When my printer's type began to grow faint, I called a local repair shop where a friendly man informed me that the printer probably needed only to be cleaned. Because the store charged $50 for such cleanings, he told me, I might be better off reading the printer's manual and trying the job myself. Pleasantly surprised by his candor, I asked, "Does your boss know that you discourage business?"

"Actually it's my boss's idea," the employee replied sheepishly. "We usually make more money on repairs if we let people try to fix things themselves first."

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I have been losing patience for the monster.com, et al, job application process. It's a lot of work (I've done nearly fifty apps and cover letters) and only two companies have followed up with me. I think the odds for online apps are stacked too strongly in favor of the company. I'm told that a big company will end up with hundreds of resumes in only twenty-four hours. Not good odds for my resume getting noticed.

I hasten to say that I intend to continue doing apps. Lightening can strike and they are very useful in keeping me in touch with the job world and giving me new ideas. Still, I think I need to add another component.

It occurs to me that friends of mine that are in sales don't wait for a company to advertise "Seeking: One of Your Products." They figure out companies that could use the product, contact them and try to talk them into buying.

For example, a friend I spoke with this week told me about a company called Navteq. These are the people behind Mapquest.com. I'm told that this company is growing substantially. They are a web-based company. They have an interesting product. Probably, they could find a use for someone like me.

I am now looking to build my, as they say in the sales business, 'funnel', a prospect list against which I will conduct a sales campaign. (Sales people and sales training friends, get ready to be hit up for practical advice.)

So, I am now looking for ideas for companies that could use my service. It does not need to be a technology company, probably better if it's not. You've been able to look at my cover letters and new resume stories. I can do most of these things for any company. My only constraints are that the company needs to be able to deal with a creative person and there needs to be something interesting about the company (mainly so that I can figure out something to say to them). If you know a contact at the target company, so much the better, but that's not the point either.

Sincerely,

tqii

Google contacted me! I have applied for two jobs in the sales office they are building in Chicago to no avail. Then, Tuesday I get an email message from a lady at Google saying that she found my resume and wonders if I am interested in a particular job (description was enclosed and it's neither of those I applied to). I left her voicemail then wrote a letter (here). Then she called and did a screening interview. Would I move to Walnut Creek, CA? Absolutely!!! (Who knows how I would deal with that but if Google calls, TQ says Yes! I'll make it happen.) It all went well, she was going to have the manager call me.

Instead, a couple of days later, she calls back and very nicely tells me that the manager says that I would be bored to tears by this job and it doesn't pay anywhere near enough to make relocating sensible. Plan B kicks in and I asked her if there was any way she could help me with the Chicago apps but she couldn't. Now, this might sound like a bummer but I have to tell you. It was not. I was elated that I had this near miss. The fact that Google paid attention was a huge validation for what I am doing.

Now I need to redouble my efforts to get attention from the new Chicago office.

Another excellent thing: My larger freelance project came through. It's a couple of months work. Happy face everywhere.

Oh! Also, one of you came up with a connection into Orbitz to a friend that has worked there for several years. I made a website for the guy with a cover letter (here) and sent it as a letter. I haven't heard anything from him yet but have high hopes.

It was a quiet week on the application front. Instead, I actually spent a couple of days doing freelance work. Not a big deal, but it was nice to get out and accomplish something. The job hunt life is very abstract. Lots of apps and communication, little to show for it - until, of course, the big job comes through.