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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