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What is the best way for a veteran to schedule an informal interview with you?

Veteran

Wayne Banks San Francisco, CA

Some prefer to be direct and to the point, and others prefer a relationship that may or may not lead to your next job opportunity. I value relationships, but everyone doesn't have the same time and or timeline that I have. What is the best way for me or other veterans to interact with you.

10 April 2020 4 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Jeff Martin Ashburn, VA

A lot of companies are looking for people who can build and maintain relationships more than someone that has the requisite skills. Companies can teach an employee new skills but it’s much harder for a company to teach an employee how to build productive relationships. I’d recommend a balanced approach for you in your job search. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Advisor

Henry ("Dr. Hank") Stevens Fort Lauderdale, FL

Ask for an "informational interview" that is associated with a subject/career you are researching. Indicate that a date and time to meet, convenient to your target/person, is acceptable. That is, you are seeking to get better educated about what it means to be a . . . . . . in their company.

Your question is a bit nebulous so I will just assume the mater relates to "materials management" in a healthcare setting, but it could be anything. Your pitch could sound like this, for example,

"Hospitals are complex organization and controlling inventory is quite an art and science. I would appreciate the opportunity to talk in person with you about how to run an efficient hospital Purchasing Department. I am particularly interested in the process associated with the establishment of par levels. I am available at any time and will conform to your schedule. You may call me at . . . . . "

You get the drift.

The other (or additional) way is to identify a local chapter of, in this example, an association of hospital purchasing agents, find out when and where they meet, identify their leadership, and seek to go to one of their meetings. There, you will have a great opportunity to learn and get exposed. Have copies of your resume AVAILABLE, should someone ask you for it but don't make it appear that you seek employment.

Advisor

Katie Tovar Locust Grove, VA

I think you can build a relationship while being direct. As a recruiter I speak to dozens of people at the same time. I truly enjoy getting to know them, and it’s easier for me to build a positive relationship knowing what they are looking for/need upfront. That way the rest of the process is checking in on how the candidate is doing, and it doesn’t have to solely feel like business.

Advisor

Joshua Heimann New York, NY

Call me or email me...Be persistent!

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