With the job market so tough, we constantly encourage our readers to distinguish and promote themselves in unique, innovative ways. We tout personal branding and social media as ideal methods to get your message and qualifications out to the right audience. Does it work? Do people listen? We like to think so, but it is always reaffirming to see concrete examples.
Like many recent grads, Al biedrzycki was having trouble finding opportunities. When he exhausted all traditional techniques, he decided to create a viral cover letter. Since then, he has been interviewed on CNN and employers are now reaching out to him. I recently spoke with Al. Our interview should be encouraging and helpful to young job seekers everywhere.
Like many graduates, you were having trouble finding any opportunities. What methods were you initially employing?
At first, I was trying the basic networks– eRecruiting, Monster.com, CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, etc. I would look for entry-level marketing positions with qualifications that matched my own, write a cover letter and send in my resume.
How often were you getting responses?
The only responses were basically from the auto-mated “do-not-reply” email bots. It was really depressing writing so many cover letters (some were creative!) that most likely got tossed away or not even noticed.
Were you tapping into any of your networks (parents friends, alumni, etc)?
Yes, before I made “Hire Me” I asked some of my professors to see if they knew of any open positions. Also, I asked my employed friends if they knew of any open positions at their current jobs. But, with the economy so tough they couldn’t guarantee anything, especially since most of them just started working at their respective positions.
What was the breaking point. What finally made you say I NEED to try something and make “hire me”?
I just wasn’t getting any responses. I really wanted to convey to employers that I can be very creative–something that’s hard to display in the typical resume. If all the applicants for a specific job say they’re creative, then how do you make yourself stand out? I thought a musical rendition of my qualifications might break the ice a little more easily.
Describe what happened after you posted the personal branding video?
My initial goal was to just show my friends and send it off to prospective employers, but it spread relatively quickly. The media got a hold of it which was good for my exposure, but the viral aspect of it really reduced contact from employers. Sure, people viewed it, but since I didn’t anticipate it spreading so fast and so far, I never really made it accessible for employers to contact me. I still had to take the initiative in sending it to companies I was interested in. But this wasn’t an issue once I sent it in– people liked it so much that they forwarded it to co-workers and people higher up. As a result, I’ve gotten lots of referrals and contacts who are volunteering to assist me in finding a job. It’s really great.
So when do you anticipate any offers in the near future?
Hopefully in the next 2-3 weeks. I have several more interviews lined up and I’m positive more are on the way. I’ve just got to keep up sending out the video and reaching out to employers.
