There is a lot of plastic that plays into a successful job search. No, the job you’re searching for doesn’t have to be at a Vitamin Water bottling company to be considered a plastic job search. It’s the items and uses of plastic that get you the job you want. Below are five plastic items used to secure a job in the Silicon Valley, Silicon Alley, or Austin, TX.1. Credit card. Since you don’t have a job you’ll be living off your credit cards until they are maxed. Then you’ll call and ask for a credit increase. You’ll also use credit cards while networking, taking the train to interviews, and taking people out to lunch. These things aren’t free and the only way to get a job in your chosen field is to get close to it through people and interviews. And this you’ll have to pay for with plastic, because you don't have a job and you're broke.
2. Cell phone. Dialing for dollars is one of the oldest job hunting methods around. You’ll look through the phone book for a list of companies where you could work, or search company listings online and then make the calls on your plastic cell phone. Writing out what you want to say ahead of time helps, but really it’s just making contact. The phone is also cheaper and faster than going to each employer and knocking on their door.
3. Computer. Typewriters are hard to come by so you’ll use a computer to type out your resume and cover letter. You’ll also use the plastic computer to go online and search for job openings and send emails to contacts and hiring managers. If you secure a job interview you’ll print from your plastic computer to your plastic printer and take a copy of your resume and cover letter with you. The person you are interviewing with should have a copy of each, but if they are a bone head and forgot it, pull out your copies – you’ll look good.
4. Buttons. Dressing the part of a job hunter and someone who could mesh with a given company’s culture is a tough wire to walk. If you’re job hunting in cities such as San Francisco, LA, NY maybe even Miami, what you wear is huge. Especially if it’s a marketing agency or internet company that needs to stay ahead of the cool curve by keeping their finger on the pulse. If you’re not cool and they are, just act completely stupid and hopefully one of the odd balls interviewing you will think you’re entertaining and want to hire you.
5. Smile. Preparing a plastic smile before interviews is a must. But that smile can't be empty, it has to be attached to enthusiasm. Employers want to hire someone who is excited about the job they are interviewing for. They want someone who will work long hours and motivate others to do the same. They want someone who is energetic and upbeat. I worked with someone like this. They always walked around pumping everyone up and acting very enthusiastic. After three months they were fired. Come to find out they didn’t produce an ounce of work. Sadly though, this is often proven after the person is hired. So pull out your plastic smile, and put on some lipstick to make the lips look bigger if necessary.
Using these plastic tips well will determine the success of your job search. And remember, it’s the items and uses of plastic that get you the job you want.
