Getting Hired

How does one get hired?  I would like some feed-back on this.  If you have some good ideas that might put one at the top of the list, or simply get some advantage.  When there are a hundred or a thousand applicants, what can you do to stand out?

Twice in my life I think I got the job because I made a good impression with the secretary or clerk who was taking the application.  It may have happened more than that.  I showed up to apply and said to the secretary," How's my new best friend?"  I thought it was funny because of the obvious pandering.  I got the job.  Another job, one I just as soon not have gotten, I let the secretary know I was planning on attending UofM. It happened that her daughter was a student there and looking for a boyfriend.  I think it also helps to tell the prospective employer that you would be perfect for the position.  

I know there are some outlandish methods that have worked.  I was recently thinking of a strategy that might get one noticed.  Say you are looking to hire someone and you have an office with a secretary and maybe an intern.  Many applications are coming in for the position and they must be dealt with in some way, put in a box, filed alphabetically etc.  On Monday at 11AM an order of sandwiches is delivered by the local Jimmy Johns with compliments of you.  On Tuesday a small fruit basket arrives.  Wednesday maybe some flowers.  Now, the staff is wondering what will come next.  Thursday, you miss a day.  Friday, send a note saying you've run out of funds, you need a job. 

I'm not looking for a job right now.  Many people are though and I thought it a worthwhile subject for a blog.  What impressed you about a candidate?  What did they say or do that made you think, "Yes, you're the one!" 

What did you do that you believe landed you the job?  (Remember, this is a family friendly blog.)