Patel, Neil, Patrick Vlaskovits, and Jonas Koffler. “Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning, and Momentum,” September 13, 2016

[7] Lisa Eadicicco, “A woman created an awesome resume to land her dream job at Airbnb — and it caught the CEO’s attention immediately,” January 2018, The Independent, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/airbnb-ceo-san-francisco-middle-east-travel-and-tourism-cv-linkedin-employment-a8158311.html

[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_PZTAW5piQ