Oppo career advice

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
10/10/2013 at 12:02 • Filed to: None

I have a good job. I enjoy the work and I take a fair amount of satisfaction from the work we do. However, it's basically a dead end. I will always and forever have the same job description and the same pay. With two small kids, my wife taking a 20% pay cut (to leave a job she hates and take one she loves, so it's cool) and the cost of living in this crazy city going up 15% every year... the words burn out come to mind.

I have a potential lead on a potential job with a company I'm VERY interested in working for, but it would have to be a cold call (well, email). They don't post job openings - they just hire people who impress them. Because of the nature of my connections though, I would not have the option of a formal introduction. I do however have the direct contact info for the VP of the department. I also have a unique combination of skills and experience that I think I could package very nicely for these folks.

So, how would YOU go about introducing yourself?

DISCUSSION (7)

Volvosaurus-Rex > Chairman Kaga
10/10/2013 at 12:18

This is a tough one. I had a mutual connection with the VP of engineering at a company I wanted to work for via LinkedIn, and he even responded to my request.
His advice: there's a link on the website where I can submit my resume and he would keep an eye out. I never got anything but a confirmation of my submission. I say this while having relevant experience in the field and a strong personal interest in that industry.
Tl:dr, it's a bitch to get past the digital resume sniffers. I wish you all the best!

Mosqvich > Chairman Kaga
10/10/2013 at 12:22

Ask for an interview. Be direct. Make sure your resume is perfect without a single error and that it looks incredible. You have nothing to lose but the regret of not having tried.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Chairman Kaga
10/10/2013 at 12:29

Find out whatever they're selling. Cold call the VP and sell him.

Casper > Chairman Kaga
10/10/2013 at 12:29

I am just direct. I would say I heard word of mouth that they maybe looking and tell them I have the interest and qualifications for the position. Then let it roll. The worst that can happen is they say no or delete your email because it didn't go through their channels.

Personally I prefer nice concise emails/resumes. I hate when people send me some fluffy BS cover letter with a million pages of garbage about their school history attached. Everyone has their own preference though, some people like the fluff because they don't know much about the position they are hiring for so more seems better.

William Byrd > Chairman Kaga
10/10/2013 at 12:40

I emailed an automotive testing company that hosted a Lexus driving event. The name of it escapes me, it was easily a dozen years ago but it was named after the founder. Well someone with the same last name as the founder emailed me back fairly quickly and told me that if I was ever in CA to come by and chat.

I was, and am, pretty entrenched in the DC area and already had another career progressing, so I never made it out to see them. My point is, you never know. He replied because I think I said that I had an "unhealthy obsession with cars" or something along those lines which struck a chord with him. So try and be noticed, be passionate about whatever it is they do. It can't hurt to try.

Short of that, try LinkedIn. I've cold emailed a few folks on there before that I was connected to through others. They usually reply.

William Byrd > William Byrd
10/10/2013 at 12:41

And if anyone can pull the name of that company I'm trying to think of, let me know. They test cars, host ride and drive events for manufacturers, etc.

Chteelers > Casper
10/10/2013 at 13:24

Everything this guys says.