Seeking advice

[anorakDan]

As this is one of the places on the internet I feel somewhat comfortable, I thought I'd seek some advice. Essentially the question is; what are some good strategies for convincing a company that I really want to work for to hire me?

I have tried sending very nice cover letters with my resume to the man who can hire (hopefully bypassing any human resource traps) I have called hoping to set up an informal, informational interview. I am family friends with a (presumably) well-liked former employee. I have even dropped in hoping to catch some time, and spoke with the owner (I believe) who guaranteed me he'd pass my resume to the "right guy." I'm pretty sure the owner got a positive first impression.

I really want this job. I believe the company is doing well, as they've just moved to a brand new building. I'm not looking for an office job, just one of their standard, boots-on-the-ground technicians. This job could allow me to do so many things, like eat, keep a roof over my head, etc.

Any brilliant ideas out there?

 

[fdesalvo]

Well, I work in HR, so assuming you haven't pestered them to death and created a bad name for yourself, there are some things you can do to get noticed! 

You stated that you are friends with a well-liked employee - assuming this guy is considered an asset to the company, his recommendation should be enough to get you an interview - provided there is headcount.  Is he working in the same group you are looking to join?  Do you have similar experience as your friend?  Maybe have him set up a lunch with the guys and you can meet the team over a burger.

I don't know what kind of company it is, but are they on LinkedIn?  That's a great resource giving you direct access to hiring managers.    What does your resume look like?  Do you need help with it?  I'd be glad to look at it for you.

Frank

 

[DangerousR6]

If you can't flabbergast them with facts, dazzle them with bullshyt.. :dontknow:

That's what my dad always used to tell me... :icon_jokercolor:

 

[Nightclub Dwight]

Sounds like you've done a lot of the right things.

I've hired hundreds of people in various capacities over the years.  While a lot depends on the industry, type of job and general market conditions, sometimes it comes down to being in the right place at the right time.

I'm not sure how long you have been trying to get your foot in their door.  It may be that they are not hiring right now?  Your resume may be sitting on someone's desk, and you might be the first person they will call when an opening comes up.  If that is the case, it may take awhile.  On the other hand, sometimes companies get in a jam and need to hire someone RFN.  In any case, monitor their website and the usual sources so you can jump on it if they advertise a position for hire.

Its seems that you have been thoughtful and persistent.  Thats a good thing.  Just be careful not to do too much.  You don't want to come across as desperate or creepy.

 

[anorakDan]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses.

@Frank. I would be grateful for your thoughts about my resume. I'll PM you. The friend I mentioned is a former employee who left on good terms. At least when I met the president, he said good things about Ernest (my friend) and as I was leaving he said to "tell Ernest hello." So, I'm inclined to believe his sincerity.

@Dangerous, that's part of my strategy!

@Dwight. Been trying for about a year. Being fair, they did move their business to a new building in the past year. I assume that was a bit of a time-sponge for everyone in the company. What is an acceptable level of communication for this situation? How often is "shows enthusiasm and dedicated interest" but not creep out the person who can make the decision to hire? Once a month? Twice a month? Every week?
Which is a better medium to convey my message? Snail mail? Email? Telephone? I want to be the first guy they think of for an opening, not the creep who won't leave us alone.

For those interested, here's the website:http://www.safestep.com/index.asp

Thanks again for the input!

 

[stubhead]

Generally speaking, a company is looking for someone who will make them money, rather than "cost them money" in comparison to a standard that they've set for the current employees. In looking at their website, the thing that jumps out (to me) is their emphasis on little or no downtime, minimal odor etc. So you're looking at people who go in, strip out whatever from the old surface, clean and lay the new stuff in less than 12 hours? Punctuality & efficiency as well as experience with solvents and strippers would be important. Their newer floor restoration and vanity refinishing services might be where they have a greater interest in expanding. A year is a long time for a company that (seems) to be expanding - you might want to have someone else look over your resume, to see if there's some self-torpedoing point or points there. The writing of those things has gotten so ridiculously high-grade (and targeted) that yours needs to be at least, not-harmful.