Desperate For A Job? One Woman’s LinkedIn Banner Goes Viral

If you’ve looked for a job recently, you already know that standing out in the job market has become more challenging than ever. With millions of people globally vying for attention on platforms like LinkedIn, tools designed to help candidates—such as LinkedIn’s green “Open to Work” banner—have become so common that they often fade into the background.

This is where Courtney Summer Myers comes in. Her recent viral post on LinkedIn, featuring a bold pink “#Desperate” banner instead of the typical green one, sparked a global conversation. Whether you see it as an act of vulnerability or are struck by its authenticity, one thing is clear: it stood out. In a sea of job seekers, Courtney’s banner disrupted expectations, catching the attention of more than 395,000 people. Myers’ creative approach embodies what marketing expert Seth Godin calls a “Purple Cow”—something so remarkable that it can’t be ignored.

The Purple Cow Concept

Seth Godin introduced the “Purple Cow” concept in his bestselling book “Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable”. The idea is simple: a purple cow stands out in a field of brown cows because it’s unexpected, unusual, and impossible to ignore. Godin argues that the most dangerous thing businesses—or job candidates—can do is blend in. In today’s age of information overload, simply being competent or qualified is not enough; you have to be remarkable.

Candidates who embrace the Purple Cow mindset break away from the standard resume-and-cover-letter formula and create something so compelling that hiring managers can’t help but take notice. This isn’t about being different just for the sake of it; it’s about being so authentically unique that you turn the job-hunting process into a memorable experience.

Examples of “Purple Cow” Candidates

Courtney Myers isn’t the only job seeker who has adopted unconventional methods to stand out. Here are a few more “Purple Cow” candidates who captured attention with creative tactics:

1. Alec Brownstein’s Google Ads: Brownstein used the power of vanity searches to his advantage. He bought Google Ads targeting specific creative directors at top ad agencies, so whenever these directors Googled their own names, they would see an ad that read, “Googling yourself is fun. Hiring me is fun, too.” For a mere $6 investment, Brownstein received calls from nearly all the directors and landed multiple job offers.

2. Adam Pacitti’s Billboard: In a desperate attempt to find work, Pacitti spent his last bit of savings on a billboard that read, “I spent my last £500 on this billboard. Please give me a job.” The campaign quickly went viral, attracting significant media attention and landing him a junior producer role.

3. Mark Leruste’s Video CV: Leruste created a humorous and engaging video CV that showcased not only his qualifications but also his personality. The video went viral, ultimately landing him a job that fit his skills and ethos.

Lessons from Job Seekers Who Broke the Mold

The common thread among these candidates is their willingness to break the mold. They all recognized that standing out in a saturated job market requires more than just qualifications—it requires creativity, boldness, and a deep understanding of what makes them remarkable. Whether it’s a viral video, a clever ad, or a daring campaign, their applications told a compelling story that resonated with employers on a human level.

In today’s world, where the “Open to Work” banner has become as common as the traditional resume, candidates like Courtney Summer Myers remind us that standing out requires more than simply following the rules. Interestingly, Courtney shared that her “#Desperate” banner wasn’t intended to make her stand out but to be a tongue-in-cheek response to the criticisms surrounding LinkedIn’s green “Open to Work” banner. She had been using the green banner for months and found it absurd that job seekers were made to feel ashamed for openly asking for help on a platform designed to connect them with opportunities.

Her banner certainly worked. Myers’ LinkedIn connections grew by over 15,000, and she is now sifting through messages and emails to identify the right leads for her next job. When asked if she would take the same approach again, she responded, “Absolutely! My job hunt had been stagnant for 10 months. This is the only thing that’s gained any traction—which is absolutely ridiculous that anyone would have to go viral on LinkedIn to get access to opportunities—but I’m in a much better position now than I was two weeks ago.”

Being remarkable—whether through a bold “#Desperate” banner or a clever marketing stunt—can transform the job search experience, bringing opportunities directly to you. But the strategy only works if it’s authentic. By daring to be genuinely different, you increase your chances of not just being seen but also remembered. After all, in a field of brown cows, it’s the purple one that everyone talks about.