Step One:
GO get a job. That’s all there is to it. Get up, go get a job.
The World Has Changed Jinksto
Yes, I know, “everyone has online applications now.” That changes nothing. You know this because it hasn’t been working for you or you wouldn’t be reading this page. I’ve been employed every day of my life for the last 20 years except for a 3 month nap in 2007 that was intentional. But, even then, I had a job lined up for the end of that period. I’ve hired people and I’ve talked to hiring managers. I’ve heard every reason in the world for people not to go out and talk to people… most of those reasons come from people without jobs. People who have jobs will tell you that it’s about who you know. If you don’t know them then get to know them. The best way to do that is to walk in and introduce yourself.
The world hasn’t “changed” as much as you would like to believe it has. Jobs are still won by people who go after them. They are won by people who go to the places that are hiring and talk to people. They are won by people who proactively fulfill the requirements for a job.
Talk Your Way In
If the job requires an online application do that. Then go to the place and talk to people. Talk to cashiers, talk to managers, talk to anyone that will talk to you. Be nice, be polite. Say, “yes sir” or “yes ma’am”. When they tell you that all applications are online now say, “Yes ma’am, I’ve already submitted it I just wanted to stop in and see if there was anything else I could do to work here.” When the hiring manager looks at the list of candidates they’ll be 100% more likely to pick a name that they know. They’ll be 100% more likely to pick someone who has proven interest in the job. They’ll be 100% more likely to pick that nice guy that stopped by last week who was so polite.
I have seen both kinds of folks. I saw my brother-in-law get 3 job offers in a week during the worst employment crisis in recent memory because he went every day and talked to people who needed him. I’ve seen folks go without a job for over a year because their “job search” was filling out three online applications every day.
But, what do I say?
Talk to people who need you. Help them understand why they need you. If you can’t explain why they need you then do some research on the company. Do they sell food? What food? Why is it the best? Do they sell services? What services? Why are they better than their competitors. In short, why do you want to work for me? Because, honestly, if it’s just for the money you might as well keep walking. They’ve got a hundred other folks who submitted online applications. People hire people who are interested in them.
Listen Well: Jobs are won by people who want them. Always. Go get one.