I talked to a high-school reference over the weekend (we’ve never actually met, hes 8 years older) who said he was trying to fill a position where he works, an asset-mgmt related type of place (its a subsidiary of a much bigger firm); The neurotic question is, any thoughts on how long it takes him to discuss my resume with some other people at the firm and set up an itinerary? Could I assume that because we have a “connection” he would give me an interview even if the job is filled out of pity? I ask because I don’t know how it works when you are looking to hire somebody that is a personal reference, and how similar the process is to hiring an unknown candidate.
This is not only neurotic it’s pathetic. A connection telling yuo “sure, I’ll ask around send me a resume” doesn’t mean squat
What’s a highschool reference?
Unfortunately, “passing around a resume” often doesn’t mean anything. However, if you have a connection, it is possible you might come in for an informational interview to ask about the company and what kinds of positions they are looking for and how your skills might fit into them. Call him up and say that you are interested in learning about his firm and just having an informational talk over coffee. I have had informational interviews turn into real job interviews (usually with a colleague of the informational interview guy) at some point down the line. Just tread carefully, when you ask for an informational interview, you are tacitly promising that you are not going to pressure the interviewer for a job (though if the interviewer brings up a position, you can mention that you’d be interested).
It depends on how the company treats internal references and to what extent the guy is actually referring you. I got my current job because a friend referred me, but he knows me well and he knows that I am very unlikely to screw up in a way that reflects poorly on him. This company is apparently all about internal references (it’s a small-time high-end equity management firm) so they had me in for an interview almost immediately. Even though I didn’t fit the job too too well, I still ended up getting the job. Moral of the story? Referrals can take you a long way, but it really depends. If you really want the job, the best (/only) thing you can do is get your “high school reference” on the horn and ask him about the company and the position (but follow bchadwick’s advice). This serves two functions: 1) You learn more about your own willingness to accept the job and 2) The people in whose hands your fate ultimately lies end up learning a little something about you.
it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing
How do you know this guy? When he graduated from high school you were 10 years old.
We rarely hire with a traditional ad and collecting resumes, we walk around in our network and contact the people we would love to see in the position.
Spitzer hires people that way - “Hmm, who would I love to see in that position…”
numi Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing Ain’t no thiiiiing but a g-string on a chicken wing!
haha btw zim did you get my email
numi Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > haha > btw zim did you get my email Numi, Yes…sorry man, got your e-mail last week. I was holed up studying all week and figured you might still be busy with the move, Easter, family, etc. Will set up a call with you in the near future. Thanks!
hey dude no worries, no need to reply. we can catch up whenever. just wanted to make sure you got my note. good luck with the studies!