Is there a way to BS my way into an upper management or executive level job?
Asked by jcattin
I am 20 years old, and am pretty darn smart when it comes to business; I have owned 2 businesses and have a very professional looking resume. Do you know of any tips or tricks to get hired as upper management or as an executive? I am not into the "working my way to the top" style. I need a legal, not necessarily ethical approach to get nice high employment. Your help is greatly appreciated, please give me your best answer and I will give you the 10 points you deserve. The two busineses are a retail business, where I learned that my inventory came from shady sources, not illegal, just more risky. I still operate this business, sales are just not as high as I originally anticiapted. My second business is a catering business, for this I do no marketing other then word of mouth, and sales are small and seasonal. My resume is 100% legit, not lies. I am just looking for a higher and more stable income

Best Answer:
Ok, even though your idea may not be on the highest moral plane, your question seems genuine. Here's what you do: 1. Pick 10 target companies. The way to pick them is to call the business editors of all the area newspapers, and tell them you are doing some research on some of the most colorful business leaders in the area. 2. Narrow down the prospects that you receive. You need to find a kindred spirit. Look for similarities to yourself. In your case, look for fast growing companies, since they have rapid promotion possibilities. Look for privately held companies, since they tend to operate more entrepreneurially. Make sure that the person who built the company still runs it and has the power. 3. Research the target individuals. Again, you're looking for similarities. The ideal guy is someone who built the company himself by taking some gambles, doesn't have advanced degrees (believes in work and street smarts, not training), and ideally is a natural salesman. Salesmen love to be sold, and you are setting up to do the sales job of your life. 4. Arrange to meet your targets in a setting other than work, so that ultimately, it will be his idea to hire you. If they're a car nut, find a way to borrow a car that he will notice. Same thing with boats, music, golf, etc. If you connect in a place they love, it's instant bonding. 5. Bait the hook. You need to get the guy to notice you, and be intrigued. Doing donuts in the parking lot in a Ferrari might make the guy notice, but if he really appreciates cars, parking a couple of spaces away with the hood up on a Ferrari, will draw him in. 6. Once the hook is set, then it's up to you to come through with the goods. Not every rich self-made man is gonna hire any nutcase off the street, but if you get noticed, and it's his idea, then you have a shot. You need to plant seeds that you are innovative, resourceful, and could benefit him. Then wait for the magic words, "You know, I could really use a guy like you at my company." And if you want to close the deal, you better say, " That sounds great, but I don't know if you could really afford me." It's all gravy after that. By the way, I'm an executive recruiter, and my fee is 30%...

First, if your all that smart, you'd have already figured a way into the job you seek. Anyway, find out information about the person you want to work for. Not the company necessarily...the habits and hobbies of the CEO or head of the board. If he's a avid golfer...take up the sport and arrange a meeting. The more you know about him the better your chance of a job offer. While golfing, talk about other interests he has...make him think your birds of the same flock.
Answered by MPRamage

Be straight forward and totally honest with your prospect. Say nothing that you cannot back up with proof. Be pleasant but not surupy overly sweet. Be matter of fact without being pushy. Do not try to be all things, it will show. Above all be positive and a bit humble as you see the opportunity. Don't grab at the first offer (if you get one). Do not carry a cell phone into an interview. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, and dress in a nice suit usually blue or gray. Don't try to be overly friendly, just be ready to cooperate it the circumstances look right. You may get the job, but remember the feet of the little guy. They can cause you to fall. Don't be afraid to take a janitor's job to get into the door.
Answered by sunpekes

You didn't say you had a degree but judging by your age, your don't. No one is going to give a upper management job to someone without a degree. Anyone who uses BS to get somewhere will in the end be found out and that can be deadly for a career. Finally, if you are so darn good then your two businesses should be doing quite well. Since they aren't, it sounds like you need a LOT more experience.
Answered by oil field trash