Potential employees will go to extremes to catch an employer’s attention but employers appreciate a back-to-basics approach, according to an OfficeTeam survey.

“Extreme tactics aren’t always the best way to stand out with hiring managers. Often, perfecting job-search basics can get you noticed,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “There is much to be said about showing up on time for interviews, dressing in professional attire and doing your homework.”

Some actions reported by HR managers:

• An applicant walked in with coffee and donuts, and her resume underneath.
• Someone outline what he planned to do for the company in his first six months.
• Applicants offered to work for free.
• A candidate contacted the board of directors to try to make his case for being hired.
• An applicant sent a gift and an invitation to coffee.
• Applicants sent fancy CDs that contained a video message explaining why they should get the job.

The survey included telephone interviews with more than 650 HR managers at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States and Canada.