Comments on: Profile of a Modern Job Seeker: Yifei Zhang

By: The Job Search that Time Forgot – Vol 1 « I-CareerSearch

The Job Search that Time Forgot – Vol 1 « I-CareerSearch — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:04:56 +0000

[...] PROFILE OF A MODERN JOB SEEKER: YIFEI ZHANG – This article is definitely worth the read. Not only is the advice great, but it is real life stuff. [...]

By: The Job Search that Time Forgot - Vol 1 | CareerAlley

The Job Search that Time Forgot - Vol 1 | CareerAlley — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:00:09 +0000

[...] PROFILE OF A MODERN JOB SEEKER: YIFEI ZHANG – This article is definitely worth the read. Not only is the advice great, but it is real life stuff. [...]

By: Cali Harris

Cali Harris — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:48:12 +0000

Nicole – You’re spot-on that the recruiting and job searching game is a-changin’. Yifei’s approach is innovative, inspiring (kudos to you, Yifei!). And though I am working on a master’s degree, I certainly do not think that college is for everyone. In fact, it’s often taken as a straight-shot solution to finding a career, and as you well know, getting a formal education does not a career make.

I really enjoyed reading Yifei’s story as well as your thoughts…and thinking about what innovation means–whether it be in a formal setting or not. Now I’ll get back to plugging away at my coursework…

By: Jen

Jen — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:20:45 +0000

I think this is amazingly innovative! And, you’re right, Nicole, this is more creative and talented than most things college graduates do!

What I especially admire is the research this candidate did: he investigated the company he wanted to work for. How they work, what they do, the employee culture… and from that, he made a calculated gamble in applying for a job. I really hope it pays off for him! I certainly would hire him.

By: Nicole Crimaldi

Nicole Crimaldi — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:22:03 +0000

That’s a great point- it may take longer but it is more likely to land him an ideal position. Opportunity cost at it’s finest!

By: Tim Jahn

Tim Jahn — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 04:23:01 +0000

Your approach to getting a job shows that you’re not looking for an “average” or “regular” job in a cubicle working 9-5 on TPS reports. Rather, you’re looking for an adventure, a place to learn, strive, and grow. I think the right companies will get this and you’ll find opportunities in line with what you’re looking for.

The big corporations will laugh and dismiss this, but that’s fine – they’re not your audience anyway.

By: Marian Schembari

Marian Schembari — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:41:48 +0000

I agree that innovation like this lends itself to entrepreneurship and if HubStop doesn’t work out (and even if it does) we will see Yifei breaking off on his own down the line (and mightly successfully I might add.

I’m wondering where you get the “they don’t work out” mindset. Yes, the innovation is great but Yifei and I were just talking and we discussed the fact that regardless of how you get a company’s attention you need the skill and credentials to back it up. That doesn’t mean it won’t work. On the contrary, one of the hardest things about looking for work is getting HR’s attention, and regardless of the company’s “hip” factor, the internet/social media/etc WILL get their attention. (And there’s really no doubt in my mind that Yifei will come out ahead.)

By: Yifei

Yifei — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:14:13 +0000

@Rich – Correction. By “half-decent” I mean “any”.

By: Yifei

Yifei — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:13:05 +0000

Hey Nicole,

Thanks for the coverage! The support so far has been phenomenal.

@Rich – I agree with you 100%. I have to add that any smart company would be hesitant to hire an “untested” candidate. Had I even a half-decent track record, I would’ve been, like you said, picked up immediately.

@Heather – Thanks for the entrepreneurship suggestion. It’s a big compliment since I’ve been active in the startup community for quite a bit.

@Steven – Not everyone will agree with us, but I’m with you on the notion that my approach is *less* of a gamble. What’s risky is debt (college), which significantly limits a person’s freedom.

Thanks for the feedback!

By: Steven Churchill

Steven Churchill — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:21:09 +0000

Nicole,

If you want a traditional job at a big company, then yes, the resume and cover letter on cotton bond paper are the way to go. But like you said in an earlier post, if you keep doing what you’re doing you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.

Yifei’s approach is what Richard N. Bolles calls the non-traditional job hunt. It’s much less of a gamble than going the traditional route of job boards, resumes, behavior-based questions, and voila – another cubicle! His approach takes longer but promises not to just “get him a job,” but a job that he likes.

Keep us posted on how it works out for him.