A short message was sent to myself from an old friend just about to finish high school, soon to commence university studies. He’s looking for a casual (ie. side job) and wanted to now how I started a few years ago — here’s what I reluctantly told him.
His short message
I’ve copied his message below having omitted identifiable information:
Hey Jesui, hope everything in Melbourne is going well, I’m writing to ask for some advice in seeking employment as I do recall you were working at [xyz] at one stage. I was just wondering how you were able to get that position as I am too looking for a position at the store. Thank you once again.
It was pleasant to receive such a message. It’s not often that I witness today’s young people being so driven despite the always changing climate of the society one lives in. I was eager to write to him having cleared by evenings schedule to help; I secretely wished the same all those years ago. The letter was raw. I didn’t sugar-coat, as I would if anyone anyone else asked a similar question; I told him what so few in high school or university are told.
Please excuse the lack of structure, per say. Him being a friend, formal writing would imply distance between the two of us. I kept the style relaxed and somewhat youthful (no pun intended).
The letter
Hey man it’s great to hear from you!! Things are good here :)
The time that I applied was a bit different to how many stores do it today, being online; especially the corporate-owned ones (ie. not franchisee run). Many places unfortunately only accept online applications. After myself, the hires that came after me were all from online applications. Between you and I, I witnessed my manager seldom reading a resume from those who walked in the store — and from what I heard, many [xyz] managers didn’t have much of a say. However, my manager was one of the most respected in the company so who could practically do whatever (ie. hire me).I hate to say, but online applications have seriously ruined the beauty of speaking to ‘the guy in charge’ at an organisation and showing yourself to be the best candidate. Back in 2012, I recall walking in, requesting the manager, having a brief light chat, then giving him my resume; the resume was designed to standout (a design I still use to this day, yet revised to v6.1) which I think was a factor. I received a call the same day for an interview (do note I didn’t have a mobile, thus it was my mum’s number!), then having induction on Monday. I applied during the almost peak period of Christmas (end of November) after exams, which means I shouldn’t have had been hired.
To be honest man, I never properly knew why my manager hired me above all people. I applied at the wrong time, I didn’t have experience, I didn’t have my own phone, I didn’t apply online. Maybe he was desperate, or there was a personal reason that had him empathise; or even perhaps that was when I realised my innate skill in marketing, selling and brands — so I managed to convince him (and quite frankly, I’ve had success winning people over ever since). I asked him why he hired me when I gave-in my resignation and he seemed to have a deeper reason that he didn’t divulge.
I tell you all this because I want you to know the reality getting a job, it honestly comes down to serendipity. There’re no amount of books, online article, secret courses that get you any job in five seconds. Sure, the cliché apply, such as solid resume, experience (makes my blood boil), ambition, networking (that’s how my brother got his first job), etc. I’d never tell any ol’ person how I actually got the job at [xyz] as written above — I have a much nicer story for that :P But I’ve always seen that spark of ambition, drive, integrity in character, and more in you. I know you won’t like reading what you have, but I don’t want you to have false hope because you deserve better, Blake.
So, what can one do in today’s job search market? — Apply online and instore. Prune your personality in first-impressions, only show the very best in your character and dress the best you can for the meetup. — A good time to ask for the manager is early afternoon or mid-morning during the week because that’s when the actual managers (not the shift supervisors, assistant, that the sales person may direct you to because the actual is not in) are in — be sure to make that clear. Don’t have the first sentence when you meet them have the word resume; that’s a turn-off because they get so many. — Always include the cover letter because I know some business owners who won’t touch a resume without one, or won’t even care if there wasn’t, yet be sure to include one incase. It’s close to when companies begin hiring for the festive season so voila! — Practically include everything you’ve achieved and even the slightest experience in something that may not be relevant. (eg. Volunteering for the World Vision stand can count as customer experience, selling, etc if you word it right in your resume. — Delve into your networks/social circles for anyone that runs a business. You may not get the job at [xyz] right away, but starting somewhere in the meantime then reapplying can help. If they ask (and incl in resume) if you apply at [xyz] one month in to this “other job”, make-up some good reason why you’re wanting to leave.
The above should give you some tips to start. if anymore spring to mind I’ll be sure to message them to you. Any questions, don’t hesitate!!
We bounced back-and-forth a few more times after this, yet the aforementioned practically what I wanted to convey to him.
No, I am not one to crush people’s aspirations; yet neither am I strictly a “realist” person — my ideas can be wild! I’m not going to be the billionth person to complain about the ‘job market’ because each generation seems to claim that “now is a tough time finding a job because of xyz” (paraphrased) whereby the reason changes each year.
There are many perspectives that can be taken from the letter, and I won’t be writing about any of them. I will let you take your own perception and ponder. Writing about a letter that already succinctly conveys its point is futile.
I wish the very best for his job seeking, likewise to you.
