[
via iblogtoblog]One of my contract gigs is about to wrap up. I enjoyed the work, but it's good timing because from now on I'm 100% focused on the dissertation. Editing and formatting is a bitch, I'm told. I also need to finish the intro.
Thus, as of next week, all outside work is on hold.
Someone who works for this company asked what I'm going to do when the job is over. She's a manager in a different section, and while I never worked with her, we've talked a few times and I heard good things about her.
Time to pitch!
I explained that after grad school is over I'm going to go back to what I was doing before: working as a consultant. I added that I liked that company so, of course, if it also be great to end up back there.
"Do you have enough consulting work to keep you busy?"
"I do. I mean enough to make a living, but I always want more. It's true that people aren't really outsourcing as much, given the state of the economy. But I have some relationships with clients to that go back years, so once they know me they're more likely to keep giving me work. Maybe your division could use an extra hand sometimes?"
"Do you have a card?"
"Could I send you my resume? If there's ever anything you need, I would love to help in any way I can. My experience covers more than just what I worked on here. I can also slice and dice and roast, not just parboil."
"Ug, I hate cooking."
"Perfect! Then dump it on me! I love it!"
Earlier, this would have stuck me as gauche, pushy. Because on top of not asking, I believed I wasn't supposed to announce that I'm anything more than competent.
But after you try inviting Valentino for coffee and seeking food off a stranger's plate, requesting a respected and approachable manager to keep you in mind for future openings just isn't scary. In fact, it's the only way to go.
