What Would You Do To Get the Interview?

Technology is our theme this month, but I had to share this story. This story was written over at Marketing Gorilla by Greg Hoffman. I found the link while visiting Des Walsh at Thinking Business. Review my coaching notes at the end.
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Resume Taped to Dunkin Donuts Box

“I found the perfect position in affiliate marketing here in the Clearwater, Fla. area this week and applied through Monster.com. I didn’t hear back right away so I sent a message through the contact us page on their site. Then I sent a LinkedIn message to connect with the owner of the company.

And then it came to me. I had to shamelessly bribe them. So I delivered a box of a dozen glazed Dunkin Donuts to their office and taped my resume to the top. The front desk attendant took the resume and thanked me for the donuts. She promised to hand deliver the resume to the boss.

Now I’m sitting back, waiting for the phone to ring.”

Coaching Tips:

1. Differentiation is important in the hiring process. If you look like everyone else, you probably won’t get the job.

2. Persistence is equally important when you have the job you want. Don’t stop pushing or looking for creative ways to get yourself in front of the decision maker. Understand that your level of professionalism may determine the outcome of your persistence.

3. Sitting and waiting for the phone to ring is the wrong strategy. Especially if you are confident you will get in to see the decision maker. Preparation is what you should be doing. What do you want to say when you get the meeting? The box of donuts is only good for about 30 seconds max. Are you the Ideal Candidate? You may only get one opportunity to say what you want to say. Your message must be chock full of value for the company you are attempting to get in. What is the most critical thing you could say that will differentiate you from any other candidate he/she has met? If you don’t know the answer to that question, sitting and waiting for the phone is the wrong approach. Get busy!