Instant Interviews: 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life

Chapter 57. Learning to Play Ball from the Blue Crew

This Do is an interview incentive for you.

Relax for a minute and I'll tell you a story.

Bev and I recently celebrated our thirty-sixth anniversary. (I'm still working on it—second marriage and all.) Bev had never been to a baseball game, so I drove up to Dodger Stadium to get the best seats and scope out the place for the big day. (Advance sleuthing is optional for instant interviewers but mandatory for lifetime lovers.)

Calling or e-mailing the Dodgers is like calling or e-mailing any business these days. If you want to get anything done, I don't suggest it. Basic information (like office hours and directions), fine. But I didn't know any first or last names of execs, and certainly couldn't penetrate deep enough with a cell phone or laptop.

Phones are better for interrupting than interviewing. Don't try to phone an interview in. You've got to be there. Show up.

So I took down the office hours and directions and drove down to the stadium. I was surprised that on a weekday in the middle of the season, nobody was there looking for work.

I overheard the receptionist giving callers instructions on how to apply for a job either in person or online. So I asked her why nobody was applying in person. Her reply: "They just apply online, I guess, and we send them an automatic e-mail confirmation."

This is why opportunity is smashing down your door. Employers don't expect walk-ins because there aren't any. Jobseekers don't venture out.

Then a short, ...