Asking a customer about employment opportunities

chilemang

Hello I just had a quick question,

To sum up, I'm in the service industry I recently found out one of my regular customers is a producer at a studio downtown where I work, I recently found him on linkedin and also saw his business card at work, I'm actively seeking opportunities in 3D media modeling and texturing, I was wondering what people think about me sending him my resume and writing a nice email to him, an what would
Be a good way to approach this, we are on a first name basis so I think that's a good start any suggestions would be awesome

Thank you

slipsius

Sending him your resume is bad form and says you're trying to use him to get a job. This never works out well, and people hate that happening.

If anything, stick to questions. In person, start with hey, I`m actually looking to get into the industry, and I was wondering if I could shoot you an email, just to ask a few questions about it.

And do just that. Stick to questions. Ask him for advice. Where he got his start. That sort of thing. If you have a demo reel or portfolio, I would send it in the second email, after he`s answered some basic questions. Since he's a producer, he may not know a lot about what you`re asking. Technical stuff, or how to improve your work. But he may point you in the right direction. He may ask someone at work if they`d crit it for you. Stuff like that.

But ya. Never ask about jobs and stuff until he brings it up. Start a relationship with him. Relationships never work if one is using the other. Just pick his brain, if he`s willing

MagicSugar

[EDIT: i'm replying to OP not slipsus]

I wouldn't do it that way EXCEPT if A) he actually introduced himself as a producer told you to send your info and C) you actually have a decent portfolio that won't embarass him when he shows it to other potential hiring gatekeepers...like real artists.

It's imposing if you do this randomly. He'll now think of your restaurant or McD outlet negatively cuz you work their.

If none of the 3 conditions apply, I'd just apply directly. If you actually have a shot, they're hiring, and they give you an interview maybe then you can pull your "casual acquaintance card".

chilemang

Thanks a lot for the advice what you guys both said makes sense, I was thinking maybe being aggressive would have been a positive way to go but asking to email and such sounds like a better idea