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Some people on this forum are dismissive of "pounding the pavement" as a job search strategy where you go to places of employment and hand deliver your resume. My opinion is that it is not effective for larger employers as they only accept online applications. I do think it can be effective if you target small employers and start ups who may not have an online application system.
Even with small employers, "pounding the pavement." may not be effective for a different reason.
The small employers tend to be understaffed (thus busy), and the last thing they want is a random person walking off the street just to inquire about a job.
Even with small employers, "pounding the pavement." may not be effective for a different reason.
The small employers tend to be understaffed (thus busy), and the last thing they want is a random person walking off the street just to inquire about a job.
Though if they're understaffed, they may be thankful that someone is interested in working for them (so that they're no longer understaffed) without them having to go through the process of advertising and then soliciting applications. Unless, of course, they really want to avoid hiring someone and just make do with a skeleton staff.
Though if they're understaffed, they may be thankful that someone is interested in working for them (so that they're no longer understaffed) without them having to go through the process of advertising and then soliciting applications. Unless, of course, they really want to avoid hiring someone and just make do with a skeleton staff.
At the same time though, if you were an small employer, you would hire some joe schmoe who walked into your door asking for a job when know nothing about them?
As a small employer after all, you're not flushed with cash so you need to make sure whoever you hire is qualified to do the work that they're assigned to.
If you search through craigslist, the vast majority of ads are posted by small employers, and they specifically say "No Phone Calls Please" (if the contact information for the business is listed at all).
No this 2013 not 1980. If you are looking for low level entry jobs maybe but even then don't think so. Here's an idea. Find 10 places in an area you want to apply with. Map them out figure out when their slower hours are yet when some manager is there get your 30 sec elevator speech with your resume and go hit it with nice clothes. If you show up and they are busy wait or come back when you can get 2 minutes.
At the same time though, if you were an small employer, you would hire some joe schmoe who walked into your door asking for a job when know nothing about them?
As a small employer after all, you're not flushed with cash so you need to make sure whoever you hire is qualified to do the work that they're assigned to.
If you search through craigslist, the vast majority of ads are posted by small employers, and they specifically say "No Phone Calls Please" (if the contact information for the business is listed at all).
Which is why job seekers should bring their resume, cover letter, work samples, letters of recommendation, references, copies of professional license(s)/certifications, business card, etc. so that the employer can review at their leisure.
No this 2013 not 1980. If you are looking for low level entry jobs maybe but even then don't think so. Here's an idea. Find 10 places in an area you want to apply with. Map them out figure out when their slower hours are yet when some manager is there get your 30 sec elevator speech with your resume and go hit it with nice clothes. If you show up and they are busy wait or come back when you can get 2 minutes.
Which is why job seekers should bring their resume, cover letter, work samples, letters of recommendation, references, copies of professional license(s)/certifications, business card, etc. so that the employer can review at their leisure.
Fair enough.
I'm not saying it won't work, but I also think the effectiveness of the method is overinflated.
hand delivering your resume is creepy and shows that you don't follow instructions, assuming you are responding to a job posting that tells you how they want you to apply and it isn't "bring us your resume in person". if there's no job posting, well, odds are you are wasting the employer's time, annoying them and creeping them out. is that worth the tiny chance that they will have something just about to open up and they are the one person in 1000 who finds someone who randomly applies in person impressive instead of annoying and creepy?
unless you are applying for retail/food service type jobs or jobs that specifically ask for it, you should NEVER bring in your application materials in person. it will make you stand out, sure... but not in a good way. no one wants to be put on the spot like that.
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