Thread by @BanjiAlo

As an int'l graduate in Australia, I got turned back by the reception each time I approached an organisation in person in hopes of finding work.

Here is my mistake and what I did to fix it to land a job.

#RT

#thread

If you are like me, you wake up one day and approach an organisation in search of a job.

There's nothing wrong what this approach, but it often fails, especially in advanced countries.

So, here's my mistake:

I walk in with my resume and meet the receptionist.

Me: Hello, I am looking for a job within this organisation.

Reception: Oh ok. All positions are advertised online on our website. Please visit the company's website.

Meanwhile, I can have your resume if you like?

Me: Of course (hands over resume)

Reception: See you later. Bye

Never heard back.

I tried once, twice, thrice.

Countless times.

FAIL!

I was frustrated.

One day, I thought about what I was doing wrong.

I got a fresh idea.

I did this instead:

Before approaching the company:

1/n: Use LinkedIn for research

I used LinkedIn to research staff of interest - roles, type of work, skills, etc.

Read a lot about them.

2/n Send a connection request

I sent a connection request (with a note) stating why I wanted to connect (essentially to learn more about their work and organisation).

Oh yes. People love to talk about themselves

3/n They accept my request to connect

Once we connect, we often chatted extensively about THEM and let them know I was around town and whether they would be happy with a walk-in or coffee?

They would often say yes.

4/4 I visit the company ( a week or two later)

At this stage, I have 2-3 names of people working within the organisation.

Here's the new way I introduced myself to the reception

Me: Hi, I am here to see "John Doe (my LinkedIn connection)."

Reception: Sure, what's your name? I will let them know you are here. Please have your sit.

Barrier broken.

The reception would call on the staff, and I was able to meet them and have good conversations.

One of these chats eventually led to a job offer after some weeks.

15 mins chat is fine, don't take too long as they might be busy.

More so, I didn't have a formal appointment so best to respect their time

I found many staff appreciated such courtesy to come say hi in person. Don't take it for granted. Keep the meeting short.

If the staff member was not available, I simply go "Oh, What about "Mark Wake"? I mention another name.

Lesson:

1. I realised the reception always turned me back because I did not identify with anyone within the organisation.

Don't approach an organisation without knowing 1-3 insiders.

Those names are your pass.

2. The receptionists are gatekeepers and will always serve you with the default answers if you go unprepared.

3. Always, always revisit your strategy if it's not working.

Don't keep doing the same thing expecting a different outcome.

I hope you've found this thread helpful.

1. Follow me @BanjiAlo for more like this.

2. Every Sunday, I share helpful career tips for young professionals, especially those studying or wanting to work abroad.

Join here. It's free.

careerdigest.substack.com

@AaronAkpuPhilip
@pallepaulmejame
@olumuyiwaayo
@Jamaticulus
@drhammed
@damilolaODS
@folanski
@amuta_ann
@OgbeniDipo
@MsPhiona
@careerconversa1
@jobsearch

@baba_Omoloro
@betterjobsearch
@wakawaka_doctor
@DrOlubamiji
@DrOlufunmilayo
@Oludeewon
@taadelodun
#career
#careers
#careeradvice
#careertips
#careersuccess
#careeradvancement
#careermanagement
#careerdevelopment
#internationalstudents