Topic: Got any good advice for getting a job?

I have been polishing up my skills in looking for and getting jobs and by coincidence I was giving someone some feedback on their CV so while it was all fresh in my mind and as part of the Getting a job FAQ I have been creating and expanding on the following:

Application leters

CVs/resumes

Interviews

So I thought I'd throw this open to everyone as just about everyone has different ideas, advice, etc. - they can be general or specific to the industry, etc. I am slighly concerned that what I've added so far is really just my slightly biased opinion and so if people have anything to add we can make it more rounded advice.

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Emps

The Emperor dot org

The thing I find that most people in this kind of industry don't do is actually go to the place of business to talk with those who would be suppying the job to you. The online resume posting services like Monster and all the others are great at giving you leads, but if you only submit your resume online you are most likely going to lose. You need to take the listing and either call the place or take your resume to them in person and ask for an interview.

The number one way to get a job is to use your contacts. If you know people in the industry use them, as them about job openning and if they can put a good word in for you. That is the best and easiest way to get a job.

-Dan-

WM: Excellent advice - whenever I've had training in this kind of thing over the years they have always emphasised networking and grapevining (about a quarter of jobs in total are snapped up this way - pos. more than that in web design). Also researhcing the company you are applying to is always important - visiting their web site, Googling their name to see if they are being discussed elsewhere or if there have been recent news and/or announcements which might give you soemthing to talk about.

___________________
Emps

The Emperor dot org

I've gotten a few great jobs in the past by riding the coattails of my friends that worked there...It's all in who you know!



[This message has been edited by Boudga (edited 02-26-2004).]

" Who you know" is likely the most 'lucrative' scenario when looking for work but I agree with WarM. There's nothing better, imo, than somehow meeting face- to- face with the person who will actually be doing the hiring. And with some work and preparation you can mitigate the "Who you know" factor when that is NOT you. I realize this is not possible in some cases (overseas/otherside of the country) but in most cases we secure employment relatively close to where we live. Regardless you must have a 'plan.' Specifically you need a SCRIPT You have to write...re-write some more, get very comfortable with the words and the possible scenarios, and then committ your script to memory because that's what it is.. a script...written and designed for one purpose: A face to face meeting with the person doing the hiring.

First, do some research. Get the name of the person doing the hiring. If it's a woman try to find out if she's a Miss, Mrs. or Ms. Now you have to phone that person. You may not get through the first, second or third time but each time you call you will leave your name with the receptionist or with an assistant/secretary. DO NOT LEAVE VOICE MAIL. (reason in a bit)

Now if you do manage to reach your target on your first call address that person with with the correct salutation. Mr. Miss Mrs. Ms. so and so. If at all possible do not use their first name on your initial contact.

Your script should go something like this and be prepared to improvise. You've made phone contact with the person doing the hiring.

Script:

"Mr Jax my name is Brian Smith. I will be in your area tomorrow and I'd like to drop off my resume and I'm wondering what time is best to stop by and meet you...in the morning or afternoon?"

That last bit "what time is best for you...in the morning or afternoon?" is critical.

You're not asking IF you can drop in..thus allowing an immediate no and negative reply. You have instead advised Mr. Jax that you will be in his area tomorrow; you have a resume you want him to read; that you would like to meet with him briefly; You've asked Mr. Jax if it's more convenient to meet with him in the morning or afternoon.

The response can vary but the question posed doesn't really allow Mr. Jax to flat out say NO. Most likely you'll hear:

"I'm busy this morning but I have a few minutes around 3pm tomorrow." to: " I'm busy all day."

Your response to the first scenario should be something like:

"Thank you Mr. Jax I'll see you tomorrow at 3... look forward to meeting you."

"I'm busy all day."

Your script: "Is there a time tomorrow that's better or perhaps another day this week?"

Guess what? You're still talking to Mr. Jax... in fact at this point, you've probably talked to Mr. Jax longer than 98% of other applicants who've phoned him...or simply dropped off thier resume. Obviously you must be prepared to improvise but not with the basic premise of 'what time today is best... is there a better day this week or next.' With this approach I can almost guarantee a meeting. Try like hell not to pose a question that allows an immediate NO... unless of course a NO is what you're looking for.

Now, why you don't leave voice mail. Well your target doesn't know you from Adam and you've just given that person the opportunity to completely ignore you. Why?? Don't do it. Good as a NO any day.

Scenario :
When you make the initial call to the business the receptionist answers with something like:
"xzp industries how may I help you?"
First words out your mouth 'script':

"My name is Brian Smith I'd like to speak with Mr. Jax please."

Receptionist: " I'm sorry Mr. Jax is not available I can put you through to his voice mail."

You: "I'd rather leave a brief message with you or perhaps his secretary (assistant)...

Do everything you can to leave a message with a living breathing person. Very very very important because you're going to call again tomorrow... the next day, the day after that...AND the following day and when the receptionist answers the first words out of your mouth each and every time according to the script will be:

"My name is Brian Smith I called yesterday and left a message for Mr. Jax... can you put me through please."

Now if you still have not managed to speak to Mr. Jax... after 4 days of calling you will the 'next day' (don't leave it more than 2 days) get yourself all scrubbed up (sorry it needs to be said) and dressed in the appropriate attire...go to that place of business..search out that living breathing person you've been leaving messages with and the first words out of your mouth will be"

"Hello My name is Brian smith."

"Oh yes you've been calling for Mr. Jax." Name recognition right off the top!

You: "Yes nice to meet you... and you are???(looking around for a name plate or name tag)

"Cynthia" she replies, as you extend your hand for a somewhat formal but casual yet firm handskate NO WET FISH HANDSHAKES!!
Firm.. but no bone crushers.
back to the script:

"I was in the area Cynthia and thought I'd take the chance that Mr. Jax could spare me a few minutes. I'd like to drop off my resume and certainly would appreciate a few minutes of his time even if there aren't any immediate openings."

Response can vary: "Mr. Jax isn't in today"

No big deal. You're now face-to-face with the person who's been taking your messages... that person knows your name. You know her name. You have shaken hands. My gawd...You're almost dating! Don't miss the opportunity. It's right there in front of you and you do have your 'script' :

"Hmm... not in today. Well I wonder how his calendar's (schedule) looking for tomorrow morning or is tomorrow afternoon a better time? "
You've now presented Cynthia with the same positive response options you wanted to present to Mr. Jax.

" Mr. Jax is in a meeting." (don't forget you've just introduced yourself) Your response:

"Do you have any idea of how long he might be?... I can easily wait now...... or come back in an hour or two and perhaps get a few minutes of his time before he goes to lunch..or is there a better time after lunch ?"

Beleive me no matter how much of a guard dog Cynthia might be for Mr. Jax, she is now pretty much on your side (providing you're not a right asshole of course... guard-dogs can smell those things you know. ) you are so close to a meeting with Mr. Jax you might want to propose to Cynthia but hold off for now. =)

If you can't get a meeting with Mr. Jax anytime soon:

" Well I won't take up any more of your time Cynthia but I will leave my resume with you and if you get the chance I'd appreciate it if you'd pass it along to Mr. Jax when he gets out of his meeting. I'll call you again tomorrow to see if one of his appointments has been cancelled and (said with GRIN) 'maybe you can sneek me in there'. Thanks for your help Cynthia I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Face to Face with Mr. Jax??? Your call.


[This message has been edited by NoJive (edited 02-28-2004).]

Edit TP: Nice script. Must fix typo... Sorry for invading your post.

[This message has been edited by Tyberius Prime (edited 02-28-2004).]

Hey Emp,

Recently I have started to look for regular work using my web programming/graphics skills. I'm starting to pick up quite a bit of work in just two to three weeks of trying. Heres what I did:

1. I rewrote my resume to fit all relevant experience in graphics and web design.

2. I researched every web design firm and advertising agency in my area by cracking open the telephone book. I wrote down their address and went to their website.

3. I bought a local map and marked where every one of them were located and numbered them, to reference them on my address list.

4. I reserved 1-2 days a week where I could just blitz about 4-5 of them (usually hitting the ones that were close by eachother). My goal was to hand out 3-5 resume's each week.

5. I made sure I talked to someone face to face. (big smile, firm hand shake) If I couldn't get ahold of the creative director, I made sure I got a business card and the creative directors name.

6. Follow up emails and phone calls ("I'm just confirming that you got my resume?"). In these emails were links to my work.

I've got great responses, and am now doing some regular contract work with one internet company and am staying well connected with two more. (Building friendships and exchanging regular feedback emails --"hey what do you thing of this site I just finished? Give me some feed back").

Stepping inside a place and talking to a person face to face leaves a great impression and shows your out to get something. It also allows you to connections. I'm starting to make a name for myself in the area. Now I have one person saying they would like me to take on steady work with them. (oh I guess so. why not. . Of course I'm still going to continue to hand out resume's and build connections and maintain contact with the other people I've met.

It's working and I'm very pleased, doing what I love for that $bling, bling$. (or so some people call it.)

Send me a email Emp. Well talk further. Your have my email address.