AlittleBetter.net

Different Approach to Job Hunting

June 30, 2009

The last time I tried job-hunting the traditional way, I wasn’t able to find anything but McDonald’s. I didn’t have enough experience for a lot of the nicer jobs, or they just weren’t hiring. I did manage to get a better job, but it wasn’t until I changed my approach.

I had always just focused on getting a job. I used to just pick up the wanted ads and call everyone I could. I would hop on a bus, and apply to every group of buildings I saw. I filled out tons of applications, and the only job that helped me get was McDonald’s.

While at McDonald’s I figured that if I couldn’t get McDonald’s right than I was in trouble. So I did everything I could to really do everything I thought McDonald’s should do, and I did it by my standards. I didn’t use the quick sentences with our customers even when I was rushed because I knew that it made a bad impression. At first my manager was upset because this made me a little slower, but I eventually got faster, and customers kept on complimenting my customer service.

When I showed that I could do a good job, and that I did it consistently at a place where no one but the managers were expected to do a good job people started noticing. I didn’t know it than but my next job which was listed as one of the best places to work at would come out of that drive through window.

That was my first experience with networking to job hunt, and now I am at a point where I am going to be job hunting again, and while I have a lot to learn about networking I know that that is the approach I want to take. So here is what I’m doing this time. I’ll let you know how it goes on my blog, and if you have a better idea please leave a comment.

I’m going to be using meetup.com to start clubs, I’m going to be joining clubs, and I’m going to be volunteering. Anywhere that someone can see how I work is what I’m after. Most job hunts these days are done through networks, and I’m going to have to build a new one.

Here is a great post by Penelope Trunk that focuses on many of the points I’m going to be working on so that I can find a job.

Entry Filed under: career. .