You Need a “Yay Bruce” File

Av-101, the only How-To guide for the aviation aftermarket industry, is going to help you get your next job! Here's how it's done....

Do you have a “Yay Bruce” file? I do, and you should, too. But you can’t use my name – it’s taken.

This article is aimed at aviation aftermarket people who are out of work, or who may be out of work someday. In this industry that’s everyone, my friend – you are not immune.

What’s a “Yay Bruce”? I’ll show you mine: here are true excerpts from my file, written by former co-workers:

“I have got to say that you are the hardest working salesperson employed by the company! You are the best!” <(actually written in all-caps, followed by ten exclamation points).

Another one: “You are one of the best people up there (this means the sales floor), and I mean that sincerely. You communicate with me and appear to prioritize your workload well. Thanks.”

This was my favorite: “My admiration for you is boundless. You are God’s Gift To Aviation. I want to have your baby.”

OK, I made the last one up, but you get the picture. And you get the picture only because I keep good records, and over the years I’ve saved a handy file of such positive emails from my co-workers, bosses, and customers.

Let me tell you, it has come in handy. I showed my file in an interview and walked out with a job offer on the spot. Almost 200 people applied for that one position.

Part of any sales pitch is storytelling, so I told this one:

Leona Helmsley and her husband owned 23 top-end hotels together, and she made sure that her employees treated the guests like royalty.

As she said in her advertisements, “I don’t hire people who have to be told to be nice. I hire nice people.”

My claim, backed up by real evidence, is that I’m a nice person, a hard worker, a team player. It ain't bragging if it's the truth.

Collect your own thick “Yay Bruce” file and you won’t even need a resume the next time you look for a job.

One more thing: Do you like the people you work with? I hope so. So send your high-performing co-workers appreciative notes. It doesn't cost a penny to be nice to somebody. Do 'em a solid. Send an email to your vendor who performed above and beyond the call of duty. Pay it forward. Spread the love.

Let me know when this advice helps you land your dream job!