Friday, March 18, 2011

How to Get an Entry Level Job: A Personal Story by an Old Guy

Third installment.

Lastly, get a log book. This is very important. It not only serves to remind you, but it will impress others by showing that you are organized.

Put your first 5-10 choices for employment in the log book. Put only 2-3 per page, as you may be adding a lot of notes after your visits.

You have the packages made up for each employer. You are finally ready for your first assault. You must dress appropriately. I am shocked at how many applicants dress to badly that there is no chance in the world. Start early in the morning, preferably shortly after they open.

Ask for the manager. Present your package and express that you hope that he/she has a chance to look it over. You may hear, “We aren't hiring now.” and that is another opportunity for you to extend your network. Just say, “You may see that my skills apply to an employer that you know, so please feel free to share my application.” Nobody talks like this, so this alone allows you stand out.

If the manager doesn't too seem hurried, then ask about the business climate in that area. This can turn into a type of interview on the spot. Have a relevant question ready that will inform you and show your interest. Ex. “Do you see this service business expanding, or contracting with this economy?” Your question must show concern, intelligence and the ability to express yourself. You are not afraid.

Ask, “What do you need?” and you may be surprised at the answer. Just hope for a candid answer and that shows you that you have found an open person, but more importantly, a manager who already respects you.

Every business needs something and maybe you can provide it. If not, maybe you know the person or firm that can help.

Tell the manager that you will be back in a week to see if he/she has had a chance to peruse your package. Ask for a business card. Enter the date/time in your log book. Write in the results. It could be “forget” or “come back later to see the manager” or whatever you will need to use later as you go through the log. Return in exactly the time promised, within minutes. This shows that your word is good and that you are punctual.

Email a very short “thank you” that same day.

No other applicant will have done anything like this. No employeer will have ever seen anything like this.

Interviews. If this approach to finding work is interesting, then I will write up my approach to interviews. It too is different.

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