5.11

Another computer-based application today, this time to 5.11 

image courtesy of 511tactical.com

Job: Social Media Coordinator
Here's the listing:

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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.

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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:

Dear Applicant,
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

I love loathe it when computers scan for keywords... because that's exactly what this seems like to me. 

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.

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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

Retail Experience

• 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.

Military Experience

• 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.

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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...