 
Support Wrong Planet Awareness!
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Mishcana
Snowy Owl
Joined: Jul 16, 2007
Posts: 153
|
 Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:39 am Post subject: Dropping off Resumes - Suggestions? |
 |
|
I have always had trouble dropping of resumes. There's plenty of dos and don't's listed for interviews, but most people seem to gloss over this important part. How do you go about it, both for a formal position and a summer job? Do you make eye contact, politely ask if you can drop off a resume, and then what do you say?
I know they often suggest asking for a manager, but for mall positions I find more often than not the manager is not in, or not available. Should you wait and come back another time when they are in?
Also, any tips or tricks people have for surviving applications - the ones where you have to try and make illegible handwriting legible, I'd really appreciate it.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
sinsboldly
Free Range Aspie
Joined: Nov 22, 2006
Age: 58
Posts: 8238
Location: Oregon, USA
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: Dropping off Resumes - Suggestions? |
|
|
| Mishcana wrote: | | I have always had trouble dropping of resumes. There's plenty of dos and don't's listed for interviews, but most people seem to gloss over this important part. How do you go about it, both for a formal position and a summer job? Do you make eye contact, politely ask if you can drop off a resume, and then what do you say? |
you don't say anything. If they say 'yes' then you whip it out. . .and politely ask for the manager.
I | Mishcana wrote: | | know they often suggest asking for a manager, but for mall positions I find more often than not the manager is not in, or not available. Should you wait and come back another time when they are in? |
ask for the lead, or person in charge while the manager is away, and then ask them when the manager will be in, when would it be a good time to speak with her/him. If they say "Oh, just drop it off and they will call, make sure you get the NAME of the manager and a phone number for the shop, or the manager, so you can check back. This you would write down immediately in your little notepad that you have ready just for this type of information.
Also, I find, if you just drop it off, come back when they said the manager would be in with a THANK YOU card, written carefully in your own hand, printed or longhand, no spelling errors, thanking the manager BY NAME for his/her time perusing your resume that you dropped off on DATE and TIME with WHOMEVER with YOUR NAME and phone number on it.  That is called 'follow up' and a good manager will be intrigued that someone is so thorough and think about how that person would be good for their shop! (especially if the person you dropped it off with didn't follow through!)
Be prepared to wait, if the manager is in. And wait and wait. Sometimes it is part of a test to see if you have patience, how you handle frustration, what you do when you perceive people might be rude and wasting your time. also, don't be lulled into thinking your 'job interview' will start when you and the manager sit down to discuss things. The job interview starts the moment you come into the shop with the intention of getting the job. I used to think that talking with the other people that work there didn't count, or my behaviour waiting or just being there was somehow off the record until the 'formal' interview started and was over. WRONG.
So be your own sweet polite self from the moment you walk into the joint. And remember, if you are in the food court so could someone from the shop, so remember to mind your manners all over that place. People talk and people, especially NTs RECOGNIZE people instantly, so if they ask around, they will know you and your usual behaviour.
| Mishcana wrote: | | Also, any tips or tricks people have for surviving applications - the ones where you have to try and make illegible handwriting legible, I'd really appreciate it. |
write slowly, keeping in mind the only reason for writing it is so you or someone else can read it later. Otherwise there is no reason to put pen to paper. Be very deliberate with each letter, sometimes I write out the answer to the question on that little notepad I referred you to earlier and then copy it word for word onto the application. They mostly want to know if you can construct a sentence and are literate on a job app. Following instructions (read them carefully and follow to the letter, of course, reading it for literalness and then once for context.) If you make a big mistake (print your name and you signed your name) DON"T make a big deal out of how the instructions could have been more clear, was ambiguous or whatever. in other words, don't try to change THEM just because your point of reference is different.)
As you can tell, I have done this a time or two 
Watch your body language, dress conservatively but almost a step or two above what you will dress like on the job. Make sure your breath is fresh and you don't smell of any scent at all ( very important, especially if you do and your manager is deathly ill of perfume or something!) and as much as it may pain you. .. .SMILE, SMILE, SMILE.
good luck and go get 'em!
Merle |
|
| Back to top |
|
AnonymousAnonymous
More Riddler than Joker
Joined: Nov 24, 2006
Age: 18
Posts: 6847
Location: Portland, Oregon
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If asking for an application, go up to the first person you see and say, "Excuse me. I would like to know if {place of potential employment} is currently hiring."
If you are told that all applications are done online, DO NOT fill one out on your home computer.
Instead, go to your local library or an employment center where there is computer access.
_________________
It's time to introduce a little anarchy. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Pandora
Cat Lady
Joined: Jun 18, 2005
Age: 47
Posts: 4684
Location: Townsville
|
| Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
Wouldn't it be better to post an inquiry letter and a resume to businesses you would like to work for? The reason I say that is there is NO WAY I would ever have been able to make a personal approach first off and I know of other Aspies who are much the same. I also don't know what is wrong with doing up an application on your own computer.
_________________
Break out you Western girls,
Someday soon you're gonna rule the world.
Break out you Western girls,
Hold your heads up high.
"Western Girls" - Dragon
I am banned  |
|
| Back to top |
|
Rocketv8
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: Nov 03, 2005
Posts: 33
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
Since I am currently looking for a job, here are some suggestions I got from my University advisor:
Drop of your resume and a cover letter in person when possible. Dress nice, you never know when you may get an instant interview.
Ask ahead of time who to address the cover letter to.
In your resume and cover letter, list what makes you different and what your specific job duties were. Employers read a lot a resumes and everyone will put "reliable" or "hard working".
Write a thank you letter if you get an interview. |
|
| Back to top |
|
AnonymousAnonymous
More Riddler than Joker
Joined: Nov 24, 2006
Age: 18
Posts: 6847
Location: Portland, Oregon
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 1:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Pandora wrote: | | I also don't know what is wrong with doing up an application on your own computer. |
Two words. Identity thieves.
Even though your home computer may not be protected, it's best if you go to a library or employment center.
_________________
It's time to introduce a little anarchy. |
|
| Back to top |
|
alex
Developer
Joined: Jun 14, 2004
Age: 22
Posts: 6321
Location: DC Metro Area (No. VA)
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| AnonymousAnonymous wrote: | | Pandora wrote: | | I also don't know what is wrong with doing up an application on your own computer. |
Two words. Identity thieves.
Even though your home computer may not be protected, it's best if you go to a library or employment center. |
personal transactions should not be done on public computers. Submit your resume online from your home computer. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Pandora
Cat Lady
Joined: Jun 18, 2005
Age: 47
Posts: 4684
Location: Townsville
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
Alex, thanks. To me that makes more sense than risking using a public computer. Only thing is some people don't have a PC. Do employers get upset about handwritten applications? (assuming the writing is neat).
_________________
Break out you Western girls,
Someday soon you're gonna rule the world.
Break out you Western girls,
Hold your heads up high.
"Western Girls" - Dragon
I am banned |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
