Page 117 - Marky Stein - Fearless Career Change_ The Fast Track to Success in a New Field (2004)

Ten Success Stories About People Just Like You

In film, perhaps more than any other industry (except perhaps
the military), it is necessary to work your way up the ladder, one rung
of responsibility to the next, if you are going to be the head of a
department. You may, indeed (as the cliché goes), be getting coffee
for the boss on the first day out, even if you have a master’s degree.

It is the finesse and enthusiasm with which you
do the rote (and often boring or unattractive)
tasks involved in an entry-level position in just
about any industry that will get you noticed
by a person who may have the power
to promote you.

Scott used his local chamber of commerce to find a movie that
had just started filming in his town. Since the chamber had the
phone number of the production coordinator, he was able to call and
get the name of the hiring manager—in this case, the art director.
The chamber of commerce has information about all of its
corporate members, and most reputable businesspeople and com-
panies from diverse industries join the chamber. You’ll find infor-
mation on everything from golf teachers to semiconductor manu-
facturers at the chamber, and its staff will be characteristically help-
ful about assisting you with your inquiries.
He used a technique called direct contact (which you’ll learn
how to master in Chapter 8) and called his way directly to the art
director who was involved, at that very moment, on the set of the
film. He then presented his phone script (an easy summation of
your skills that you’ll write in Chapter 8).

Hello. My name is Scott R. I have a bachelor’s degree in art. I
am excellent with people, and I would be glad to show you my
design portfolio. Last year, I built sets for two community theater
productions, and I have excellent references from the directors.
When can I come in for an interview?
“Do you have a truck?” was the only interview question asked
by the art director. “As a matter of fact, I do,” Scott said.
He was hired on the phone and asked to show up at 7:45 the
next morning. Scott didn’t just get lucky. He was able to effectively

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