I had lunch yesterday with the owner of a small manufacturing company here in Pittsburgh.  His heat treating facility is in an interesting situation; either change and use technology to stay ahead of their competition and China or fade away into oblivion.  They have a few challenges with this massive change, mainly their workforce.  This company’s workforces is considerably older and not very adapt to change nor very interested in technology.

He told us that a few years ago he installed new machines with touch screens and the place nearly came to a crashing halt.  However, over time and training they learned the system and now think nothing of it.  However, now that he is bringing in a robot that will do the job of several men with much better efficiency and accuracy there is not telling how this will affect this aging workforce.

Now, I say all of that to say this.  He recently had a new employee start working for his company.  This person is 25 years old and very mature for his age because of the choices he made as a teenager that forced him to grow up quickly.  This person found this company on the internet via a job posting and then through the companies web site.  He was so interested in what the company was doing that he sought out the email of the owner of the company and emailed him a very convincing and impressive email which landed him a job within this company.  Here are a few thoughts and tips I learned from this real world example:

1. Traditional HR rules stink - when you are dealing with small companies, especially manufacturing companies the owners are usually very involved.  They do not think and act like HR people who are often the gatekeepers to the jobs you want.  The owner I was having lunch with was EXTREMELY impressed that this person sought him out and was honest with him about why he needed a job.  And you know what; the owner had compassion on him and saw potential in him that would never have come out through traditional HR processes.

2. Don’t Be Typical - A typical person would have simply sent their resume through the traditional means and waited to hear from the company.  I don’t like playing defense and neither should you when it comes to finding a job.  This young man showed a lot of heart and passion by searching out the email address of the owner of the company so that he could convey to him more about himself than his resume ever could.

3. Resumes Aren’t Enough - a resume is fine if that is all you can deliver to your perspective employer but consider a professional web site, blog, electronic portfolio, etc…  Average doesn’t cut it in today’s job market.  You need to convey your worth to your perspective employer in as many ways possible.  A single sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 isn’t a great option but if that is all you have make sure it is the best it can be.

4. Honesty Works - Especially with small companies who are not burdened by HR policies.  If you can talk with someone on the phone or through an email be honest with them about your interest in the company.  Tell them why you want to work there and tell them what has caused you to seek employment in their company.  They won’t be able to assume that from your resume.

In closing, finding a job is like sales.  Sometimes you must cast a wide net to find that nugget.  And as in sales, doors will open in ways that you would have never guessed or could have planned.  Don’t give up it will work out soon.