a story and a question

Hello,

I remember my very first job interview—it was for Cutco and Vector Marketing. I remember the whole process like I remember the amount of calories in a can of diet Sprite—easily. A friend of mine had referred me to the branch nearest to my house, and within a week I had a scheduled in person interview.

The nearest branch was far far away; I had to look up directions on how to get there via Google. Along my journey, I realized my destination is not located in one of the better areas of the borough; I think I saw either a hooker or a poorly dressed individual. Needless to say, I got loss, and I had to ask some random guy for directions. Although the guy was missing a shirt, he was kind and replied “ye u go across ‘em projects and make a left”. I was shocked and I don’t recall thanking him-- he, unfazed by my silence, walked away. PROJECTS?! Terror swept across my body, and my eyes darted around for another route in my formal attire. At first I attempted to make a left but I concluded the whole fucking place, from where I am standing, is the projects. I’m surrounded by the fucking projects so I shook off my terror and arrived outside my destination—The Fucking Projects: Cutco Branch; Knives are in demand here. Outside the small office, again, I was scared stiff. This big guy was blocking my entrance to the office and he was screaming, yes, screaming along with the radio “SWEATPANT, HAIRTIED, CHILLING WITH NO MAKE UP ON”. I proceeded to stand there..yes.. stand there..

I got a question: I am applying for a credit (risk) analyst position, ideally I would like to work at a BB. Besides networking, is there any other way to get interviews ?

If networking is the only way, how do I turn a 15 min phone conversation into a referral?

Feel free to comment on both the story and the question =)