Thoughts on unsolicited resumes.

[Alteaon]

Hello,

I am curious about everyone's thoughts on sending out resumes unsolicited. My thinking is that many offices may have a position they are trying to fill that hasn't been posted.

Is this bad business ettiquette? Is it going to show initiative or is it going to come across as pushy?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be awesome!

Thanks much

[Johns]

I think it's a great idea.

If one of my opticians accidentally gets sucked into the edger, it's nice to be able to go to the resume file and see who might be a decent replacement.

[k12311997]

I don't know how many places are looking that don't advertise, but if your timing is right and your resume looks good. the biggest problem I see is if you're currently employed, optical is a small comunity you might send it to some one who knows your boss and you might go from testing the waters to treading water.

[Chris Ryser]

Sending resumees is like advertising. There is only a certain percentage even looked at. Of that percentage only small % will even react.
You will have to send out a huge quantity to get a small reaction.

[Jacqui]

I throw them away

[scriptfiller]

Well..

Not a unsolicited resume, but, an unsolicited job interview is the reason I am where I have been for the last +13 years.

Saw the store being built, when it opened stepped in with resume' in hand and asked if they were needing some help and the rest is history.

Initiative is sometimes seen positively by employers.

[optical24/7]

I don't know how many places are looking that don't advertise, but if your timing is right and your resume looks good. the biggest problem I see is if you're currently employed, optical is a small comunity you might send it to some one who knows your boss and you might go from testing the waters to treading water.

I've never advertised. The good locations/jobs don't need to. As you say, the optical community is small. I go by referals to vet candidates. If you get well enough known in your community you may have employers offer you jobs. (As happened in my current position.)

[opty4062]

When we were first married we moved around a lot. In those years the only jobs I got were from unsolicited resumes. I stayed home with the kids for a few years, got my L.D.O. then sent out another huge batch when the youngest went to school. It worked, even in our small community, to secure my current position. As to our office, we keep a file of resumes at all times, cause you just never know.

[Johns]

It takes guts to put it "all out there" by giving unsolicited resumes.

That's the kind of person I want working for me.

[Alteaon]

Thank you for everyone's thoughts. I have been looking at posted job opportunities as well, but have a hard time believing only chains are looking. I am going to take the risk and send some out. If I was the person to recieve it, I'd see it as showing initiative.

[Java99]

I like them if they are handed to me in person. I don't like them coming in the mail or by fax. The way I see it, if you want to job you should be willing to drive to where we are. Also, I get to see if you showed up in a halter top and cut off short shorts, or dressed like you want a job.

[optical24/7]

Walk in and talk to owners as much as you can too. Sometimes you can even *create* a job. An example would be if you're a top self bench man, you can bring finishing lab operation to a location without it. Jobs like that are out there. Find a need and fill it. Good luck, I hope your search goes well.

[RT]

Wayne Gretzky said "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take".

[AustinEyewear]

Wayne Gretzky said "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take".

I think it shows initiative. Just don't expect to sit and chat, be courteous and drop it off efficiently or even email it. What ever you do, don't Google for opticals in the surrounding area and then click on their Google ad - it costs them money and may upset them if they monitor that activity.