In pictures: 13 of the weirdest real-life job applications

From topless photos to Donald Trump role plays, here are some of the ways people tried to make their applications stand out…

IT’S ONE THING to try and make yourself stand out, but when people go too far trying to impress employers, the message can come across all wrong.

LinkedIn polled recruiters about the oddest things they’ve seen in job applications, including photos of topless models and videos of applicants singing. Believe it or not, some of these strategies worked.

Check out some of the weird job applications which recruiters related on LinkedIn:

In pictures: 13 of the weirdest real-life job applications

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1. Topless photo
"A shortlisted candidate decided to add a photo of a topless model as a cover to their CV when it came to their first employer interview. This was a 55-year-old ex-naval captain (so not dumb or inexperienced) who thought it would create interest. In that he succeeded. I remember it with real clarity now! He didn't get the job -- and remains unemployed 4 years later. There is nothing so simple it can't be done wrong!" (Image: Marcus Schwan on Flickr)
2. Family album
"I once received a 24-page CV from an applicant who illustrated all his experience, hobbies, etc. with photos. The last page said: "Finally, the people who made all this possible" with a full-page picture of his family. I sent a friendly note to decline." (Image: HerryLawford on Flickr)
3. Character reference
"The first interview I ever did, one of the applicants listed her previous experience as a cast member at Disney World and the application included a character photo -- Chip (or Dale, I can never keep the two straight. She had a red nose). She was applying for a software developer position." (Image: HarshLight on Flickr)
4. Creative writing
"I once received a resume that showed the applicant had my previous position ... during the time I held that position." (Image: julia_at_flickr on Flickr)
5. Job skills
"I once received a very descriptive cover letter about all the person's skills, only to end with the line 'unfortunately I have never had a job'." (Image: denn on Flickr)
6. Experience
"I received a CV for an admin position I was seeking to fill, and the candidate prominently listed their extensive experience in XXX videos." (Image: bschmove on Flickr)
7. Forward planning
"For a resource intern position I received a pizza with the candidate's CV printed on the lid. It was delivered by the candidate, so I had the opportunity to interview him on the spot. He was working for me by the time I'd finished eating. Something like that is more likely to backfire if you don't have the confidence and skill to back it up. And ordinarily I'd advise against it. But it was pretty darn impressive." (Image: David de Groot on Flickr)
8. Trumped
"I received an application (both cover letter and CV) written in 3 different languages, and consisting of a role play with Donald Trump, and marriage proposals to several celebrities based on lottery results. There was no reference to his working history or the actual job he applied for." (AP Photo/ Donald Traill/PA Images)
9. Photo ID
"I received a copy of a cover letter with Shah Rukh Khan's, an Indian movie star, full length photo for a cabin crew position!" (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi/PA Images)
10. Tapes
"She was applying for a receptionist position and she included a tape of herself singing several different tunes. It was really bad. The sad part was that she was very proud of her vocal talents and gave the tape to me so I would be aware that this was just a stepping stone until she made it big in the music business." (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson/PA Images)
11. Say it with origami
"Years ago (before online CV submission) the mailroom delivered a box to me. When I opened it, it was a large origami crane, with a note - "Unfold me." It was a CV." (Image: Brett Jordan on Flickr)
12. Identity crisis
"I once got a cover letter that was perfectly crafted in every way — except that the company the applicant swore he was dying to work for was my chief competitor." (Image: kudumomo on Flickr)
13. Sharing is caring?
"After interviewing a candidate she pulled an apple out of her bag and gave it to me (think 'teacher's pet' - very weird.) Upon closer inspection the apple had several hairs stuck to it." (ChinaFotoPress/PA)

John P. Cleary/AP/Press Association Images

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In pictures: 13 of the weirdest real-life job applications

1. Topless photo

2. Family album

3. Character reference

4. Creative writing

5. Job skills

6. Experience

7. Forward planning

8. Trumped

9. Photo ID

10. Tapes

11. Say it with origami

12. Identity crisis

13. Sharing is caring?

Read more by Aimee Groth on BusinessInsider.com >