Most say that you need a degree to get around.  Others say you just need connections.  How reliable those connections are differ for every situation and each individual.  Having the skill (but more importantly) the absolute will to pursue the position is key.  During the last 4 days, I talked to a couple of friends looking for positions.  One of them was my GF's little brother who's also a good friend.  When the opportunity showed up from casual conversation, I told him about it and gave a quick overview about my friend to the manager responsible opening up the position.  While the endorsing may have helped him, the constant and effective follow-up my friend made had a lasting impression on the hiring managers.  When opportunity knocked, he basically swung the door open...and kept it open by sticking more than just his foot on the door...he stuck his whole leg.  In just three days of phone and face-to-face interviews, and nightly tutorials I sent him, he nailed it big time.  I was on the interview team as well and asked him only one question.  Everyone else that was on panel threw a flurry of questions at him since they knew I was bias.  He handled it very well and got the job.  Congrats to Ron for doing it.  I did the 1%.  He did the 99%.

Last month, I have gotten calls from old friends who got laid off from the companies of yesteryear.  Companies I use to work for.  Some of them relocated down in San Diego and I happened to know a friend (an actual CEO) who started a company there based on web development and consulting.  It's a small knit company that now has 75 people under employment for more than three years.  I call my friend up and ask if he has any positions available.  He tells me if I know anyone.  I say "sure".  I know "two people".  He tells me cool.  I tell him that they "used to work for you".  He says "Cool"...send their resumes in. 

I do so and both guys approached it differently.  Both send in their resumes.  Both followed up periodically.  After one month, one was still following up while the other did not.  Both of them were good friends of mine who used to develop apps for my team when we all worked in the same company (won't say here because of legal reasons).  Both had families.  When the position closed, my friend found out that they were both competing for the same position.  The CEO told me that he would make his decision based on who continued to pursue the position depending on who can withstand his "lengthy" hiring process.  This was especially difficult for him since I knew them both.  Today, I got a call from my friend and he cussed me out because I didn't disclose the fact that he was competing against his former co-worker.  Stupid move.  He just burned his bridge with me.  To me, I don't mind helping people for a good reason.  It builds my karma.  I don't even expect gratitude...but once someone complains about something I do for them.  I'm out. 

So yeah.  Be patient.  Work hard.  Exploit your connections and be grateful you got the opportunity.  And follow up like crazy

http://www.quintcareers.com/interview_follow-up-dos-donts.html

Anyway, here's the other crap I have going on:

• SMBius Client work
• Clean house
• Clean car
• Clean room
• Change of Address for DMV
• Site updated for car projects
• Workout with Odd
• Continue promo plans and materials for book
• Balance my budget