The point is that as with dating, there's a penalty (in some cases fatal) that comes with trying too hard -- you just come off as cloying and desperate. The OP clearly exceeded that threshold, by leaps and bounds.
Assuming you put a decent effort into the process prior to applying:
The point is, at this point you've already been told no. The worst case scenario is that you're told "Still no."
Depending on what it is you do to impress them, that can be used in other scenarios. You make some marketing plan or a brochure or redo a website? Stick it in your back pocket and save it again for later.
So you look desperate? So what? Either they say no, in which case apart from the extra work you've done, you're no further behind, or they say yes and think you're desperate, but you have the job.
How someone conducts themselves in response to rejection can affect future opportunities.
It isn't uncommon to be reject a candidate for one job, but approach them about a different job that better fits their skillset. This can happen even year or two down the road if that candidate left a good impression with a senior person who hires people regularly.
Worst case scenario is that not only are you rejected for that job, but are considered not hirable for other positions in the future. Trying to prove someone wrong after they have rejected you for a position indicates that you do not respect their decision, and feel entitled to reconsideration after they already made their choice clear. It's disrespectful.
Keep your dignity, and maybe that job rejection turns into a valuable opportunity down the road.
I don't think she did that after being rejected. Based on the line below, I think she came up with the custom resume, sang a song, wrote an iPhone app as part of the application process.
>>> I wanted a job at Evernote, and I wanted it bad. So I put in my 100 hours.
You keep saying the OP 'clearly exceeded that threshold, by leaps and bounds', but recall, the story is about how it worked! So you're conclusions are directly disagreeing with the OPs actual experience.
Can you share a story of your (non-dating) experience which contradicts the OP? So far, you've just been spouting disagreements, and maybe you're right, but you haven't proved your theory with any real-world experience, where the OP has. So if you want to continue to disagree with the OP and many others on this thread, please provide your proof so we can then question the OP taking your experience into account.
The point is, at this point you've already been told no. The worst case scenario is that you're told "Still no."
Depending on what it is you do to impress them, that can be used in other scenarios. You make some marketing plan or a brochure or redo a website? Stick it in your back pocket and save it again for later.
So you look desperate? So what? Either they say no, in which case apart from the extra work you've done, you're no further behind, or they say yes and think you're desperate, but you have the job.