Is this being too forward?
J.T. O’Donnell & Dale Dauten Dear J.T. & Dale: I was waitering at a big corporate event, and the CEO of a company I'd like to work for was sitting at my table. I chatted him up a bit, and he even said, "I like your energy." Do you think I could reach out to him about working for his company, or is that too forward? -- Nolan DALE: Your question suggests to me, Nolan, that you think like I do. I am, at heart, still an unassuming Midwestern schoolboy. And I fight it. After all, I've learned that successful people would never ask, "Is it too forward?" No, they wouldn't hesitate; or, maybe they would ask, "What's the downside?" And to ask is to answer, because clearly there isn't one. J.T.: It is a huge compliment that the CEO told you he liked your energy. CEOs tend not to give compliments lightly. I
suggest that you write him a letter offering three reasons why you admire his company and would like to work there. Make sure you focus on what the company does well so that you can prove that you've done your homework. Then, mail it directly to him. This will help you stand out from a sea of paperwork. By sending a personal letter, you are showing your follow-through and resourcefulness. I would then wait two weeks and call the company. Ask to speak to his executive assistant. Explain the situation and ask for advice on how you could follow up. Now, make that call, knowing that you most likely will be told that he is not available -- but hopefully, your note will have made an impression and the executive assistant will pass it along to the HR department. You have to be willing to put yourself out there in order to get noticed. DALE: It's a long shot, but what good thing isn't? I can tell you that it worked for me. Early in my career I sat next to the president of a Fortune 100 company at a banquet and later sent a letter. He never replied. No, he did something better: He routed my letter to HR. They called me for an interview, and the HR person told me
that they didn't hire people like me (blah, blah) but, because "I knew the president," he was arranging for me to meet the head of the research department. In other words, he had zero interest in me, but was covering himself on the off chance that the president ever asked about me. I hit it off with the research guy and got the offer. Maybe it'll work for you, too. Executives love to tell stories of how they spotted talent. *** Dear J.T. & Dale: I got let go from a job recently. My girlfriend works at the company. There is a picnic coming up, and everyone is invited to bring their significant others. She wants me to go, but I feel stupid going since I was fired for poor performance. -- Kirk J.T.: I think you have to do what is best for you. If you don't feel you can put the termination aside and go and have a good time, then you won't be the only one who is uncomfortable: Those around you will feel uncomfortable, too. DALE: Wait. Let's not get into contagious discomforting. Your former coworkers still like you and want to see you. Don't let them think you're cowering under the bedcovers, or that you resent them.
No, go and let them get over their "survivor guilt." Enjoy yourself, for their sake. And, by the way, you may need some of those colleagues to give you recommendations or connections. J.T.: I do agree that it could be an opportunity to show them your professionalism and character. Keep in mind, it's a small world when it comes to networking. If you put on a smile and act in a positive manner, one of these co-workers might admire you so much that he or she would be willing to refer you to one of his or her friends who may have an open position. It is all up to you and how you interpret the situation. *** Jeanine "J.T." Tanner O'Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com. Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019. (c) 2016 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.