Proactive or Wierd?

I use to own a business and I always gave priority to the people who took the time to get out and come to my place of business. I hated it so much when people just called me and asked if I was hiring. I always told them no, because to me, that showed their lack of enthuiasm.

Dear P.,
I agree with the great advice below. As long as you do the research beforehand, go for it! You have nothing to lose and only to gain. Even if "nothing" comes of it, you have put yourself out there -- and I believe that once you are "out there" then eventually the right job will meet you at least 1/2 way.
Best of Luck. Go get em.
Jilly

I disagree with handing out the resume - many workplaces take interviews on an appointment only basis. I've been at the front desk at a corporate office with walk ins, and it really doesn't look professional - you aren't taking into consideration as to what the HR/hiring manager's schedule is, or even if they are hiring. PLUS, you don't know if the resume you are handing out will go to the appropriate person or in the trash.
If you want to make a good first impression personally, I would go to the office and ask for the business card of the office manager. Ask for the name of the person that helped you, and later email the manager with a cover letter stating that 'so-and-so' gave me your information when I was in your office - follow up with a good introduction (check your spelling!!) and attached your resume. It shows technical and personal skills.

Proactive is ALWAYS best. I'd walk in, drop off a resumé, then follow up with a call in 2 days.

This is always a good idea. It makes a good first impression.

I think it's a great thing to do to be noticed. Just be sure you are dressed in business attire. You will likely not meet the decision maker, but secretaries wield an enormous amount of power in most cases. They are the ones that screen people and you can't get to the "big guy" without going through their secretary or administrative assistant. Making a great first impression, even with an assistant, can be a huge advantage. Good luck!

Proactive and always good. Some companies may refer you to their website when you come in and some may even refuse your resume but you have made an appearance and if there is anywhere on their online application, make a note that you were there...maybe when they ask why you want to work there, reference when you were IN the office you were very impressed with the professionalism or something to that effect.

Good luck!

M.

PS Many companies are now looking at social networking sites to determine the caliber of their prospective employee. Make sure your facebook or myspace account is business appropriate.

Yes, go in person! Make sure you are dressed to impress. If you look nice and professional, that will increase your chances of getting the interview and then the job. Good luck!

This would be proactive and a good thing to do.

I followed all the rules for applying through the school district for a teaching position and then worked as a substitute for a year. I finally got fed up after subbing for a brand new, fresh out of college teacher hired from out of state! I walked straight to the principal (against the "rules" of applying through the district), introduced myself, and told him I wanted to teach at his school. I was hired two weeks later after he and the principal of another high school fought over who could have me! They both wanted me. This was a year after trying to get a job the "proper" way. I got my teaching position in the next state I lived in the same way. After a year of nothing, I introduced myself to the assistant principal of a prestigious high school at a school event (my husband was a Marine recruiter there). I was hired for the next school year. So, yes, be bold.