Lessons Learned from a "Hire Me" Campaign

We've all heard the stories of job seekers who choose to go "bold" with a public search strategy. This is an evaluation of one such "hire me" campaign from the job seeker's perspective. This post is also a follow-up to my March piece,  "A Tale of Two Hire Me Campaigns,"  in which I compared two very different "guerrilla job search" web-based campaigns: MyHusbandNeedsaJob.com and TwitterShouldHireMe.com.

Both websites received a lot of national attention:

MyHusbandNeedsaJob.com was featured on CNN online and reported interest from Oprah and Dr.Phil.

Jamie Varon, the creator of TwitterShouldHireMe.com has been featured in Fortune Magazine, interviewed by CNN, and had talks with the Ellen Show. (She had a great lunch at Twitter, and is now establishing her own business after fielding several employment offers.)

Obviously, "Hire Me" campaigns such as these initiatives are not for the shy or the reserved: they are risky and require bravado and transparency. As such, I thought I'd ask one of our protagonists:  Is there a price to pay for all of this sudden attention? Has it been worth it? What do you wish you had known?

Here is my interview with Jamie Varon, creator of TwitterShouldHireMe.com.

Jamie, Chris Brogan recently wrote a post on the rise of microfame or the ability to use social media platforms to become famous within your area of expertise or for something you've done.  Jamie, with all the attention you've received, I believe you've achieved microfame. A few questions:

1. Were you prepared for the surge of attention--and microfame--that came with the debut of "TwitterShouldHireMe.com"?

I wouldn't say that I was exactly prepared, but I wasn't unprepared as well. I was hoping that it would take off the way that it did, but I wasn't expecting it. It made it a pleasant surprise that it did launch and gather so much attention.

2. How did you deal with the traffic? What were the hardest things about it?

The traffic was intensely exciting. The hard part was dealing with the critics and a lot of the anonymous comments that were posted on the site. I had to moderate a bit and for a few days I held my breath every time I checked the comments. Some were just downright cruel and inappropriate. I tried to handle it as best I could, but it definitely got to me.

3. Is there anything that you wish someone had told you, but weren't prepared for?

I wish there was a way to know how to capitalize on and utilize microfame. It's very exciting while it's happening, but difficult to translate into anything lasting. That would have been nice to know.

4. Would you do it again?

Absolutely, no doubt, 100% yes.

5. What would you do differently?

I would have created something that would be more lasting. There's not much more I can do with the site and there's not much I can update there. It's difficult to see all that traffic come and then go, because I didn't find a great way to keep them in any one place.

6. What advice would you have for someone else attempting an aggressive "hire me" campaign? Do you recommend the "public" approach (the path you took)? Do you have other suggestions as well that might suit more reserved job seekers?

I think that a public, aggressive "hire me" campaign should be used with caution and should fit the context of the position you are looking for. Sometimes this approach just doesn't suit the industry or position one is searching for, so in this respect, standing out publicly like I did wouldn't be the best option.

For more reserved job seekers, I would suggest becoming clear on what position or industry you want to be in (preferably be clear on both!) and then zone in on how to get their attention. Too often people scatter their job searching efforts instead of focus and they end up spreading themselves thin and probably not getting the job they want.

7. What's your favorite one sentence piece of career advice?

There's always going to be a reason to settle, so don't start today.

I expect we'll be hearing more from Jamie Varon in years to come. In the interim, check out her company Shatterboxx and her personal blog, Intersected. (And Jamie, thanks for sharing.)

Have you tried a "hire me" campaign? If yes, any additional suggestions to share?

Comments

[Andrea]

I think one of the things Jamie eventually did well in her "hire me" campaign was give Twitter some thoughtful detail about WHY they should hire her. Her posts offered insight into their business model, and some detail on her skill set. While she ultimately wasn't hired, she demonstrated one of the things a lot of job seekers need to do more of --- offering PROOF to illustrate the skills required in the position. Whether you go out on a limb with a very public plea for an interview, or simply send a cover letter and resume, to get the best results, make sure to back up your qualifications with proof. It’s not enough to say you have leadership experience. The President of the United States and a 6th grade hall monitor have leadership experience, but you wouldn’t be indifferent between hiring the two for a leadership role. Be specific. “Show” your skills through details and impact-focused supporting statements, whether it’s on a public “Hire Me” blog, on your resume, or in an interview.

Andrea
http://www.gottamentor.com

[Tim]

I have never tried a "hire me" campaign, but I do remember bookmarking a blog post called "My Blog is My Resume" a few years ago. I started my own blog, not for any specific campaign. But, in the back of my mind, I write my posts under the assumption that a prospective employer might read my work. I am currently "in transition" but I am not sure, at this point how much it will help me get any job.

I do know that it will help me gain a greater understanding of SEO, social marketing, analytics, etc. which might come in handy as a marketing professional that is trying to stay relevant in the market.

[Chandlee]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

Andrea: Great tips. I, too, think being specific about what you've done and impact is very helpful.

Tim: According to the latest ExecuNet research on Digital Dirt, 86% of employers now research employees online. I think it's great that you are blogging and sharing your expertise--make sure you advertise those posts on Twitter with a TinyURL!

Wishing you both success,
Chandlee

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