When to Show Off
Sarah Hodges was studying for a business administration and management degree, and wanted a job near her home in Oxfordshire, UK.
When she found local company Snowdrop Systems specialized in HR software, she sent them her dissertation on the use of HR software, plus a letter asking if they had any vacancies.
"I had this work that they might be interested in, so it was the obvious thing to do. I thought it demonstrated what I was capable of better than a resume," says Sarah.
There was no advertised vacancy, but the company took her on, and nine years later, she is technical team leader in the project development department.
"If you have solid evidence of what you are capable of, it pays to share it," says Sarah. "Sending something you have completed yourself shows your skills."
Cornering the Boss
Peter Pastides wanted a career in IT sales, but with no experience he had to make himself stand out. "I researched local fast-growing computer companies and found one with my kind of culture.
"I noticed a board on the wall marking out the managing director's parking space, so early one morning, I parked my car in it.
"It meant he would have to speak to me, so I would not risk being prevented from seeing him by a receptionist," says Peter, from Southampton, UK.
"When he arrived, he was angry, but I told him I wanted to work for him. He took me inside and interviewed me and gave me a job the same day." Paul Smith, whose company it was, says, "I had no vacancy, but I took him on because he showed such initiative. Cold-calling would be part of the job, and he showed he could do it."
Peter, now managing director of his own marketing consultancy company, Market Maker, advises, "Research the company and then think of a professional but innovative way to connect with the decision-maker.
"The higher the status of the person you meet, the easier it is to get a decision."
Fed up with searching through supermarket shelves for food for her son, who had multiple food intolerances, Patricia Wheway took action. "I wrote to Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy suggesting they introduce a special range for people with intolerances -- and said I could manage the project." She was invited for an interview with the marketing director, and explained her plans. "It came easily because I had such passion for the project," says Patricia, who had previous retail experience ... "My enthusiasm must have come across, because they offered me the job." She had the Free From range in stores within six months, and five years later, she has developed the Fairtrade and children's food ranges.
"If you can see that a company needs to do something and you have the drive to do it, be brave and propose it," says Patricia.
Source: Daily Mail, London (UK). Powered by Yellowbrix.
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