What Approach Do You Recommend? = Working Mom Question

A lot of employers/companys don't like drop-ins these days. But I have landed a job that way - it really is a matter of timing. I just happened to walk in with a resume the day after they decided to hire someone, so it worked out well - I got the job. I had mailed a resume to the company about a month prior and did not receive a call. If I hadn't dropped in that day, the job would have probably gone to someone else. So, I don't see anything wrong with the personal approach, but be aware that some companys will not be very receptive while others may be. I know if I was an HR person, I would definitely be more likely to call you if you showed the initiative to come into my office. Good luck!

Wear a very nice, conservative suit, some makeup and, as someone pointed out below, be VERY nice to the receptionist.

Not sure if it will work, as people are often too busy to drop everything and see you - however, it would demonstrate you have great confidence and selling skills.

Some people may be rude to you - don't be put off.

Also, as another poster pointed out, a staffing service might be a good place to go as well. Look up online reviews of staffing/temp services in your area to find a good one.

Good luck!!!!

I did this with great success. That is how I got the job I currently have.

We have people come in off the street to our office. I can tell you, we evaluate them from the minute they walk in the door based on appearance, warm smile, do they look us in the eye with a firm handshake, and how they interact with our receptionist. Some people come in and look down on our receptionist, are dismissive to her or rude, BIG mistake. If they think they are btter than her, we don't want them in our office. We leave them sit in the lobby for a minute to see if she will strike up a conversation with her and what kind of vibe she puts off. If someone walks through the door that looks competant and friendly, we will take the time to talk to them and if we dont need anyone, we will send the resume on. If we dont get a good initial feeling, we walk them right to the door. One girl was sitting in the reception area, phones were going crazy, so she answered it. She was hired on the spot.

Try a temp agency. They can get you hooked-up. Helps brush up on your skills and get you connected. Are there any career centers in your area? Try that

Check with some of the churches and see if they have a "between jobs ministry". There is one here in Houston and I have hired several people from them. It is generally professionals who have been laid off or terminated looking to network. They also give free seminars on different topics regarding job searchs. As mentioned above, some companies don't like walk ins. You say your strengths are who you are. What are you talking about?

I work at a large contracting company, not a small office, but many places don't like walk-ins. I guess, if you are struggling, it can't hurt, but I would expect some folks to be annoyed more than anything. Good luck.

I look at resumes a lot, and the things that I like to see are demonstrated ability to work independently and strong writing and communication skills. Do you have a writing sample? Do you have letters of recommendation? Anything you can do to DEMONSTRATE your abilities, and not just state skills is helpful.

Maybe consider taking on a volunteer position which will give you more concrete work force experience? Just don't ditch them when you get a job :)

Also, consider a holiday seasonal job. Anything really, don't be picky. It shows your ability to show up, be responsible, interact with clients/customers, etc. You can make anything sound good. My MIL retired and works seasonally to make fun money. She worked at a pumpkin patch running kids games and selling popcorn. Her skills include

-reconciling receipts
-enforcing safety procedures
-training new hires
-interfacing directly with customers

See what I mean?

I have definitely done this. I live in a fairly small area and if one firm isn't hiring, they might know of someone who is.

We have lots of people who come into my office asking about employment. We only take applications by appointment, but if someone comes in or calls, we schedule them.

There are a lot of people out of work right now, and I agree that the personal approach can be successful. It shows that you are willing to get yourself out there.

I say go for it, and good luck!

You could try this. But my sense (in my office anyway) is that people are very busy, and might not be able to find time to talk to you if you just show up. If possible, maybe try searching online to find email addresses and then email and ask for an 'information interview'. You could ask general questions about the company, the work, and this will give you an idea if it is the kind of job you want (maybe at that company, maybe at a different company doing a similar thing). Give a specific timeframe (ie, ask for 15 minutes of their time) and an agenda ('I've heard good things about your company and I'd like to learn more about the field"). The timeframe, agenda, and specifically asking for an information interview and not a job will help you get in the door. That company may not be hiring, but if you make a good impression, you never know who that person may know.

You can google 'informational interview' to see what I'm talking about, or start with this article from monster.com <http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/professional-.... Good luck!

I have done this and its always good to make connections. Are you involced with a church, I am so surprised at the connections I have made for various things through people at my church!

It would probably help if you knew what you are looking for. Just reading this it looks like you are throwing these unnameable skills out there and expecting employers to go, oh my god!!!, you would be perfect for this. That is not going to happen when you are up against a mess of people who can quantify their value.

You need to do the leg work, go online, see what skills you have that are necessary for whatever. See if there are skills that you need for that job. You have a far better chance of getting a job when you come in with I am perfect for X and I am going to work on this skill because it is needed.

I guess I am reading this as you expect the employer to do all the work of figuring out what you are best suited for. They won't, try a new approach.

I no longer work outside of the home, but when I did, quite honestly we found drop in job seekers somewhat annoying. The receptionist never knew what to do with the person if they insisted in speaking with someone so she would just try various offices to see if anyone would be willing to meet with the person. We were busy and very rarely in a position to hire (we would advertise if we had a position). We ended up saying thank you for stopping by. We will keep your resume on file for 30 days and let you know if we have any positions become available and then get you on your way so we could get back to work. If we knew someone in the field who was hiring, we would point you in that direction but, in that case, calling to set up an interview or emailing your resume worked much better. Best of luck.