How a college grad got a (paying) job by offering to work for free
Lindsey McEntire is Monolith Solar's marketing manager. She has worked for the renewable energy company since April. She used an unconventional strategy to find her job.
- Haley Viccaro
- Reporter-The Business Review
- Email | Twitter | LinkedIn
After graduating from the University at Albany in December 2011, Lindsey McEntire went on more than 13 job interviews that led nowhere.
To boost her resume, she decided to write a proposal to six companies offering to work for a month – free of charge.
Monolith Solar Associates in Rensselaer accepted her offer and McEntire, 23, has now been working there (with pay) since April as Monolith’s marketing manager.
Q. What was your proposal to Monolith?
A. I put together a YouTube video of the proposal that demonstrated where their company was and where I thought they could be. I mentioned a lot of the social media platforms that are free to advertise and suggested they connect with customers more often for exposure and to build their client base.
Q. They accepted your offer. Did you work for free your first month?
A. It really wasn’t discussed. The proposal was simply my ticket in the door. Once I got that face-to-face time with them, the pay was never mentioned. I was offered compensation for my time there. Even if they didn’t pay that month, I would have done it anyway.
Q. Why Monolith Solar?
A. Previously working for the state Legislature I learned about the renewable energy industry and it seemed so exciting because it helps people to save money and to save the world. With my public policy and business background from UAlbany, I felt I would be able to work there. The Monolith signs popped up everywhere in the region, and I thought I needed to apply there.
Q. What advice would you give to recent college graduates looking for jobs?
A. In college we are told that it is your cover letter and resume that make you stand out. I spent hours going through my resume with my advisor. But it is really all about how you shine from the rest of the pack. I believe this proposal idea could work in any field. If you have a proposal stapled on top of your cover letter and resume, you are able to diversify yourself.
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