Loyal Readers!
After two interviews with the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, which I didn't write about at all, I got the job! They've hired me on part time as the Marketing and New Media Coordinator.
This was easily the most enjoyable hiring process I've ever been through - not just because I actually got the job, but because I interacted with REAL PEOPLE all the way through the process.
My buddy Jon put out a post on his Facebook that the Chamber was hiring for a marketing position. I messaged him on FB and he gave me the contact information to get ahold of the CEO of the organization.
Nervous about going directly to the CEO, I searched for the particular job position on Google. I found it, and contacted the person who was accepting resumés. She got back to me about an hour after I emailed her my information - letting me know that she received it.
An hour after that, I got a phone call asking me to come in for an interview the following week. Yes!
I spent about three hours online doing research about the Chamber. I liked it on FB, followed it on Twitter, and watched a few of the videos on the YouTube channel. I wrote down suggestions I had for things they could do better - since I suspected the position would have me doing a lot of social media stuff. I also made notes about their strengths and the things they were doing particularly well.
Armed with this information, I went in to the interview dressed to impress. Fancy shoes and everything.
The first interview went over by 35 minutes. After we finished, one of my interviewers took me on a tour of the building and introduced me to all the other employees. Yes! Good sign!
I sent them a "thank you" note after I got home, along with a formal "I'm interested in this job" note.
A week later, they got back to met and let me know that I was the "top candidate," and that they were looking to schedule a second round of interviews.
During my second interview, I answered a few additional questions and asked a few of my own. Somewhere in the middle of a conversation the CEO looked at me and said, "I like where this conversation is going - you're hired."
0_0
There you go.
I'm spending the next few days learning from my predecessor before she moves out of Flagstaff. After that, it's all me!
Anyway. I will now be neglecting this blog. I might even delete it... but probably not.
Cheers, and good luck with your own job search, if you're on one!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Maverick
Though their posting is difficult to read and perhaps even harder to comprehend, I discovered an opening with Maverick as a Customer Advocate via Craigslist.
Their post:
SUMMARY: This position's accountabilities will include:
Know assigned stores and identify areas for improvement:
* Visit and do walk-throughs of assigned stores regularly to observe store operations, to recognize and acknowledge strengths and to identify areas for improvement.
* Work with Store Directors and Adventure Guides to better understand their level of training and expertise, together with the unique characteristics of the store and its customers.
* Use PDI to monitor the performance metrics of all assigned stores, including sales trends by product and category that might signal otherwise unanticipated marketplace changes.
* Understand how to maximize the effect of signage, promotions, displays, in-¬‐store merchandising and FRESCH expectations. Share this knowledge with Store Directors during store visits and with Area Supervisors during regularly scheduled coordination meetings.
Improve store performance:
* Provide suggestions to the Area Supervisors and Store Directors for merchandising and FRESCH improvements.
* Communicate with Area Supervisors as directed by corporate management and regarding issues observed as needing improvement.
* Counsel with Store Directors following walk-¬‐through and on follow-¬‐up visits to help them understand how improvements will help their store's performance.
Manage Maverik Marketing for assigned geographic area:
* Understand the marketplace in assigned geographic area, including organizations and activities with which Maverik can align for better community integration.
* Become an expert about the customers who live around or shop at each individual store. Use that knowledge to create initiatives that increase visits to the store and to help the store provide enhanced customer experiences.
• Monitor, understand and evaluate competitive options in
the areas surrounding each assigned store.
• Manage assigned field marketing budget to enhance each Maverik store's role in its community, to increase visits to the store and to generate trial of unique Maverik customer offerings
Provide essential communication for key Maverik Managers:
* Provide feedback regarding product performance, market conditions, store realities, promotion performance, test markets, and operational impacts of initiatives to the Segment and FRESCH teams through the Customer Advocate Manager, or directly as appropriate.
* Provide feedback to the Regional Directors regarding observed training needs and potential opportunities for operational improvement through the Customer Advocate Manager or directly as appropriate.
* Attend all Supervisor Meetings, providing feedback and gaining understanding about upcoming promotions and other initiatives.
* Provide communication to Area Supervisors regarding customer knowledge, promotions, new products, services and other information as directed by Segment and FRESCH Directors and coordinated with Regional Directors.
* Prepare a weekly accountability letter for the Customer Advocate Manager recounting the week's activities and results, together with schedule, contacts and upcoming week's plan
Minimum Experience and Degrees Needed for this Employment Adventure:
BA or high degree in Marketing or equivalent experience
2 to 3 yrs of experience in retail sales environment
Market/product merchandising, planning and execution experience
Essential Core Competencies:
Customer awareness and focus
Detail orientated
Demonstrated strong interpersonal management
Conflict resolution ability
Coaching and consensus building expertise
Organization skills
Analytical expertise
Results orientation
Problem solving and solution management
Emulate Maverik's Core Values and SRSE Standards:
o Big Time Thinkers *Senses
o Leader Who Serves *Rewards
o Customer Fanatics *Systems
o Value Drivers *Esteem
o Adventure Guide
Additional Job Requirements:
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Ability to spend at least one to two nights a week away from home on the road depending on the assigned geographic area and stores.
Must reside within the Flagstaff, AZ area.
My response is as follows. Note that they did not include contact information in the original Craigslist post, presumably because they require people with some brainpower to learn how to contact them. Simple enough with a Google Search and a few clicks on the Maverick website.
To whom it may concern,
Their post:
SUMMARY: This position's accountabilities will include:
Know assigned stores and identify areas for improvement:
* Visit and do walk-throughs of assigned stores regularly to observe store operations, to recognize and acknowledge strengths and to identify areas for improvement.
* Work with Store Directors and Adventure Guides to better understand their level of training and expertise, together with the unique characteristics of the store and its customers.
* Use PDI to monitor the performance metrics of all assigned stores, including sales trends by product and category that might signal otherwise unanticipated marketplace changes.
* Understand how to maximize the effect of signage, promotions, displays, in-¬‐store merchandising and FRESCH expectations. Share this knowledge with Store Directors during store visits and with Area Supervisors during regularly scheduled coordination meetings.
Improve store performance:
* Provide suggestions to the Area Supervisors and Store Directors for merchandising and FRESCH improvements.
* Communicate with Area Supervisors as directed by corporate management and regarding issues observed as needing improvement.
* Counsel with Store Directors following walk-¬‐through and on follow-¬‐up visits to help them understand how improvements will help their store's performance.
Manage Maverik Marketing for assigned geographic area:
* Understand the marketplace in assigned geographic area, including organizations and activities with which Maverik can align for better community integration.
* Become an expert about the customers who live around or shop at each individual store. Use that knowledge to create initiatives that increase visits to the store and to help the store provide enhanced customer experiences.
• Monitor, understand and evaluate competitive options in
the areas surrounding each assigned store.
• Manage assigned field marketing budget to enhance each Maverik store's role in its community, to increase visits to the store and to generate trial of unique Maverik customer offerings
Provide essential communication for key Maverik Managers:
* Provide feedback regarding product performance, market conditions, store realities, promotion performance, test markets, and operational impacts of initiatives to the Segment and FRESCH teams through the Customer Advocate Manager, or directly as appropriate.
* Provide feedback to the Regional Directors regarding observed training needs and potential opportunities for operational improvement through the Customer Advocate Manager or directly as appropriate.
* Attend all Supervisor Meetings, providing feedback and gaining understanding about upcoming promotions and other initiatives.
* Provide communication to Area Supervisors regarding customer knowledge, promotions, new products, services and other information as directed by Segment and FRESCH Directors and coordinated with Regional Directors.
* Prepare a weekly accountability letter for the Customer Advocate Manager recounting the week's activities and results, together with schedule, contacts and upcoming week's plan
Minimum Experience and Degrees Needed for this Employment Adventure:
BA or high degree in Marketing or equivalent experience
2 to 3 yrs of experience in retail sales environment
Market/product merchandising, planning and execution experience
Essential Core Competencies:
Customer awareness and focus
Detail orientated
Demonstrated strong interpersonal management
Conflict resolution ability
Coaching and consensus building expertise
Organization skills
Analytical expertise
Results orientation
Problem solving and solution management
Emulate Maverik's Core Values and SRSE Standards:
o Big Time Thinkers *Senses
o Leader Who Serves *Rewards
o Customer Fanatics *Systems
o Value Drivers *Esteem
o Adventure Guide
Additional Job Requirements:
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Ability to spend at least one to two nights a week away from home on the road depending on the assigned geographic area and stores.
Must reside within the Flagstaff, AZ area.
My response is as follows. Note that they did not include contact information in the original Craigslist post, presumably because they require people with some brainpower to learn how to contact them. Simple enough with a Google Search and a few clicks on the Maverick website.
To whom it may concern,
I found the job description for the Customer Advocate position on the Flagstaff Craigslist site.
My name is Matt Beaty. I am a small business owner and marketing student in Flagstaff. In May, I will graduate with two bachelors degrees from NAU.
I frequently find myself playing the role of the amateur customer advocate. During my everyday interactions with companies and advertisements, I often find myself thinking that the organization is wasting their time or their money - that they could get the message across or better serve me as a customer by better understanding better how the customer thinks.
I have a working grasp of marketing principles and how they can best be applied to in-store promotions and published advertisements in new and more effective ways.
I believe I can help Maverick to continue to improve and grow by helping stores at the local level better serve their customers by integrating forward thinking and a personal approach with management and employees at all levels.
As a photographer and an advocate of personal defense, I am very observant and cultivate extreme attention to detail. I tend to notice things most people don't, especially concerning marketing and everyday business practices. I am also very flexible with my schedule and am used to traveling and working away from home.
My current resume is attached and references can be furnished upon request.
I look forward to hearing from you and to working to help Maverick continue to improve.
P.S. The Craigslist post for this position did not include contact information, so I located this address via Google and the Maverick Website. If you're looking for people with initiative, I think that's genius. If it is an oversight, I recommend including the appropriate contact address in the Craigslist post.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
5.11
Another computer-based application today, this time to 5.11
Here's the listing:
In order to be considered for this position, the candidate must meet the minimum qualifications:
image courtesy of 511tactical.com
Job: Social Media CoordinatorHere's the listing:
5.11 Tactical Series creates superior products that enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals. Built on a foundation of durability, quality and value, 5.11 Tactical leads the industry by delivering functionally innovative gear, head to toe. We pride ourselves on designing and marketing functional, practical, durable and comfortable products packed with outstanding value and cutting edge design features that meet and exceed our customers� expectations.
5.11 is currently seeking an experienced and results-driven Social Media Coordinator to work on all social media initiatives. The Social Media Coordinator must have proven experience with blogging, forum interaction, Facebook and Twitter interactions, and social media business development.In order to be considered for this position, the candidate must meet the minimum qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree (BA) in English or Journalism or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in Ecommerce
- Proficient in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
- Proficient in using social media websites (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube)
- Basic HTML and Photoshop experience is preferred
- Background in Journalism and/or English is a plus
The ideal candidate will be willing to take on new challenges, have a proven record for producing results, be willing to learn and grow with the company, and find rewards in increasing market share and providing exceptional service to our valued customers.
We take great pride in our products and our employees. In turn, we desire employees who want to succeed and overcome those challenges others view as impossible.
5.11 provides a competitive salary, an exciting work environment, and a full range of outstanding benefits along with unbridled support to help our employees succeed.
I'm good at social media, building and running blogs and the rest of the social media platforms. I've done some journalism and photojournalism as well. I understand how social media can help a company like 5.11 build brand equity, introduce new products, provide corporate transparency, and generally make the organization more awesome.
Also, I spent several hours today thinking about how to improve on the tactical pants that I've encountered and I would love to be around the people who make things happen. (I'm thinking pants with a climbing harness built-in).
Curiously enough, the 5.11 online application was SUPER easy. They allow a PDF or DOC file upload, their forms were easy to fill out, and once I decided I wanted the job, it only took me a couple minutes to give them my information.
This, compared to Barrett Jackson, which was horrible.
As soon as my resume uploaded and I clicked "Finish," I got an automated email from 5.11 HR informing me that my information had been received.
Quick, easy, and full of high hopes!
*** UPDATE***
1 hour and 3 minutes after receiving my information, 5.11 sent me a "bite me" notice:
love loathe it when computers scan for keywords... because that's exactly what this seems like to me.
*** UPDATE***
1 hour and 3 minutes after receiving my information, 5.11 sent me a "bite me" notice:
Dear Applicant,I
Thank you for responding to our recent advertisement for a Social Media Coordinator.
We were fortunate to receive a number of applications from highly qualified individuals and were pleased that so many valuable candidates were looking to further their careers with 5.11, Inc.
While your skills and experience are quite impressive, we have chosen to pursue other candidates at this time who more closely match the qualifications we are seeking in this position.
We wish you the best of luck on your search and thank you for thinking of 5.11, Inc. in your employment pursuit. We will keep your resume on file and contact you if a position opens for which you are qualified.
5.11 Tactical SeriesHuman Resources Department
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Ruff's Sporting Goods
Have you ever applied for a job you are woefully under-qualified for?
I have.
I just did.
Ruff's Sporting Goods is a gun and hunting supply shop in Flagstaff. I've shopped there a fair few times and I love the staff. Knowledgable, helpful, friendly - pretty much everything you can ask for in a retail shopping experience.
I've always figured the best way to learn something is to do it a LOT. Being around guns, different types of ammunition and support accessories would undoubtedly teach me a lot about the industry and about protection. So, I figured I'd apply for a job (any job) at Ruff's.
Yesterday afternoon I called in and talked to Matt, a gentleman I've purchased from before. After he answered my question about the replacement barrel for my shotgun, I asked if they were hiring. He told me that they are NOT hiring, but I should write down my shooting, retail and military experience and drop off my information at the shop. He informed me that "The powers that be" will go through the pile of information they have already collected before making it known publicly that they are hiring.
Sweet!
This morning I wrote up a quick intro, my relevant experience (minimal) and dropped it off in-person with Matt, the same guy I spoke to yesterday.
I've only been shooting for a couple years, my experience with different types of firearms is very limited, and I basically don't have a shot in hell at getting the job. Still, it can't hurt to get my name out there, give them my information, and poke and prod them to think about a few things that they perhaps haven't put much thought into.
Here is what I gave them, word for word, in front of my resume.
I passionately believe in personal protection. Since my introduction to firearms I have actively pursued learning opportunities as often as possible. I am a quick learner and a motivated worker. The reason I am applying for this job, though there isn’t yet an opening, is to continue my education in firearms. I figure the best way to learn something is by doing it and dealing it every day. I know the staff at Ruff’s to be knowledgeable, personable, and highly motivated. I believe I can make a valuable addition to this team, contributing however my skills are needed, while learning from some of the best.
Generally, my professional experience is in computers, cameras, and the Internet. See my “official” resume, attached.
I run several websites and have done web design for a variety of clients in various industries. I also do social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) consulting for small businesses, focusing on creating and cultivating a dialogue between businesses and customers. My day-job is photographing sports events for Northern Arizona University, where I am the only full-time university-employed photographer. I also run the creative outfitting organization The Visual Collective, LLC in Flagstaff, where I run the business-end of things as well as provide students and community members the opportunity for hands-on creative education.
I see that Ruff’s has a minimal web-presence. If the ownership is agreeable, I would relish the opportunity to discuss ways to increase awareness, personal connection, and (of course) sales by cultivating a strong online presence.
Shooting Experience
I have.
I just did.
Ruff's Sporting Goods is a gun and hunting supply shop in Flagstaff. I've shopped there a fair few times and I love the staff. Knowledgable, helpful, friendly - pretty much everything you can ask for in a retail shopping experience.
I've always figured the best way to learn something is to do it a LOT. Being around guns, different types of ammunition and support accessories would undoubtedly teach me a lot about the industry and about protection. So, I figured I'd apply for a job (any job) at Ruff's.
Yesterday afternoon I called in and talked to Matt, a gentleman I've purchased from before. After he answered my question about the replacement barrel for my shotgun, I asked if they were hiring. He told me that they are NOT hiring, but I should write down my shooting, retail and military experience and drop off my information at the shop. He informed me that "The powers that be" will go through the pile of information they have already collected before making it known publicly that they are hiring.
Sweet!
This morning I wrote up a quick intro, my relevant experience (minimal) and dropped it off in-person with Matt, the same guy I spoke to yesterday.
I've only been shooting for a couple years, my experience with different types of firearms is very limited, and I basically don't have a shot in hell at getting the job. Still, it can't hurt to get my name out there, give them my information, and poke and prod them to think about a few things that they perhaps haven't put much thought into.
Here is what I gave them, word for word, in front of my resume.
Matt Beaty
Chief Executive Manager
The Visual Collective, LLC
(928) 600-3360
beaty.matt@gmail.com
I passionately believe in personal protection. Since my introduction to firearms I have actively pursued learning opportunities as often as possible. I am a quick learner and a motivated worker. The reason I am applying for this job, though there isn’t yet an opening, is to continue my education in firearms. I figure the best way to learn something is by doing it and dealing it every day. I know the staff at Ruff’s to be knowledgeable, personable, and highly motivated. I believe I can make a valuable addition to this team, contributing however my skills are needed, while learning from some of the best.
Generally, my professional experience is in computers, cameras, and the Internet. See my “official” resume, attached.
I run several websites and have done web design for a variety of clients in various industries. I also do social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) consulting for small businesses, focusing on creating and cultivating a dialogue between businesses and customers. My day-job is photographing sports events for Northern Arizona University, where I am the only full-time university-employed photographer. I also run the creative outfitting organization The Visual Collective, LLC in Flagstaff, where I run the business-end of things as well as provide students and community members the opportunity for hands-on creative education.
I see that Ruff’s has a minimal web-presence. If the ownership is agreeable, I would relish the opportunity to discuss ways to increase awareness, personal connection, and (of course) sales by cultivating a strong online presence.
Shooting Experience
- Started shooting in 2009: NRA intro, intermediate, and tactical classes in Colorado with Laran Wilke at Defensive Firearms Training of Colorado
- CCW and Tactical Handgun classes with Mike Manning at Semper Fire in Arizona
- Arizona CCW permit holder
- Bi-weekly personal shooting training exercises
- No traditional retail experience
- In May 2012 I will graduate NAU with a degree in Marketing.
- As a small business owner in Flagstaff, I have extensive experience with personal selling and connecting with customers to better serve their needs.
- I hold veterans and those who are serving now in the highest possible regard, though I have not felt a calling to serve.
- Both my businesses offer active duty military and veteran discounts.
You may notice that I included my non-gun-related work experience. As it happens, Ruff's has a very weak online presence. Their Facebook Place page wasn't made by them, their website has basically nothing on it.
I'm confident that if the ownership made it a priority, they could dramatically increase recognition and sales with a strong online presence. Of course, I'll never get to tell them this if I don't get an interview or a meeting of some kind. Thus - I let them know what I have to offer, especially because my gun-related experience is so limited.
Anyway. That's my job application today. Still looking for other businesses where I can Shake it Up...
The search continues...
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