Want

Note: This post is inspired by Seth Godin's book LINCHPIN. I highly encourage everyone in the world to read this book. It enumerates how the workforce is changing - something everyone should understand.

If you look, you'll notice I have several pages on this website.

One of them is my resume, which lists to you, the reader, my accomplishments.
Actually, it lists my easily-measurable accomplishments in a format where you (or a computer) can quickly search for keywords you want in a worker.

The catch is - by reading my resume and searching for keywords, you are falling into a trap.

Don't see the keywords you're hoping for? You assume I don't know anything about them.
Don't see enough "experience" in the four "real" jobs I've had? You assume I know nothing about working a real job, about showing up on time, about being part of an organization.

When it comes down to it, I don't want to work for a company that uses a computer to scan resumes from hundreds of applicants. This should have occurred to me when I applied to Barrett-Jackson.
They use an automated online resume submission system to make it easier for their servers to identify keywords, experience, and thus identify possible candidates. I bet dollars to donuts that they use mathematical algorithms to determine who would best fit the position, and that a report is generated that shows candidates in order of keywords noted.

The Cog (courtesy of dreamstime.com)

This system is used by an astonishing number of organizations who mainly seek to input low-paid, easily replaceable drones into their system of cogs and automation.

I don't know about you, but I have no desire to be a drone. I don't like following rules just because management gave me a handbook with rules in it. I don't want work to be a place I go, hang my head, do what I'm told, and cash in a paycheck every two weeks.

I want to make a difference. I want to use my art, my drive, my ability for human connection to make a difference, to interact, to improve and to strike change into the heart of something that needs change. I want to be indispensable because of who I am as a person.

The Creative (courtesy of geniussquared.com)

To the organization that does hire me, that is exactly what I will be. I will learn and I will challenge the way things are done. I push and push back, and I live for a challenge nobody else has been able to figure out.

I cannot exist in an environment where there is no room for change, for push, for art and creativity. If you tell me to sit at a desk and teach 20 people each day how to use their website, I can do that - but I will hate you for it. I will push for an automated system of videos that will do it for me so that I can spend time working on something that matters, something that will change the game, and something that makes your organization more meaningful, more generous, more forward-thinking.

You know why?

Because this system is dying.

Slowly, the entire system that revolves on low-paid, no-skill, instantly-replaceable workers is hemorrhaging it's life-blood into the streets. Artists and entrepreneurs and big-thinkers are on the way up. The "race to the bottom" has nearly reached its goal and thus its end.

Now the only way is up, in higher quality, higher levels of interaction and a system that relies on creative problem solving and true humanity.

I resolve to be part of this new system. I will use my creativity, my passion and my motivation to be part of a company who values me as a human, who hires people as opposed to keywords, who conduct interviews and tests and presentations instead of reading a resume, maybe doing a Google search on possible candidates.

I will not be a cog in your unthinking machine.

I will be the change and the motivated employee who can make a difference and move your organization forward in a way that no one else can.

Barrett-Jackson: Seasonal Photo Processor

Job number one on my list: a "seasonal photo processor" position with the epic and renowned Barrett-Jackson.

www.barrett-jackson.com

A bit about them:
Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has grown from a quaint car auction to one of the premier automotive and luxury lifestyle events in the world-a spectacular array of automobiles, fashion, fine art, jewelry, antiques, cuisine, automotive collectibles and much more. Barrett-Jackson has become an international social event that has defined a level of excellence far beyond anyone's expectations. We're seeking professionals who would like to be part of the excitement and growth of the Barrett-Jackson organization.


A bit about the job:

We are looking for a dynamic self motivated person who is capable of working on a fast pace non-stop photo desk assisting contributing photographers and high profile clients with all aspects of digital photography upload and request. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with photographers and clients, facilitate assignments, manage workflow, research information and manage a constantly developing diary.

Responsibilities:
* Upload new photographs from contributing photographers and correct captioning
* Provide support for contributing photographers on uploading content
* Edit photos to ensure high quality product is available to clients
* Facilitate calls from clients requesting content and research best solutions to administer
* Coordinate research on new/breaking content and facilitate routing of assignments that are administered by the editors
* Troubleshoot technical issues with contributing photographer uploads or upload capability

Skills / Requirements

The ideal candidate must possess:
* Minimum of two years of experience in a media environment
* Digital photography background is helpful, but not required
* Technology experience
* Ability to manage high volume, detail oriented process flow
* Skills in building and sustaining trusted relationships. Ability to understand varying needs and anticipating solutions
* Customer-service orientation toward client satisfaction
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability and willingness to work long, varied hours

Why I want to work there

Duh. Obviously. I love cars! I love photography! What could possibly go wrong with any combination of the two?

Seriously though. I've been managing an image workflow of 100,000+ images a year for the last three years, split 70/30 between work and personal photography. I worked for a newspaper where I learned captioning and timeliness are both key. I communicate well with everyone and I value relationships as opposed to one-off sales. As illustrated by my multiple blogs and websites, I write well (though in the past I have been reluctant to admit it). I'm a college student, so I'm used to long and varied working hours.

This position was pretty much tailor-made for me.

So here's What I did about it

Step 1: Apply

Barrett-Jackson has their own custom job application process. The opening went live on the website on 11/29. I discovered it on 12/11 (thanks to my lovely girlfriend, Kristen) and applied. This involved re-formatting my resume to fit their wonky website application deal, and writing a short cover letter.

The resume reformatting took me nearly an hour. I don't know why they have everyone do this, other than perhaps to take away any advantage people might have by being organized and knowing how to format a resume to showcase their abilities. I think it's silly, but I went along with it.

The cover letter took me much less time. I wasn't given much room for it, so I didn't say a whole bunch. Naturally, their online system experiences enough bugs that I cannot go back and find the cover letter after the fact. I just have to hope their hiring people can find it.

Step 2: Social Networking

I wrote this blog post.
I liked Barrett-Jackson on Facebook

I tweeted about my application

Step 3: Wait

Now I'll wait to hear back from them. If I don't hear something inside a week, I'll drop them an email and a phone call so I can "make sure my application go through." In reality, I'm just using it as another excuse, like the tweet above, to ensure they know I exist.

So. There you have it. Job #1.

Welcome!

Welcome to Matt Beaty's job search.

This blog serves two main purposes:
1) To help me keep track of the jobs I have applied for, why I applied, and what I did.
2) To help the world keep track of me, what I would like to do, and how I'm going about getting what others seem to think is unattainable: A job I love with an organization I care about.

As I apply for new positions, I will do a post on each detailing a bit about the company, why I would love to work there, and what the application process looked like. I will generally include whatever cover letters or unique materials that I submit in my posts here.

Please, feel free to check out my "about" section, which details a bit about me as a person. My resumé is also available in PDF format.

Enjoy!