Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Find the best possible contact. Take the direct approach. Send an email. Schedule a time for a sit down.

Answer: Do a little research to find out who's in charge of making hiring decisions for the company you wish to work for. For small private businesses this may be the owner themselves, or it may be a human resources officer or staffing director at a big corporation. Going through the appropriate channels is the first step toward gaining an audience. With most retail and service jobs, you can simply walk in and request to speak to a manager. If you have a friend or acquaintance that works for the company, see if they could give you some advice or help set up a meeting between you and one of the higher ups. Once you get a chance to speak to someone with some influence, let them know up front that you're interested in working for them. Show them that you're eager, enthusiastic and ready to work hard. Chances are, they'll be impressed by your initiative. The key is to be assertive, but not too forceful. Never make demands of an employer or come in with a sense of entitlement. Open with a statement like "I think I would be a very good fit for your company" or "I believe my ideas and ambition could be of real service to your operations." Be sure to attach your resume, an original cover letter explaining why you're interested in the job and a link to the open position, if it was posted online. These days, most established companies screen potential employees electronically, so this will be your first opportunity to make contact with the people you could be working for in the future. Emailing an employer directly is much more personable than mass-posting your resume to various job search websites. Be explicit about the purpose of the email with a subject line like "Senior Editor Position." Always be cordial, professional and prompt in your email correspondence. Hiring supervisors pay close attention to the way prospective employees communicate. In some instances, the person offering a job might be a family friend, acquaintance or former business associate. If this is the case, it will usually be okay to meet with them casually to discuss the details of the job. Find a time that fits the employer's schedule and be prepared to tell them a little about yourself and what you're looking for. Set up a meeting by calling or speaking to the employer in person ahead of time. Even if it's not a formal interview, you should plan on showing up early and looking respectable. Don't assume that you'll be guaranteed a job just because you know someone. You should treat the sit down with the same respect and consideration you would any other professional situation.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Find work as an FBI agent or in law enforcement. Meet basic eligibility requirements. Complete the Special Agent Selection System (SASS). Be chosen as an agent with the NCAVC. Receive special training. Seek employment in other fields, if necessary.

Answer:
Agents who work in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the NCAVC, which engages in profiling, may have as many as seven to ten years experience as an FBI agent before entering service in the unit. Others may have extensive experience in state or local law enforcement. Previous background in law enforcement can be very helpful when trying to gain a position in the FBI. You can find information about current job possibilities with the FBI, and how to apply for them, at the FBI Jobs website. There are very few special agent positions in the FBI, and not every current FBI employee is eligible to serve as a special agent. To apply to become a FBI special agent (including with the NCAVC), you must: Be a U.S. citizen Be between 23 and 36 1/2 years old, in most cases Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution Have at least 3 years of full time work experience (in some cases, you can have a combination of education and work experience, or waive the work experience requirement) Have lived in the U.S. or one of its territories for 3 of the last 5 years Not have been convicted of a felony, a domestic violence misdemeanor or more serious offense Not have knowingly or willfully engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. government by force Not have failed to pay court ordered child support Not have defaulted on a federally funded student loan Not have failed to file federal, state, or local income tax returns Meet the FBI's drug use guidelines Completion of the SASS can take anywhere from six months to a year or more. In order to increase your chances of being chosen as an FBI profiler, you must also exceed the minimum requirements of the SASS. Through your resume and other documents, interviews, and various tests, you will be able to prove how competitive your application is. To meet the minimum qualifications of the SASS, you must pass every stage: An online application to ensure eligibility and submit necessary documents A three-hour exam consisting of Cognitive, Behavioral, and Logical Reasoning tests An in-person resume review and job preview Written and oral language tests (when applicable to the position) A 90-minute written exam A one-hour panel interview At least to physical fitness tests (PFTs) A polygraph test A thorough background check If you have the proper combination of skills and experience, you may be considered for employment as a profiler with the FBI's NCAVC, if a potential position becomes available. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also has criminal profilers assigned to the NCAVC's BAU, so you may also find employment through this agency. The number of actual criminal profilers working with the FBI (not to mention the number of jobs available for new hires at any given time) is very small. For instance, the ATF currently employs only two profilers with the BAU. Even once they are selected, BAU agents and ATF agents employed as profilers with the NCAVC undergo additional training, sometimes as much as two years of it. This provides agents with even more specialized instruction and experience, as well as updates on methodology and professional practices. Very few people are actually employed as profilers with the FBI, so do not be discouraged if you are not able to gain a position as one. You can use your interests in profiling and criminology in many other valuable careers in law enforcement, including local, state, or national criminal investigation. For instance, you could become: An FBI agent in a different department A detective or other investigator in state or local law enforcement An academic researcher with a focus on criminology or forensics'