Has anyone ever tried just looking for a job the old fashioned way?

92 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 3:24PM UTC

   Even McDonald's is online or text "job" to 12345

   Temp agencies want online as well.

   You can try the old way. Good luck.

2. AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 4:02PM UTC

   I've not done that since maybe I was in high school? And I graduated...well...over 30 years ago.

   In the last 15 years, the couple of different offices I worked at, people did occasionally show up to drop their resumes. However, first company, people would show up to provide their resumes, but quite apparently they did zero research on the company as they thought we were health care (we weren't) and usually were applying for nursing-type jobs. Second company, entirely different industry, but would get us mixed up with another local employer who had a similar name to my company's old name. Long story short: in both cases, the individuals applying didn't do research and while we would point them in the right direction, that's not really a good first impression.

   Secondly, given the times we live in, many employers are now in a secure building. You can't just wander in unannounced.

   Alternatively, if that is the way you want to go about it, what I have seen some people do - research the company your interested in, find out who is in a position of influence in a department you are interested in working in, reach out to them directly (good old fashioned snail mail), provide them with a personalized cover letter and a great looking resume.

3. AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 4:19PM UTC

   Yes, and the response is "you have to apply online." They won't even take the resume. I've even waited for them to call someone with authority, to be told the same.

4. Bridget HarringtonAugust 9,2023 at 5:56PM UTC

   Given security concerns these days, you'd be hard-pressed to find a company that would let you just walk right in. And even if you do, a receptionist/gatekeeper will stop you. The larger the company, the greater the likelihood is of this. It's seen as "stalker-ish" and will paint you as someone who is naive and doesn't understand how things are done.

   One of the things you need to be mindful of is how things have changed in the last 15, 20+ years. I'm saying this as someone in her 50s who has watched technology and business change quickly over 30 years in business. You can do things out of the box, but understand how things are done NOW. I got my first job in 1985, walking into a business that had a handwritten "Receptionist Wanted" sign on the door. That is rarely done now and is not done at all for non-service/office jobs. I'm convinced that 99% of what gets blamed as "ageism" is really a case of the person not being with the times. Not understanding tech. Not appearing current in dress or behavior. Not being able to fit into the new landscape. And it's ALL correctable.

   Companies want you to apply online. Part of that is how HR screens nowadays. One more thing that is automated. However, you can go onto LinkedIn and connect with others who can help you build relationships or make introductions to get into companies. If you are not on LinkedIn, you will be dismissed as being "not in touch." LinkedIn is like Facebook for business. You can also do research on companies - who the players are, what their pain points are - and write "proposal letters" via email to decision-makers. Look on their websites and see what jobs they hire for - maybe you offer something they need. If you can establish communication, you can ask for a meeting. I've gotten a few jobs and projects this way. If you can demonstrate that you have something they need, they will listen. Business email also has etiquette attached....read up on that.

   Industry events are big places to meet people, too. Trade shows. After work mixers. Job fairs. Get connected on social media and LinkedIn with the companies and industries that interest you. Show up at these events and talk to people. That is where your "making an impression" can come in.

   About paper...as someone who was trained in the graphic arts/photography and is very visual and tactile...I LOOOOVE paper. I very much appreciate a fine bond or handmade sheet, and I am a font nerd. Nowadays, unless they are a creative or an old-school soul, most prefer electronic. They want your resume as a PDF or better yet, a QR code that they can scan and view on their phone/device. When I go to interviews, I have a copy of my resume on the fine paper I love, but it's more of a classy, personalized touch that speaks to who I am on a human level. The person would have seen my electronic copy beforehand.

5. AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 6:16PM UTC

   The new face to face introduction is done through networking events, professional organizations, conferences and workshops

6. AnonymousAugust 9,2023 at 6:45PM UTC

   There are reasons we don't ride horse and buggies anymore.

   There are just too many better and more efficient ways to connect with employers. Networking has evolved light years in the past 20 years.

7. Looking for a changeAugust 9,2023 at 8:38PM UTC

   I wouldn’t walk in. I would apply on line possibly with a cover letter that shows you read the job description. As everyone else has said no one wants you to walk in unannounced with a resume.

8. Jacqueline CutlerAugust 10,2023 at 1:34PM UTC

   Maybe if it is a small shop with a sign "Hekp Wanted" in the window, then you can walk in. But to an office? No.

   I can see how it might look as if you have gumption. It can also look as if you don't understand basic work boundaries.

   It's expecting people to drop whatever they were doing to meet you, make small talk, and accept the resume. It's an interruption, no one is prepared to meet you, and you don't know if a job is available. Overall, I would not.

9. AnonymousAugust 10,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

   I tried it but with no success. Everyone is taking electronic applications now. If any company doesn't, I wouldn't want to work for them because they have not kept up with technology. I don't mean to sound snooty, but when I started my last job, they kept client records on paper. When things got misfiled, it was impossible to find anything. About three years in, they began scanning the paper records and converted them to an electronic client management system. Now, even the most hard-core opponents of going digital do not want to return to the "good-old-fashioned" ways of doing things.

10. AnonymousAugust 10,2023 at 1:53PM UTC

    For myself, I would see it as trying to cut in line with the applicants that have applied online. Also, I am but one in the hiring committee, we do everything on our HRSI, and all notes pertaining to the candidate, their resume, etc are in the same spot, so by walking in you'd be making more work for me, as I'd have to add you to the system anyways.

11. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 4:08PM UTC

    Well that's where PEOPLE SKILLS come in. If it's your job to fill a position, then do it well and fill it with the best candidate. Who cares if it takes you a few minutes to scan the paper resume into the system. The candidate can still submit their application on line so it's in your system. Could end up being your future boss!!

12. Dcre1977August 17,2023 at 6:33PM UTC

    Or more likely could be a huge waste of time.

13. AnonymousAugust 10,2023 at 3:06PM UTC

    As a hiring manager, I think this sends a message that you are out of tune with how business is done these days - unless a small or retail-like company. It is disruptive to HR and hiring managers to walk away from what they are doing, so most don’t. Since Covid, companies want as few people walking in as possible. And, they want all resumes in their tracking system for reporting purposes.

    instead, create a very targeted email to a company and executive and pitch why they need this position and why you. Good luck!

14. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachAugust 10,2023 at 3:08PM UTC

    I actually had a colleague who got in the door this way- probably around 2010 or a few years earlier.
    It can work, but it takes a lot of time and in this era you may not get past security.

    Also, as a hiring manager I really disliked when someone gave me a paper resume-- all the applications were electronic. If I didn't have a soft copy, I then had to scan said resume and it was just annoying. That's me- I don't like paper resumes when actively running a search.

    If I wasn't actively searching and an amazing person came up to me, I might take notice, but can't say it ever happened. And even if I noticed, it could have been months or years till I was looking for someone with their skill set. I'd rather be asked for an information interview, via email or phone call than having someone show up at my office with a resume in hand.

    So, I recommend meeting people in other ways- attend relevant professional or networking events and make an impression there.

15. AnonymousAugust 10,2023 at 4:55PM UTC

    Just follow the application instructions. If it says to apply online, then apply online. If it says to submit your resume and cover letter, than do that. Don't recreate the wheel, don't try to be cutesy about this. Take the path of least resistance and follow the guidelines. There are so many other ways to differentiate yourself. Channel your job search efforts elsewhere.

16. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 4:02PM UTC

    Once in a while in person resume drop off is successful. Even if only 1%, it may be ME. So I'm willing to take that chance. Gets me out from the drudgery of sitting at my computer so long submitting on line applications too!

17. Alicia PiconeAugust 11,2023 at 12:19PM UTC

    Not since circa 2001, and even then, only for a food service or small mom and pop retail job.

    Otherwise, everyone uses ATS - even if you hand your resume to someone, you will be instructed to apply through their ATS AFTER the job is posted.

    Most companies even require this of internal candidates.

18. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 12:23PM UTC

    I was all for dropping off a résumé at a potential targeted employer, but with security the way it is after 911, you can’t get past security in many cases to even get in to the reception area of a company.

19. Loretta ChadwickAugust 11,2023 at 12:27PM UTC

    I’ll just throw this out there… I see clearly how technology has changed the way many things are done today. Some view every new thing as exciting and run with it! News flash… not every new thing is a good thing! These hiring folks that want everything done online so they can quickly run a program to scan for certain keywords… how’s turnover in the company since doing this? Are you confident you’re getting the right person for the job and not missing the best person for the job? Many looking for work hire someone to create their resume or use an online tool to create it… the result is quite generic and lacks individuality. There are many things wrong with the “newest way of doing things” but no one wants to admit it. Instead, just keep following the trends and keep getting unsatisfactory results because otherwise you’ll be viewed as a disrupter. I suppose that’s job security though as you keep having to fill the same position over and over again in hopes of magically finding the best person for it!

20. Lorraine HerreraAugust 11,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

    I see a lot of trouble with just allowing a machine to make the selection. For example the person could have a gap or not have certain certifications you expect for their experience, but turns out that maybe was for health reasons or any other valid reason that just means is a very hard worker if could maintain a career under those circumstances, means they really care and are really good. The machine doesn’t see that and could be filtering out in a discriminatory way. I love technology, but I think conversations, noticing how the person communicates, how much effort they make to get to an interview, etc. says more than just a computer filter with some generic values.

21. Balanced372207August 11,2023 at 1:27PM UTC

    I agree. I see it at the assisted living facility where I work. Turnover is horrendous.

22. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    I worked at a mom and pop store and whenever someone came into hand me a resume it was nice to see the enthusiasm, but it also meant I would have to stop what I was doing because they wanted to speak with me. which was fine for me, but for some it may rub them the wrong way that it didn't go through proper channels

23. Sarah RAugust 11,2023 at 12:32PM UTC

    It depends on what type of job. As an example, my husband in 2008 wanted to get hired as a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens. When he applied online, he didn't get a call back. I had him go into a Walgreens and hand the pharmacy manager a paper resume. The manager called him 3 months later and he ended up getting hired. In 2023, I would definitely apply online, but try to follow up if possible through in person or LinkedIn - again depending on the company and position. If you use LinkedIn, try searching for the manager (if a smaller company) or the recruiter. I have gotten some informational interviews this way in the past. You can also use a service such as RocketReach to find people in the company. I wouldn't call if you do this - send an email with your resume, position applied to, short bullets on why you're a good fit, and ask them to forward to the correct manager.

24. Lorraine HerreraAugust 11,2023 at 12:33PM UTC

    Not me, but there is a coworker that used to work with me in my old job too, he said he found this new company like that. He made some quick research of the engineering firms in our area, the reviews they have and which ones looked like he would like to work there, printed some resumes and went and left them in each of them. Turns out this one was expanding and they called him quickly. In my case they found me on Linked In. So even-though the company is using more modern methods to hire, they didn’t see anything wrong with the old fashion way in his case. So if you want to try, I would say go ahead!!

25. Diane McDevittAugust 11,2023 at 12:38PM UTC

    Sounds like networking to me. Before there was internet and web browsers on phones that how you did it.

26. Michele DarleyAugust 11,2023 at 12:46PM UTC

    There's so much security at so many companies, this could be difficult unless it's a small place. With all of the remote work there may not be a place to drop off a resume.

27. ANGELA T.August 11,2023 at 12:53PM UTC

    where I work they wouldn't let you in the front door without the name of a person to meet and an appointment. there's cameras and security everywhere. I would do this at job fairs though.

28. Chriscodyc1August 11,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

    Even the small office building where I worked for decades - they didn’t accept unsolicited resumes or walk ins. We might like the look/vibe of the individual and their resume was good but the bosses would trash them. This after they hired several walk ins and they didn’t work out so they made the rule. Also, the front office staff didn’t welcome it because they are trying to do their jobs and some walk ins just wouldn’t leave. One said she was going to sit until she got a meeting.

29. RebeccaAugust 11,2023 at 1:05PM UTC

    This may work for certain jobs, but I think its effectiveness is highly unlikely in white collar roles - the front desk/security people will look at you weird, and probably escort you out. Also, to be honest, if the job/company actually pays a decent wage, you can only apply online. Exceptions to this may be construction sites and the like.

30. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 1:11PM UTC

    not in person with printed resume but networking is still the way to go. I wouldn’t cold call through. I get tons of spam in my work email for sales. It’s quite annoying. I would start by looking at your connections on LinkedIn or even local communities to get started

31. Dcre1977August 11,2023 at 1:21PM UTC

    Seems very inefficient to try and apply for a job at a company that isn't advertising an opening. I know you always hear about that person thay just showed up and talked their way into a job, but the most common way people get a job is applying for a particular company, even when those applications done in person.

    Even blue collar workers have to apply online.

    If you want to network, going to job fairs or joining a society for your profession is a good way to do that. Or connect with people on linkedin.

32. Balanced372207August 11,2023 at 1:23PM UTC

    People have tried to do this at the assisted living facility where I work as a receptionist. My instructions are to direct them to the company website as I escort them out the door. I think we have lost good potential employees this way, but I don't make the rules of job applying, 2023

33. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 1:30PM UTC

    I did this, 44 years ago, applying for my first job. This is not from this time anymore.
    What I do now, instead of contacting recruiters, I scan posts from recruiters and apply via the website of the employer (when the name is mentioned).
    This way you can negotiate better for your salary. And..., a big plus in my eyes, HR of a company doesn't scan a CV but reads it.

34. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

    I like the idea. I have not tried it with success. I'm not sure how good an impression you would make showing up in person when you're not expected. It probably depends on the nature of the business. You can do this at a job fair, though, right? Your post made me pause to think how amazing it is that my resumes have made it out of the electronic jungle and led to employment! I would not turn my nose up at anyone looking for work who took the time to bring their resume in person. But I may not have time to talk to them when they do.

35. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 1:46PM UTC

    You could try it. What’s the worst thing they tell you - go apply online? You never know until you try. Good luck!

36. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

    I did this 10 years ago after being out of work for 10 months. I walked up and down a shopping mall, only to hear everywhere that I needed to go to the website and apply online. The profile showed over 100 applicants for every job I looked at.

37. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:18PM UTC

    This is what I want to avoid. It might be easier (or not) for HR personnel, but it is a ridiculous system.

38. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertAugust 11,2023 at 1:49PM UTC

    This may work with businesses that are open to the public, like a store, but would be disruptive to any white-collar office. What you are looking for is networking, and that is done either the old-fashioned way--you see people at kids' sports events or church or wherever and talk to them about their work and whom they know and recommend--or the new-fangled way--you meet people online. What kind of job are you looking for?

39. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:16PM UTC

    I'm an environmental scientist with 15 years experience. Anything related to remedial investigations and media sampling (air, water, soil etc.). By nature, I love to clean and organize, I love walking in to a place that is a total disaster and making it easier to live in, look at, find things, or work around.

40. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertAugust 11,2023 at 8:34PM UTC

    Then this method could work for you, for example if you see a site that needs remediation (or you read about it in the paper) and then go to the office that oversees it to start a conversation. I would never lead with "I'm looking for a job" though--it makes people send you to a website or shut you down. What you want is to get hired on the hidden job market, where people have you in mind when they post a job or even create a job for you. I would start a conversation and then ask if you can take the person to lunch or whatever to network if you have connected with a senior person (or maybe even a junior or equal one--they can always introduce you to the boss next). Best wishes and let me know if I can help more!

41. Dcre1977August 15,2023 at 8:34PM UTC

    If you read about a remediation in the it probably has a large consultant already working on it. The poster should look at local consulting companies who are hiring.

42. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

    I think it depends on the type of industry. I was told by a friend in the marketing and design industry that one of the best ways to get your foot in the door sometimes is to send your resume and cover letter by mail to the marketing/ ad agencies you are interested in, whether they are actively hiring or not. Seems old school to me, too, but might work. What can it hurt, if you are hustling anyway.

43. Maggie StoneAugust 11,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

    I agree with other posters who have pointed out that what you are really doing is trying to network. Unless this is retail or food service, I don’t see this having a high success rate, but anything is possible.

44. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:50PM UTC

    Agree

45. Rosa GoesAugust 11,2023 at 3:10PM UTC

    I did that once. But instead of going to the employer's door, I mailed my cover letter & resume to the President/CEO of the company. I got a call back and interview within a few days. Whatever you decide, whether employer's door or mail, you will stand out. Good luck!

46. asmith13August 11,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

    For larger companies with applicant tracking in place, paper resumes just get trashed and as an HR professional for 23 years---I seriously could care less if there is a cover letter. Total waste of time.

47. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 3:36PM UTC

    A bit harsh in delivering your message, asmith.

48. asmith13August 16,2023 at 4:57PM UTC

    I'm just telling the truth. HR in general is understaffed and overworked. And we don't have time to read an entire cover letter when we have hundreds of job applicants.

49. CautiousAugust 11,2023 at 5:16PM UTC

    When applying online with many professional orgs a cover letter is mandatory, and you cannot submit your application without one.

50. TinaAugust 11,2023 at 6:59PM UTC

    As a hiring manager, I always require and review cover letters. They tell me how well someone can write along with their analytical skills.

51. AnonymousAugust 15,2023 at 8:42AM UTC

    This should either be standardized or not. Or if important and actually read, should be required. Cover letters are more customized than resumes. With the (at least tech) job market and so many out of work 6+ months, with hundreds of applications submitted, remove the cover letter field if you never read it. I can see on LinkedIn how many applicants for roles so for example I’m lucky if my resume is even reviewed unless I’m in the first 100 submissions. Only way a cover letter may help is with AI to surface your profile

52. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 3:28PM UTC

    We are a very small company. We don’t really have HR. I was overwhelmed and got a message on LinkedIn that was not generic and simply asked if we had any jobs available and if not, was there anything we needed help with. The individual had been a neighbor to the company while in college and was always curious what we did. I kept in contact with the individual for a couple weeks asking him about his skill set and I used that as a tool to write up a unique job description that matched what he could help with. After that, I opened a conversation with my boss about the abundance of work I could use some help with while two of our team members were on medical leave. I told him I already had a solution and someone in mind. We hired him for a temporary gig and taught him a lot about our industry. He ended up being an awesome employee but being fresh out of college, he didn’t want to stay so he could explore different industries. We have kept in touch and occasionally ask him for help on a contract basis.

    long story short, this method is probably effective in small businesses that truly don’t have time to do a formal, 3 interview hiring process.

53. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 3:38PM UTC

    Love this! Let's hear it for communities who care about people!

54. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 6:14PM UTC

    Yes. We should always listen to people, not just be superficially polite.

55. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 3:47PM UTC

    Large multi hospital system here.... we receive some Emails forwarded to our chief nurse executive from physicians who are on staff. The physicians hear from colleagues' family members who want to work at our hospital, even some in school who want an internship with us. We always take a look and pass it on to the head of the department if they want to pursue an interview. There's a few that we have successfully hired. They of course need to follow the hiring process as any other employee, but they have gotten their foot in the door.

    Go for it!!

56. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:50PM UTC

    Again, very different than an applicant just unexpectedly showing up to the office with a resume.

57. The Career CounterAugust 11,2023 at 3:56PM UTC

    I got two job offers by doing exactly this!!

    Shortly after I graduated with my master's degree, I was targeting career counseling jobs in higher education. People kept telling me how competitive the job market was and that I had about a 3% chance of landing one of these coveted career counseling jobs.

    So I thought to myself...what would make me stand out as an applicant? I decided to take a road trip around the Bay Area (in California) to seven universities. I made a portfolio that showcased all of my projects and counseling and teaching philosophies. I also targeted a resume and cover letter to each and every school I was planning to visit.

    I did call in advance and chatted with the front desk staff to ask when would be a good time to drop in and most of them just said come on in and you can leave your materials at the front if the director or other higher level staff are out.

    I went in to each office with a huge smile and a positive attitude (even though inside I was crazy nervous). But hey, fake it till you make it, right?

    I was greeted with enthusiasm by each and every department. Even the ones that didn't have time to talk to me. They took my resume and many gave me business cards of people to follow up with.

    But I also got a job offer from one university. The director just so happened to be there and she met with me and had me walk her through my portfolio. Two weeks later I was hired!

    I also tried this very same approach a couple years ago and visited several universities in southern California. I wound up getting a job offer from one of them, although it wasn't the right fit so I didn't end up taking it.

    I realize it depends on the industry and you certainly cannot just waltz into any company (many due to security), but if it's possible what's the worst that can happen?!

58. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:49PM UTC

    Kudos to you. That is quite different than just showing up unexpected with a resume.

59. The Career CounterAugust 11,2023 at 10:52PM UTC

    The second time I did it I didn’t call ahead. I did just show up with my resume (a targeted resume).

60. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 7:01PM UTC

    How long ago was this?

61. The Career CounterAugust 11,2023 at 10:50PM UTC

    Two years ago

62. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:28PM UTC

    I was actually considering doing this myself. I did this 25 years ago when I wanted to get my foot in the door as a sales agent with home builders. That market was extremely competitive back then, it was mostly about who you knew. However, I got offered a job and the rest is history. I'm no longer in that industry but I would consider doing the same again.

63. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 1:49PM UTC

    Unfortunately about 25 years ago is the timeframe that paper resumes pretty much have gone obsolete.
    :-/ I am a corporate recruiter and we even set up a QR code to accept career fair resumes virtually (or took pics of paper resumes to scan them into the system quickly). Paper resumes add a cumbersome step in most modern corporate hiring environments these days.

64. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:40PM UTC

    Sure,

    that method still works and shows drive and interest. It doesn't work everywhere but why not try it where you think it will resonate. I once hired a person who saw the posting we placed for a role at our company and he sent me a pizza with his resume on top of the box, he got noticed and he was a great fit and I got a free lunch. Do what works for you!

65. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

    Where does this method work other than a fast food chain? Does not show drive but rather someone out of touch with modern ways of applying for a job.

66. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 6:38PM UTC

    I would think this approach would only work in a very small or creative organization. As a hiring manager, I would have thought it very, very odd. It even raises dietary considerations as you know nothing of the receipient. Sounds like your guy was a great fit- I wonder how many pizzas he had to send before he found you? Sometimes "getting attention" isn't the right kind of attention.

67. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 5:55PM UTC

    I would not recommend this. If you are trying to get a position with a Fortune 500 company or other such large organization this would be frowned upon. You should not just show up to drop off a resume. It would likely go in the trash. Large corporations have streamlined application processes for a reason. Also you don't know if the hiring manager works remote or works onsite at one of several subsidiaries. It would make you look unsophisticated. This may work in retail, fast food or small businesses that are open to the public.

68. KristenAugust 11,2023 at 6:33PM UTC

    It's unusual these days, but it CAN work -- depending on what type of organization / industry / role you're seeking. I just had a client land a role this way. Be clear on your approach, and be discerning about which employers may be receptive or not based on the research you've done on their culture and policies.

    Good luck!

69. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 7:07PM UTC

    I think small shops and privately owned eateries might still operate like that.

70. Marcia SmithAugust 11,2023 at 8:13PM UTC

    I agree. I have been to larger employers - such as hospitals - 10 years ago and they would not accept any paperwork or information by a person. Networking events are still great places to connect with potential employers

71. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 9:56PM UTC

    My HR department, and TA structure cannot handle this. It is an annoying interruption in my day and painful because I can do nothing with a piece of paper and a live person. I wish it weren't so but that is my truth!

72. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 10:24PM UTC

    Absolutely agree. My company considers it rude. The receptionist directs anyone trying this to apply properly through our online portal. If the person still tries to leave a paper resume it's tossed.

73. Balanced372207August 12,2023 at 6:30PM UTC

    I see "rudeness" here on both sides. But that's just me.

74. AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 7:04PM UTC

    Expecting an HR person or hiring manager to stop what they’re doing in order to receive a resume is rude and disruptive to their time. If you want to leave it with the receptionist, sure. I have my own priorities and visiting with random drop- ins isn’t one of them.

75. asmith13August 16,2023 at 4:54PM UTC

    100% agree with this. I am literally going to have to tell the person they have to apply online to any open positions. We aren't going to hire or interview them on the spot.

76. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 10:59PM UTC

    Most times the only person you would speak with is security - you're not going to be able to just walk into an office. And security most places aren't authorized to accept deliveries/packages. The only exceptions to this would be small businesses with direct street access (ie, not a suite in a larger building), but even then there's no guarantee your resume gets past reception. If you want to try something like this, you're better off researching the hiring director or equivalent and sending them an email, or maybe even by regular mail. I'd probably be more inclined to open a letter than an email since it really is fairly rare to get paper mail these days. Maybe you'll get lucky.

77. AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 11:28PM UTC

    Totally recommend networking. Learn about the company, and why you would want to be there and what you will bring. Have concrete reasons, skills, etc. In your researching and studying, you may realize they are not worth being part of. Then it is a win win for all. Good luck! And scour LinkedIn and other social media.

78. Cyndi RosenblattAugust 11,2023 at 11:51PM UTC

    A neighbor just did exactly this when she was visiting her (small) hometown recently. Local business, niche field that she's been working in here for the past year, and they weren't actively hiring. They were so impressed they agreed to a remote interview a few days later and hired her on the spot. She's moving this weekend. Really random thing, but clearly feasible under the right circumstances.

79. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachAugust 16,2023 at 7:20PM UTC

    Small hometown is what's key to this success. In a big city (like DC, where I am), it's harder to target whom you'd pop in on, and in most cases they are in secure buildings.

    I think in the end it can work with local businesses where you have a specific target list of possible companies that's not too overwhelming. It would be a super-long shot for corporate, professional tier positions that are hidden away in office buildings.

80. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 12:35AM UTC

    Small, private and family owned businesses still hang signs in the windows. Quaint little towns and little corner shop owners still can offer personal interaction. Try sandwiche shops and little retailers.

81. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:15AM UTC

    Finally decided to do that, yes, but not in the way noted. I told fear it was only welcome into my space lightly to push me. I jumped in as a consultant to chart my own future. I identified my core values, and am now my own sales, hands on execution, operations, finance, and dreamer with a vision to help individual and small businesses succeed. I've just recently landed my 1st paying client and have a few on barter for now. Money matters so I have a timeline, but I have to say, money stress aside, I have never been so happy, energized, and free from Toxic S in a very long time. I can breathe. If you're good at something and in the resume rabbit hole, consider a step back, remove any past crud keeping you down, and consider there are people, businesses, and creators that would gain a lot of value for what you can deliver on your own.

    To the OG post, I did that 10 years ago and it still didn't work. Today, depending on the type of role and company, going in person is not likely success. I was a hiring manager of a team with a slammed calendar (before breaking free) and there was no way I would have time to have an unplanned meet. In larger orgs / specific buildings, you'd also likely be denied without a meeting/clearance. If in person is a plan, I'd find events to network as it's a bigger pool of people to meet that an in person will break you through a ginormous pile of resumes.

82. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:47AM UTC

    Why would you waste so much time and effort both on your part and the company's?
    I guess, like people have said, you just want a job locally then I guess it's up to you. But if you're looking to build a career in a mid ro large company, then I suggest accepting the process. And try to apply on-line

83. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 12:28PM UTC

    I landed my current position this way and have been in it for almost 6 years.

    I moved to a new city and knew that networking would be a huge asset in putting my name on the minds of industry professionals, and potentially getting hired. I looked on LinkedIn for influential persons in my field and set up meetings with them just to introduce myself and chat about what advice they would give to a new college grad looking for work in their field. I took resumes with me, and made a good impression.

    About 5 weeks later they contacted me when a job opening became available.

84. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 1:21PM UTC

    Yes I know several members who do and they were told they have to apply on line and this included retail jobs and fast food , which you would think would be more old fashioned , you can always try it won’t hurt you worse that happens is they tell you to apply online

85. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 1:53PM UTC

    I agree, this comment thread feels like tone policing.
    Would we tell a man he is “being a bit harsh” in his response? Why do women do this to each other? Accept the advice or move on.

86. Balanced372207August 12,2023 at 6:34PM UTC

    I will tell anyone -- male, female, black, white, pink, or purple if he or she is being "too harsh", and whether or not I care for the tone they are addressing me in.

87. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 2:39PM UTC

    The only place this would work consistently is at a job fair. You may want to Google "Job fairs near me" and see what pops up. It also takes a lot more time, and you can get 100 applications submitted online in the same amount of time it takes you to get one job interview by just looking for a "now hiring" sign in the front window or dropping off resumes and waiting for an interview. The last time I could do this was for a retail job with a "help wanted" sign in the front of the store in 2006. For the most part, the world doesn't work that way anymore.

88. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 3:42PM UTC

    For my entry position receptionist role postings, while recruiting was online. I would always leap out my chair and casually walk by to observe the person who came in with their resume.I hired two people this way as I could observe them interacting with our residents and with my team, things like did they hold the door open for a resident?

89. Balanced372207August 12,2023 at 6:27PM UTC

    I work as a receptionist at an assisted living facility. When candidates come in for interviews for positions, I always observe their demeanor, and how they may interact with our residents who may be in the lobby. Sometimes HR asks for my input about candidates, sometimes not, but I always tell them about the ones who don't seem happy to be in the company of elderly people.

90. AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 10:57PM UTC

    Love that you did this

91. AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

    Unfortunately, everything is online. I used to like taking my application and resume in, so I could make contact, and they could see me.

92. AnonymousSeptember 5,2023 at 1:28PM UTC

    Me, with my weird self, I say go for it because it would make you stand out. It shows that you are a go-getter and that you don't mind tackling problems in the face of adversity. Everything is online and it sucks because most employers will never really get to see your resume or even you for that matter. You are killing two birds, possibly three with one stone. Be unconventional, go old-fashioned because that will show the confidence, passion, and drive you have. What do you have to lose? Go get em lovebug! Wish you the best!