My Creative Job Search Strategy

I had just finished college, and I wasn't finding a job in my field, so I decided to take a position in retail. However, I wasn't interested in starting out as a cashier, so I checked listings for local big box stores hiring assistant managers.

Naturally, they all wanted relevant experience, but I did not have any to bring to the table, so I had to get creative. One place that was hiring had an on-site one hour photo processing lab, and that gave me an idea.

I went there and purchased a disposable camera, then walked around the store discreetly taking photos of things which could be improved: messy aisles, poor organization, employees goofing off, etc. I finished off the roll and took it the the photo lab for processing.

The photo lab employee was very helpful and friendly, and got me my pictures in less than half an hour. They came out great, and I asked her to get the manager for me so I could pass on my compliments. Managers are often mysteriously unavailable when one has complaints, but they'll come running when you want to say something good.

The manager came down right away, and I started off by praising the great service and quality of the photo lab, while flipping through the pictures as we talked. "What's this?" he asked. There was my opening.

"While I have you here, I also want to talk with you about some aspects of the store which aren't as good as they can be, and what I can do to help you with that." By the end of our conversation, I had been hired directly into the Assistant Manager position with no experience, no references, and no formal interview or application.