Sending your resume by a gorilla-gram.

Emailing your HTML resume - with your name blinking.

Printing your resume on hot pink paper.

Even if you're not familiar with the old "$25,000 Pyramid" game show, you probably guessed the common thread: resume gimmicks that don't work.

But there are gimmicks that won't make you look like a desperate amateur. On the contrary, there are some gimmicks that will get you noticed - and in a positive way. Here are just a few:

Good redundancies. Redundancies are bad. Redundancies are bad. And a bit annoying. And a bit annoying. (See what I mean?) But there are good redundancies, too. Take, for instance, the built-in redundancies in space shuttles and some computer systems. The redundancies are there by design to minimize the chance of system failure; if the first fails, the redundancy will save the day. Ditto with resume redundancies. Keep in mind that 1) computers are stupid; and 2) people will see only what they want to see. So, if you have "Microsoft Office" in your skills section, it make sense to also put in parenthesis next to it "(Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Internet Explorer...)." In this way, both queries and hiring managers will find your skills. Addressing a general (like a software suite) as well as its specifics (individual programs within the suite) improve your odds of success.

Smart delivery. When you submit your resume to the human resources contact mentioned in the job description, you are one in a sea of applicants. When you research and network to find the manager or supervisor of the department in which the position is open and submit your resume to that person, you are one of few. Your odds for landing an interview improve even further when you get your resume in front of hr, the specific supervisor AND that supervisor's manager.

Information overload. A rule of thumb states that using acronyms is bad. And, for the most part, that's correct. But most - if not all - of the hiring managers you submit your resume to will want to be sure you know your stuff. If you're absolutely sure (through research and networking, of course) that the hiring manager (and specific supervisor) are knowledgeable about your field, then ignore the rule of thumb. Overload your resume with acronyms, percentages and numbers. Be warned, though, that overwhelming the uninitiated can work against you, as you may be considered over qualified. If you know the hiring manager and supervisor know their stuff, though, then load your resume with acronyms, percentages and numbers. Doesn't work for every employer but can be highly effective. Can prove to be overwhelming and rule you out due to over-qualification.