How to introduce myself to hiring supervisor? 5

[83engineer]

I've just received my BS in EE in May 07' and am currently working as an intern.

Currently, the department down the hall from where I work is hiring EE. My question is how do I introduce myself and let the supervisor know I am interested? How would I do this professionally? I really want to take advantage of being an intern, and try to gain an edge over the competition.

One weakness about myself is that I have no social skills, and this is diffinitly hurting me.

 

[MintJulep]

Well...

Option 1: Speak with your current manager. Tell him that you are interested and ask him to introduce you.

Option 2: Same as option 1, except substitute someone you work closely with. This option risks offending your current manager.

Option 3: Walk down the hall and introduce yourself. "Hi, I'm Billy the intern, can I have a full-time job?"

Consider however, that the company knows that you have graduated, and would most likely assume that you are looking for full-time work.

 

[MikeHalloran]

The department is just down the hall, you've been there four months, and they don't know what a great intern you are already?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[83engineer]

I have spoke with my current manager about my interest but he hasn't introduce me. It's not that he doesn't want to introduce me, it is because he doesn't like the Supervisor. This supervisor is a dictator, everything is her way and her way only. I've talked to a few of her employees and they don't like her, but a job is a job.

I have been introduce to all the supervisors in the building except this one. Many people don't seem to get along with her. Because of this reason I want to be as professional as possible. I am afraid to get on her bad side.

Any ideas or remarks is appreciated, Thank You

 

[MadMango]

I would simply introduce yourself. Interpersonal skills are something you will have to learn sometime. Better to try it now while you are employed rather than when you're not. Try not to be intimidated, she's not your supervisor (yet). Introduce yourself as you would to any other professional.

"Hello? I'm Joe Shoe, I'm an intern here but recently received my degree. I understand there is an opening in your department, and if you have the time, I would like to speak with you about that position."

Or something to that effect.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[apsix]

Introduce yourself.
If she responds badly to your reasonable approach you don't really want to be working for her anyway.
Don't feel intimidated before you meet her.

 

[Twoballcane]

If you nevery try, you will never know.

Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."

 

[Gymmeh]

Be Assertive, or practice being assertive (Not Arrogant).

They many be interested in you also, if they know you have a good work ethic as an intern. Displaying your interest in a specific position should not cause problems for “good” bosses because they would rather you take a position you like, then wasting (their) time and money in a position until you find another job.

A little assertiveness will take you along way as an engineer, for some positions HR and management really look for assertiveness. So when you have 5 customers in a meeting interrogating you because they are paying your company $X million, for something that is behind schedule and over budget, you can hold your ground and tell them the information they need to hear to keep them happy.

Good Luck

 

[Gymmeh]

PS: If things go bad, like apsix said, you will not want to work with her anyway, and you can chalk it up as good experiance.

 

[whyun]

I won't even bother applying if the supervisor is how you describe. Do you want to work for someone no one wants to work with?

If the company is a decent size with various departments, I'm sure another position will be open in the future. Either wait it out or talk to your or other supervisors about future openings.

 

[83engineer]

Well, I went and introduce myself on Friday and got two "okay" from her.

I first introduce myself and who I was, and she responded with an okay. Then I ask her if I can do a follow up once she starts reviewing the application, she responded with another okay. No interest was shown on her side.

Most of you might think I'm weird asking these questions but I feel that I really need the help. I have little social skills, have crazy stage fright, and you do not want to hear me tell a joke. I do get along with people and work well in a team environment, but just can't make friends in fifteen minutes. I’ve been to a few interviews and didn’t do so good; I’m just a bad salesman.

I definitely want to do a follow up and any tips are appreciated. This supervisor is hard to work with but I don’t have a problem with that. I am focus looking forward to working as an engineer.

Thank You

 

[MikeHalloran]

Don't tell jokes. Problem solved.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[TheBlacksmith]

I'm glad you introduced yourself. Do not depend on the human waste department for this. They failed to forward my applications for higher positions twice this year. And in both cases the managers knew me and my work and would have interviewed me if they had known. I know this from talking them after it was too late. So learn from me and talk to people, let them know you're interested.

 

[KENAT]

You've introduced yourself, good.

Now does she have a copy of your application for the job, your resume, maybe even a letter of recomendation?

You probably want to give copies of these both to HR or whoever handles it, and directly to her.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[Ashereng]

Here is some advise that people usually don't dispense - so take it for what it's worth.

Do the things you are good at. Avoid the things you are weak at.

So, when introducing yourself, do what you are good at - stay neutral, boring, straight to the point. Maybe "Hi, I'm 83engineer. I am interested in working in your department. Here is my CV. Please call me at X.123 if there is a good fit. Thank-you."

If you are not good at making small talk, then don't. If you aren't good at telling jokes, don't. If you are not good at making friends, don't - you are there to work, not socialise anyways - being a good colleague is different than being friends.

Having said that, I am not saying you should not strengthen your weaknesses. I am merely saying when you do need to perform, play to your strengths.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?