cold calling at theatres for work

[spaniellampie]

I know that we don't normally like "me too" posts here on the Blue Room, but I really think it's useful for you to know that Bryson's post above is exactly what I would have written had he not already done it! :)

 

If I'm looking for someone to do a job the order my brain works is:

 

1) Someone I already know and trust

2) Someone I've used before, has been OK and I'm willing to have another look at

3) Someone recommended by someone I know and trust

4) Someone with a stunningly good cv that looks believable and is well presented

5) Someone who sounds really keen and intelligent

6) Someone who is available on that day!

 

I too get far more CVs than I could ever use so look for reasons to bin as many as possible, as I've already got a stack of CVs from people I have't tried yet but sound eminently employable. Your spelling, punctuation and grammar in real life may be awful for any reason at all (you're dyslexic, you weren't taught it at school, you didn't take any notice in class and have never read a book or newspaper, you're just thick etc.) but if you really wanted the job you'd have got someone who did know about SPaG to proof-read the letter for you.

 

One final point: you wouldn't believe how many CVs we get sent to the theatre with no covering letter. If you don't say what type of job you want then how can we possibly know if you want to work as a technician, stage door keeper, dresser, wig technician, FOH steward, box office, bar staff, cleaner, administrator, manager, security guard or freelance ass-kisser. Again, this shows that you weren't that bothered and the CV goes straight in the bin.

 

 

Thank you for all your comments

 

 

thank you to all

[boswell]

Cold calling (in person or by phone) gets treated as a double glazing salesman and abruptly shown the door/hung up.

(other types of salesmen are available) but still get short shift

I should have put this in pet hates or rants

[David A]

While I have been self employed most of my life, of the 3, salaried theatre jobs I actually had, 2 were obtained by walking into the back door and talking to the head electrician and being hired on the spot and the other was a direct approach from the company involved, while I have technical qualifications, I have never needed to show them to anyone.Possibly being in the right place at the right time is most important, and being able to sole problems for the company is very helpful.

I have always worked in the private sector where doing the job is the only criteria, in the public sector your paperwork is much more critical.