Halp.

[oselle]

An old boss of mine has a fairly high-level position at a prominent media company and I really want to contact him about helping me get a job there. Problem is, when he was my boss, I was just his secretary, so he doesn't really know anything about my capabilities in this field...I almost feel like I'd be asking him to give a dishonest recommendation because he never worked with me at that level. Also, the last time I saw him was something like seven years ago. We have mutual friends so we sometimes turn up as cc's on the same emails, and we're connected on LinkedIn, but that's about it.

I suck at networking. Any tips on how to contact this guy without making a complete ass out of myself?

While we're on the subject, there's a small publishing company based in Portland, Maine and I'd love to send them a cold cover letter and resume. It's highly doubtful they'll ever have any positions to fill -- they only publish a couple of magazines and their entire staff is about a dozen people at most. Would it be ridiculous to write to the publisher and just introduce myself and say something along the lines of "if you ever have any openings" etc? Or would I be...making a complete ass out of myself?

Comments

[mariole.livejournal.com]

I've gotten every job in my life through networking, save one. I'd say absolutely contact your old boss, especially if you guys had a good relationship. He'll be aware of your intrinsic values and can put in a good word.

Regarding the cold letter, I've done this as well. It never hurts to let someone know you're interested. I haven't landed a job this way, but I know a guy who has! Good luck.

[martin-rose.livejournal.com]

Give it a go. The worst that can happen is your old boss doesn't do the rec, you won't be any worse off than where you started. People request recommendations all the time from previous employers, you've got the best reason to call him.

When I used to do blind resumes to companies, I used to call and ask them for their office address, letting them know I was sending a res. Depending on what they say when you tell them that, they sometimes can reveal useful info.

Good luck.

[jolielaide.livejournal.com]

I also vote for going for it. It sounds as if you have nothing to lose. If you contact your old boss, you could certainly acknowledge the disparity in the work you did for him seven years ago and the work you're doing now. Maybe you could talk about how the experience you gained working for him helped you grow into your current career, if that's appropriate.

And I think the cold letter is a fine idea as well. Again, you'd be no worse off for having done it, and you could potentially learn more about the publisher and their work culture. You could also consider asking for an informational interview.

Good luck!

[pearlette.livejournal.com]

Go for it, honey. :). I am sure your old boss would not be surprised that you have moved onto a higher level since you worked for him, and 'cold call' letters are always a good idea, IMO, because even if they don't have a vacancy right now, they will register that you are interested in them. So no you would not be making an ass of yourself, I would do both of these things if I were you. :). All the best!

[sistermagpie.livejournal.com]

I would contact your old boss. There's a lot of things you can say about someone in a recommendation if they were an assistant!

Re: letters to the magazine, I work at a magazine with a tiny staff and my boss keeps letters like that she gets from people. I don't know if there's a specific procedure but I think if they were hiring again there'd be no reason they *wouldn't* want to consider you with your qualifications. You'd probably have a slight edge over someone answering a blind ad since you showed interest in the magazine specifically.

[kiltiebum.livejournal.com]

When I was looking for stuff to fluff up my portfolio, I contacted small regional magazines and offered to do an assignment for free. This got me a two day stint with one of them, got my face and work known and another piece for my portfolio. Some months later I used one of the executives as a reference, and got the real job I was after.

Just a thought.

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Do it! Nothing ventured, nothing gained is a true statement, and you can't pass up this chance.

And it would not be ridiculous to send a resume and letter to the company in Portland. From reading your posts, I know that you need a change in the worst way. Go for it.

[zatnikatel.livejournal.com]

Definitely go for it. Every journalism position I’ve had [staff and as a freelance contributor] has been the result of a letter/clips sent in on spec… in my experience most companies are happy not to have to advertise. Good luck…

[merylmarie.livejournal.com]

Putting your name into circulation (along with a beautifully written letter) is always a good thing. Good luck!

[oxer12.livejournal.com]

Absolutely go for it!

[sixth-queen.livejournal.com]

I'm gonna throw my vote in to "go for it" as well.

The cold letter and resume will probably be easier for you since you can mail it and forget it. In-person rejections are a little tougher.

The recommendation doesn't have to be dishonest if the old boss says "she was really good as a secretary, I know she'll do well in X."