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Topic: Is it better to apply in person or by e-mail???
| Author | Message |
| Telling It Like It Is | Posted – 7/27/2007 2:13:43 AM | show profile | email poster If the ad doesn't specify no walk-ins or phone calls, do ya think it is better to go in to apply/drop off your resume, writing samples/letters of reference? Just wondering because every place I have applied to states that they have been inundated by applicants. Or they'll print: due to the large volumn of potential applicants we cannot respond to those who apply. That said & the fact that just last Friday the Director who was interviewing me said he had over 100 applicants makes me wonder how I can stand out besides being just an e-mail. This would be for: marketing, pr, editorial, event and production positions as I have worked in advertising and publishing. Obviously if a position is out of state, e-mail will have to do. But for those positions that are close by, sound perfect and I would be dying to have, I'm thinking I should make an appearance. Thank you, Lisa |
| Bindi Johnson | Posted – 7/27/2007 6:07:21 AM | show profile I wouldn't just go someplace and drop a resume off without calling. Chances are there is a security desk, you'd have to be called up and if they have no idea who you are, you'll have to leave your info with the security desk who may or may not make sure it gets to the right person. I think the best thing is to find out the exact name of the person who's doing the hiring and send your resume directly to him or her via email. I hope that helps. |
| UrbanMuse | Posted – 7/27/2007 9:01:38 AM | show profile I don't think an in-person could hurt you, but in many cases you'll be dropping off your materials with the receptionist, so as far the hiring person is concerned it could also have been mailed. ------ www.UrbanMuseWriter.com |
| ManhattanMatt | Posted – 7/27/2007 9:28:37 AM | show profile Actually ... When I first moved to NYC (with absolutely no contacts), that is precisely how I got FOUR job callbacks on the first day! I did my homework, typed up a resume and VERY brief cover letter addressed to specific news directors, sealed them in brown manila envelopes, and hand-delivered them to receptionists with only the ND's name written on the front. By the time I got home, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN had all called. I had job interviews lined up the next day. However, in this post-911 (and in particular, post-anthrax) world, I don't think drop-offs go right from the reception desk to the news director (or editor in chief) anymore. |
| ManhattanMatt | Posted – 7/27/2007 9:30:07 AM | show profile Actually ... When I first moved to NYC (with absolutely no contacts), that is precisely how I got FOUR job callbacks on the first day! I did my homework, typed up a resume and VERY brief cover letter addressed to specific news directors, sealed them in brown manila envelopes, and hand-delivered them to receptionists with only the ND's name written on the front. By the time I got home, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN had all called. I had job interviews lined up the next day. However, in this post-911 (and in particular, post-anthrax) world, I don't think drop-offs go right from the reception desk to the news director (or editor in chief) anymore. |
| mad fingers | Posted – 7/27/2007 10:34:43 AM | show profile I recently applied for a job via e-mail. Called a week later just to make sure they'd received the application. They hadn't. Walked it over the next day. Didn't get the job, but at least I know they have my stuff on file now if something else opens up. |
| gimmemags | Posted – 7/27/2007 10:44:11 AM | show profile I graduated in 2001 so all of my interviews were basically post-9/11 and I still found that dropping off stuff in person wherever possible is the best thing to do. Especially if you're applying for a job at a small nonprofit or alt weekly. They have a small staff so you're much more likely to actually see the person you're giving the resume to, or to meet a staffer who will remember that you stopped by. The worst that can happen is security stops you at the desk and tells you to leave it with them. The best that could happen is that the editor actually comes out and speaks to you for a minute (which did happen to me with one publication). good luck:) |
| Telling It Like It Is | Posted – 7/27/2007 4:16:48 PM | show profile | email poster Great Advice Everybody.... Thanks much everybody for your advice/thoughts. Even if I just get it to the receptionist, ya know how they say be especially nice to the "gatekeeper" as they can say if you look like a Dead Head, Homeless or someone that has potential, at least visually. Then hopefully the resume, etc. will give me a chance for an interview. I've had some responses right away by e-mail that were positive but they just wanted to let me know that the pay stunk before going any further. So I know my resume is fine, it is just the, "we have been inundated w/ applicants" that was making me think I need to stand out besides being just a number. Ya know like in college when you went to a class w/500 students & they used your last four digits of your social instead of calling you by name. That is until you got to the core courses in the last two years. Keep your fingers & toes crossed for me as I put a face w/ the paper. Don't look like the Hunchback so I think it will help. Not that that should matter when getting a job, but they say unfortunately it does. Have a cool weekend. Graci, Lisa |
