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...