1) I chose Facebook for ads because it was unconventional, cheap, highly targeted and offered solid performance metrics. I targeted all Microsoft [one of his target companies] employees nationwide. Given that cost per click was so low, that I could manipulate my bid price and put a cap on it for the day I saw no sense in on limiting how wide I cast my net inside the company — you never know where help will come from. Besides, I'm open to relocation so geography wasn't a concern.]]>2) At first when I was piloting the technique I wanted to see if it would garner any response at all (which it certainly did). I targeted a few select companies that I felt would be a good fit for my skills and interests but which may not be actively recruiting (Microsoft, YouTube, Netflix, Apple and IDEO). Essentially, I was hoping to be in the right virtual place at the right time for someone to recognize me as a great fit. I'm a realist, so I didn't want to place my bets all on one company but I chose this targeted method because I'm very focused on connecting with the right organization where I feel my unique background will create value.
3) When you consider this little experiment in unconventional job hunting took maybe a half hour of my time and less than $50 in expense, it's been wildly successful. My ad got over 50K impressions, over 500 clicks, and more than 20 people contacted me directly offering everything from a LinkedIn connection to the email addresses of recruiters to sending me the job description for specific roles in their division that they offered to submit my resume for. Because of the innovative nature of the technique I've also received requests from reporters/bloggers wanting to write about me. Considering my level of investment and the fact that I only need one job, I'd say this was pretty successful.
What are you talking about? If I'm unemployed, am I going to be thinking, "Hey, let me stay out of the job market awhile to give everyone else a head start on me." I'm so sorry you're annoyed by the success of others. Fact is, even if I have a lot of money saved up, and to live comfortably, I'm not going to drain through my savings when I could be finding work, even at lower wages, so I don't burn through all my assets. If he takes a job, will it be one someone else could have had? Obviously. Maybe we should all hate him for taking away a job from some mysterious other people who were vying for the same job, because this guy doesn't "need" it. Oh wait, do you think maybe it's because all the other applicants weren't as qualified/marketable? Nah...
]]>Anyway, it looks good on the resume, but depending on the job, working for Microsoft is a lot like working at pretty much any decent large company.
]]>I would think that part of this guys appeal is his ingenuity. He shows he is creative and thinks "outside the box." He is well qualified, and used a system that was already in place to his benefit. I give kudos, and am now waiting for an innundation (sp?) of personal job seeking ads all over my page.
]]>Neither of those are English degrees. His grammar and punctuation uses may not have been perfect, but I had no trouble understanding what he was expressing. Also, it looks like that was taken from a blog or email - both casual forms of communication.
]]>Yes, but there can never be too many. Enough about the post, though...let's talk about your qualifications again...
]]>This guy's an MBA/MFA, and his grammar and punctuation are that poor? This is a stinging indictment of our educational system... Where did he get those degrees -- at Sam's Club???
]]>@rhpot1991: Using adblock software is taking advantage of a site that is giving you something for free. Their soul method of income is ad revenue, by blocking those ad's you are basically trying to get rid of something you use.
]]>Is it just me or does he look a lot like Simon Cowell?
]]>John Doe
Potential Employee
All you do is click the thumbs down on every ad for a product (like weight-loss) that you don't like and give 'offensive' as the reason. It takes a little while, but I don't see those ads anymore.
]]>•Video game development for "World of Warcraft" designer Rob Pardo.
Feature-Film Project Highlights:
•Developed a sequel to "Aladdin", the $500M+ grossing animated film, for Disney.
Is the job market REALLY that hard for people like this?
I think the wrong picture is being drawn for this guy. I thought he was just a regular person who was ready to try anything to get hired since he had no/little experience, but it looks like this guy has had TONS of work. I think I'm actually a little annoyed this guy found work work this way, when someone else could have used a break! I'm not jealous! I just think he could have gone by a few more months without a job, unlike all the other smart people I know without jobs :(
oh well, props for him, he thought of it.
]]>That's how this relates to consumerist. I think this is a fake person.
]]>When you consider this little experiment in unconventional job hunting took maybe a half hour of my time and less than $50 in expense, it's been wildly successful.
]]>@Simply_J: Microsoft is indeed hiring. The layoffs affected specific divisions and positions no longer deemed necessary, etc. Have heard this from a few folks affected that work there, so it seems plausible. Doesn't make sense to pay two folks to do one job unless the work requires both people.
]]>/me loves his adblock plus
]]>For the $50 he invested in his job search, he got some serious return. His ad says he has a strong media background. I might add marketing to that, if they can't figure that out already.
]]>Did he land a job?
]]>Anyone hiring?
]]>@nakedscience: You have it right. Not only is this technique (potentially) getting direct responses, it is also getting indirect responses. Finally, a good use for social networking sites, professional networking.
]]>I wish I was a jobless guy with money to buy ads! :p
]]>@Etoiles:
I've totally had the same thing happen to me; it's a little creepy, honestly.
]]>@Simply_J: Companies that lay off people -- even in large numbers -- aren't necessarily NOT hiring. Other positions may be open, they may be hiring at lower rates than the employees they had before, etc. OR, someone at Microsoft could see the add, know about a company related to the same field that IS hiring, and bingo!
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One of my old high schoolmates (and Facebook friend) currently works for Microsoft. The company recently did a round of layoffs. So unless this guy is bringing exceptional skills to the table and/or is willing to work cheap, his chances of working at Microsoft are slim. He does get kudos for his out of the box job hunt approach.
]]>@Cat_In_A_Hat: Indeed, he is a brilliant self-marketing tool.
]]>@calquist: No way. Myspace was the worst. Popups, ads that make loud noises, large flash animations, etc.
]]>oh wait. those ads are already there, aren't they?
]]>Brilliant self marketing tool. I wonder how many people will follow suit. "I want to be the next President of the United States. Please click here to vote for me."
]]>