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