We’ve all heard that dastardly adage, “Desperate times call for desperate measures”, correct? Ever in your depressed, unemployed dreams did you think you’d have to put it into action?
Me neither…until now.
But before you put this deed into full-time motion, think about its impact on your job-search. If you’re going to have to stoop to levels worlds apart or far below your skills-set, contemplate this philosophy:
Networking Opportunities That Pay.
Everyone’s worst unemployed nightmare is having to take a gig in your local grocery store or fast-food eatery or perhaps a retailer – heaven forbid. But, if you approach it carefully and strategically, it could work to your benefit. I’m not suggesting 7-Eleven or Ralph’s or selling socks at some surplus outlet. If you really feel the urge to branch out a bit (and I definitely feel it!) and go for broke, at least take a look at the clientele frequenting your prospective employer. Apply to locations that you patronize and truly enjoy shopping their brand. If you don’t, chances are if you get a job, you won’t take pleasure in it and that aspect will come out in your workmanship, thus creating a horrible experience for you and customers alike.
Ask yourself this important question: “Where do high-end shoppers go that might allow you to chit-chat and network while stocking a shelf, ringing their order or helping them find their choice in liquor?”
If we’re going to lengths never thought of or wanted in our search for work, as a minimum, we should be looking for store fronts where we have potential to meet other folks that could help us obtain employment better related and suited to our career needs and desires. We should be window shopping for jobs at stores that bring in people who know other people who could help us out. At this point, most places can be ruled out. What executive business types walk into markets or office supply stores looking to hire when all they want is toner or pickles and then be bothered by some employee wanting to be stolen away and maybe get fired from that Company in the process?
Obviously, we must execute great care and caution when doing this; it cannot be forced or apparent. We got hired for a sole and expressed purpose, but the world today has shown that you never know what may come your way. I’m applying to Trader Joe’s and Staples to name a few; these stores are wildly popular, quite crowded and attract enormous quantities of sophisticated bargain hunters that might be hunting for workers themselves and able to offer you a bargain of a different nature. Do not find this type of work and hand out resumes in the break rooms, cash registers or seafood counters or you could be fishing for trouble that could follow you forever; not a smell you want to attract. First, get the job and then use your best professional judgment when networking with customers, but without fail do the jobs assigned and get yourself recognized for superior service and build up some credibility. If you have the gift of gab and come across a purchaser that strikes up a conversation, at that point, gingerly bring up your situation.
This is a clever way to, well, kill two birds with one stone. You’ll be back in the swing of things making some money, possibly learning new things – always a good self-marketing tool – and you have the built-in potential of meeting new people that could be in a position to give you a hand while you give them a hand with their bags. And who knows, you might actually like it and find yourself getting a promotion.
Again, thanks for surfing my wave!
Why Just Look For A Job? Create One!™
TheUnemployMENTOR – email@theunemploymentor.com
