Dropping off CVs in person

Hello,

I am in the midst of applying for jobs as I just received my work permit.  I am applying for basic entry level jobs in organisations that I would really like to work for in the long term. I am over qualified for some of them but my vision is to just get my foot in the door right now.  I am wondering if it would help (or hinder) me to drop off my CV in person after applying for the position online?  The idea being that if I meet someone in person, they would remember me and ideally have a better look at my CV and application for the job.

In America, it is more or less acceptable to do this (a way of taking initiative) but I am not sure if it comes across as desperate or unnecessary in England.

If you have any advice on ways to stand out or ways to secure an interview, I would really appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your reply.

Hello,

I am in the midst of applying for jobs as I just received my work permit.

Congratulations on your FLR!  How long did it take in the end?

Thank you! It took EXACTLY 8 weeks! I decided to not be stressed about it until after the first day of the 9th week - so no stress came about in the end. Thanks for asking!

I suspect it depends on the type of role.  Everywhere I've worked in the UK, the building is secure and you need a pass to get in or be buzzed in.  And then you'd only get as far as security/reception. 

Basically, I don't think it would hurt.  But I don't know that it would necessarily get you to the right place.

However, if it's retail or a restaurant - something that isn't a secure building - I'd think dropping your CV off directly is the right way to go.

I recently had a recruiter suggest the approach of finding the name and contact info of someone in HR and reaching out directly. It wouldn’t hurt to try it and make sure they know who you are and that you’re interested. Plus it saves you struggling to get into a secure building like KFDancer pointed out. 

That's great, thank you so much for the tip!

As KF said, I don't think it would hurt. But, to be honest, I don't see it being an extra help. I see it as sort of neutral ground over here (with a small percentage of a business liking it enough to be helpful and a small percentage finding it odd compared to what they're used to). I would just say to do what is right for you though. Maybe try the approach to reach out to the HR contact as Kay suggested? Or try going in person to one place and see if it feels like the right approach for you.