How an older woman with no computer skills got us to hire her in the computer age

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7 steps to being hired even if they say they’re not hiring:

First: She loved what we did — she fell in love with the gallery.

Second: She let me know it. 

“This is the gallery I would have created . . . .”

Third: She followed up. 

“I know you said you weren’t hiring, but it’s been a month . . . and I’m meant to work at your gallery.”

Fourth: She was persistent about it. She followed up again. And then again. By letter and by phone and by visit.

Fifth: She interviewed me during the interview! 

Her: “What percentage of your clientele are Jewish?” 

Me: “Over 50%.” 

Her: “Is there anyone who’s Jewish on your staff?” 

Me: “Not right now.” 

Her: “I’m Jewish. I speak their language. I know what makes Jewish people tick. I can talk to Jews in ways you can’t.”

Sixth: She came at it from another angle.

Her: “What’s the age range of your clientele?” 

Me: “Predominantly 50 to 75 years old.” 

Her: “Guess how old I am.” 

Me: “This can’t end well . . . so I’m going low. 32?” 

Her (smiling): “I’m past retirement. But lucky for you, you can hire me out of retirement. I’ll relate to your clients because I’m one of them.”

Seventh: She was pushy-charming. Or you can call it delightfully assertive. Each time she communicated — by letter, by phone, in person — her brassiness was always leavened with impishness. Which made each connection point enjoyable, hence memorable.

(She worked with us for 7 years . . . . Here’s to you Nancy Davidson.)

For you —

Evan Griffith
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