Anne Weeks
Latest posts by Anne Weeks (see all)
- Target That Internship - October 18, 2016
- Those Job Offers… What Went Wrong? - October 12, 2016
- 6 Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid - October 6, 2016
You see the perfect job advertised! You eagerly read the specs.
And there it is again – two years of experience.
You have no experience.
Another dead end? Not on your life!
This is an opportunity to work outside the box!
Good to Know:
There is little difference between two years experience and zero experience.
How to Think about This:
Why would the employer want to hire someone who is quitting their job after two years?
How to Position Yourself Well and to Take Action:
1. You need information, so start researching.
Find out to whom the job reports or their boss. Either of these can help. A telephone call to the company may give you all the information you need, or Google them. Next, check LinkedIn for the connection to their title/company, or check the Hoover’s database online.
2. After you have identified the name of the person/boss to whom you will report, develop a plan.
3. First, scour your network to see if there is anyone who can introduce you.
4. If you find no connections, make a cold call.
If you do not have the direct dial number, work through the company’s automated dial-by-name directory or the operator. If you were able to uncover the person’s direct dial number, call them every half hour between 7:30 am and 9:00 am.
5. You will have 30 seconds to make your point, so work off a script.
(example: “I became aware you are seeking someone as a marketing copywriter. For the past two years, I have been writing tweets, blogs, and articles on youth soccer. Would it be possible to set up time to meet with you?” Of course, if you are a finance or accounting major, you will change the wording to fit your background.) *Keep in mind your internships do count as experience.
6. Finally, Human Resources is not an option.
Most HR professionals agree that unless there is a perfect fit, they will screen out your resume.
We have a saying at Beyond The U, “If you want a different outcome, you have to think differently.”
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Anne Weeks
Latest posts by Anne Weeks (see all)
- Target That Internship - October 18, 2016
- Those Job Offers… What Went Wrong? - October 12, 2016
- 6 Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid - October 6, 2016