Now there are programs out there for those of you
who want to work in any area of NASCAR so I would like to
enlighten you guys on the one I went to last summer during the
Charlotte race weekend hosted by Mike Calinoff (NASCAR business
manager, spotter, and development specialist). I went into this
with zero expectations of attaining a position which was clearly
stated in all of the materials. What I did want to take from
this encounter was the networking opportunity to meet with
professionals in my chosen field and hear their opinions of my
qualifications. I have to say for that it delivered a handsome
reward. I was able to talk to industry leaders from all levels
and gain some insight as to what they wanted from a prospect or
candidate. Now first of all to those of you who read through the
materials and have some expectation that you get to sit in a
room alone with these folks it could be misleading. One on one
time is available to those willing to speak up and create an
opportunity amidst the madness to gain the attention of the
professional they are talking to. This is limited seating but it
tends to cater to the feel of speed dating when after the panel
discussion you are allowed to meet with the different people in
small groups. I kept hearing the nay-sayers talk about "where is
my one on one time?" These folks won’t make it. It is what you
make of it in situations like this. If you have the opportunity
to get close enough to talk to these guys you best be prepared
and make them stand up and take notice of you. Yet another
instance in which the weak do not survive and will not make it
in this business. Last week I got back with Host Mike Calinoff
to have him participate in this blog. I have asked questions
that are pertinent to the content of his seminar and things that
are covered much more in depth if you make the commitment to
attend.
PM: How many resumes for any given nascar/team position cross
the hiring manager’s desk per week?
MC: Most of the higher-profile teams get between 150-200 per
month.
PM: What types of programs are out there that will help job
seekers within the NASCAR industry?
MC: Aside from the seminar, I don't know of any specific
programs.
PM: What is the most important thing to do when searching for
a position within NASCAR to help yourself stand out?
MC: Know exactly what kind of position you are looking for.
Saying, "I'll do anything" won't cut it. You need to have some
kind of specialty.
PM: Why do most people fail at trying to find a NASCAR
position?
As stated above, most people are not sure what they want to
do on a race team.
PM: How important is being local when attempting to gain the
attention of a hiring manager?
MC: If you are good at what you do then geography doesn’t
come into play.
PM: What other services are offered by your organizations Get
Into Racing and Driver Development Services?
MC: DDS is a full-service Driver Development agency, handling
all aspects of cultivating a drivers career.
PM: What percentage of the individuals who enlist your
services successfully obtain a position in racing?
If they fail what is the most common reason?
MC: About 10% secure positions at one of the top three
levels. Many others tend to get work in Hooters, ARCA and ASA.
The reason they fail is because they are not qualified for
the position they are looking to secure.
I don’t know if there is any specific tilt to the seminar
because they had individuals from every section (with the
exception of media person who was unable to attend due to a race
related issue at the speedway) of the industry. Talking to
people gives insight and can help someone gauge their ability to
gain employment on some level. The fact that they do not cater
to any specific job within the NASCAR industry helps for all
seekers from jackman to PR to motorcoach driver. It is not a
guarantee but it does put you in front of some folks and gives
the opportunity to make some friends which has never hurt in the
industry.
As a side note I found it helpful on so many levels however
the most important thing I can say I took away from the seminar
was the fact that I was heading in the right direction. Mike who
is known for his no nonsense approach will not leave candidates
with a happy warm fuzzy feeling because they paid to attend, he
well provide a practical and honest view of the industry and
what is expected of those who work within it. If you aren’t
prepared for him to be blunt and honest don’t attend. If you
honestly want to see what it takes and are able to take the
criticism with the years of knowledge behind it….then it was
well worth the time.
Take care and look for the next installment soon…it is
shaping up to be a busy off season so keep your heads up and
keep on pushing. More information on the "Get into Racing"
seminar or Driver Development Services visit Mike’s web sites at
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