Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Digital Business Card

Cool! Check it out, you can click on my digital business card!


card.ly

Friday, July 24, 2009

International Micro-Celebrity


Wow, this is pretty neat. The internet is fascinating. The one screen-shot you see to the left was posted by Priscilla in France. I'll just assume that it's chock full of good, wholesome and positive French compliments.

Can anyone translate?
I'm curious to know what it says.

YouTube keeps a detailed account of all the video's statistics, including an interesting set of demographics. It shows exactly where in the world people are watching it based on age, gender, etc. It's really cool to know that somewhere in Finland, someone is watching my video. Or Latvia.


This next one was found on a Korean blog called "The Marketing War." As I've only taken elementary Japanese, I'm totally lost with this Asian dialect. Still, it's remarkable to see my video reach it that far.

This situation feels like that Simpsons episode where Homer was discovered to look like Mr. Sparkle, a Japanese Dishwashing Detergent mascot. Perhaps I'll reach the same micro-celebrity status in Korea.

Mental note: If I ever visit Korea, I must take my guitar in case I'm recognized.

This last one I found on a blog from the UK. I really dig the tags. Although I never explicitly mention it in the video or anywhere else, I'm quoted as saying that "I'm Very Creative." Apparently, the author took it upon himself/herself to quote me self-promotioning myself. I'm flattered.

Thanks to all who have blogged about me-- I appreciate it immensely. This is only the beginning for me and (fingers crossed) when I do land a job, it'll be a great "how-I-launched-my-career" story.

I'll continue updating this blog with news about the job search and more "Alec-Dotes", but I'll try to avoid mentioning any more media coverage. I endorse humility.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Today, HLN. Tomorrow, Vermont Radio!

I'm slowly beginning to understand the biggest downside of internet media's viral distribution: the distance between creator and audience. When I first made the music video resume, I had just intended to send it to prospective employers who posted positions that I applied for. So, if they liked it and were interested in employing me, they'd have no problem sending a reply email. However, when the video went viral, I lost that selectivity. I wish I could go back and say:

"I'm simply looking for an entry level Marketing position where I can launch my career."

Maybe I should have included a verse like that in my song:

"I'm just lookin' for Marketing in the entry level,
A position with growth potential I'd surely revel..."


...I highly doubt that an employer will reach out to me in an economy this tight. I still need to apply for jobs until I land one. At least I can still use the video cover letter and the recognition it has received for quite awhile-- that is a huge plus. Also, the news coverage in itself is never bad since it continues the momentum.

Now if I could just get on Conan or Leno... <--- The latter actually went to Bentley University but dropped out after a semester. That fact would definitely be my "in" as a guest on the show. But alas, submitting video to their site is near impossible-- there is very little chance they'd pick my email to read.

But I'm satisfied with all the interviews and blog coverage. It's nice and well done.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Attention? Check. Job? Soon.

The Video-Resume had a bigger impact than I initially anticipated. But now I need to figure out how to utilize what I've created into actually landing a job (believe it or not).

I've got the attention with the video, no doubt, but the toughest part now is actually deciding where to go from here. Do I network more with prospective employers? Do I try to maintain the video's lifespan by continuing its distribution? I think I need to research what others have done.

Friday, July 17, 2009

15 Minutes of Fame

Well that was pretty neat. What began as a supplement to my paper resume ended up as an interview on CNN via webcam. Let me tell you, those gorgeous anchorwomen had me smitten:


The invisible world of viral internet material distribution is fascinating. Who knows how it spread around so quickly and through so many channels. However, I did post it on everything I could to maximize its reach.

All the feedback has been great too. Here are some of my favorites:
  • Via Twitter: "HA ck out this guys video resume—hilarious—hire him so he doesnt have 2 write more music!"
  • Regarding the CNN webcam interview: "remember, you don't have to wear pants!"
  • Comment From Spain: "Ver para creer!! Como hace la gente CVs en Internet"
And about that last one... Apparently, according to Youtube, my video was the #23 ranked "How-To" video in Spain, as of yesterday. I am muy calor in the Spanish world. Maybe I'll have a celebrity status if I ever decide to visit.

Hopefully, all this will net me a job. As of now, I have phone interviews lined up with Monster.com and Sperry Top-Siders. Also, I've gotten about half a dozen emails that loved the video and want to see my actual resume. If this doesn't work in landing me a job, I can always follow through with my plan of creating an off-broadway musical based on my entire educational and work career and begin inviting prospective employers to come see it. Just kidding.

My only regret (CNN spelled "Biedrzycki wrong"-- but they pronounced it correctly!):


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Music-Video Resume

Problem: I wrote too many cover letters. After awhile, I wondered if anyone was actually reading them or just crumpling them up into little paper basketballs. I'm assuming it was the latter, because I did get relatively creative with my prose in several of the applications. Creative enough at least to maybe--just maybe--get a human (not automated) email response letting me know my application was received. But no, my thirty-minute generated prose was probably scrunched into a ball and deflected off the wastebasket rim like my hopes (and odds) of scoring a job.



Solution: I made a Musical Cover Letter / Resume!



I remember hearing somewhere that if you want to get noticed, make a music video. I also remember reading about some guy who got hired for a company because he designed a whole website dedicated to why the corporation should hire him. Essentially, he was applying for the job in a unique, creative way that illustrates what he can do for the company. It's really two messages rolled up in creativity. So I was inspired by both ideas and made a music video resume. I tried to balance professionalism with humor (it's basically how I operate anyway) with what I know how to do (write a fairly decent tune).