Question:
I just graduated from a good California school with an MBA and am
looking for a job in New York, but I'm having a very difficult time getting
interviews and am starting to run out of money. I was advised to contact a
third party recruiter, employment agency or staffing agency but I'm nervous
that they'll place me into a low level, clerical job and that will end up
doing me more harm than good. What should I do?
First Answer:
It can be discouraging not to have a job that suits you! But the answer
lies within you.
By being specific, persistent and flexible, you can get the job you want,
with almost no competition. Here's how.
(I'm assuming your résumé is not directly responsible for your not getting
any interviews. If you feel your résumé is less than perfect, please e-mail
it to
kevin@gresumes.com for a free, confidential review.)
First, you must be specific about the kind of career you want. Don't just
settle for a job. Do you want to work in the high-tech field? International
finance? Marketing? Start by identifying several job titles and career
paths that appeal to you. If you can't do that, at least list 3-4 skills
that you'd be happy using every day.
Reason? You can't hit a target you can't see. By identifying the exact
career you want, you can then pick companies that are the right fit for
you. Even if your ideal firms aren't hiring, you can make inroads by being
persistent.
Do research on the Internet or in your local library to learn about your
target company, its problems and competitors. Then, devise a solution (or
two or three) to present to them. Visit the company and ask to meet with a
hiring manager (get their name ahead of time by calling a receptionist).
Example: Years ago, when I wanted to be a writer/editor for a local
marketing firm, I looked over back issues of their publications. I found
two typos in one magazine, circled them and brought them to an interview.
By doing so, I proved I had the right skills … and got the job.
By approaching your target company as a problem-solver who is motivated and
resourceful enough to put together solutions without being paid, you will
be miles ahead of your "competitors" who do no more than ask for a job. If
a job isn't available, one might be created for you.
But what if you need a job today, to pay the bills while you seek out,
research and get hired by your dream company? You can still make headway by
being flexible.
Consider taking a temp job at an agency that employs folks with MBAs like
you. Specify that you want to do work related to your career goal. If that
type of job isn't available, keep taking temporary positions until you get
in with a company that suits you. Once there, use your lunch hours to
identify problems and solutions. Always do more than you're asked. Make
yourself indispensable. Seek out managers who can hire you full-time and
ask to present your solutions. Eventually, you'll end up doing what you
want to do for a company that you're happy working for.
You MUST succeed if you follow these guidelines, because people who do more
than what's expected of them always do. Just remember to be specific,
persistent and flexible.
Best of luck to you!
-- Kevin Donlin, Guaranteed Resumes
Second Answer:
A third party recruiter cannot "place" you into anything you do not want.
The best they could do is try to talk you into an interview you are not sure
about. If you are confident and sure of your goals, they are an excellent
resource. The cost is nothing to you and many organizations use these
entities for all their hiring.
What you must do is find the most appropriate one or "ones" to contact.
Most organizations work with niche groups. Some will not even work with you
unless you require a six digit income. Others specialize in technical
positions. And then, of course, you have the ones that focus on clerical
placement.
What you must do first is figure out exactly what it is you want and need in
a job. These parameters might be very narrow or somewhat wide. Just the
same, these are the kinds of questions you will answer in the screening
process. Decide an income range and geographic preference. With an MBA you
must have a somewhat focussed career goal - be sure to express that in your
cover letter. And, in the end, if you do not enjoy working with recruiters,
you can always stop.
Just for your information, I recently increased my income by 65% by working
with a recruiter. Best decision I have made in years.
-- Holly Lentz, Lentz Productions
