Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Seemingly Endless Job Search

I just sent out my 37th job application/resume since July 2nd. Are you kidding me? Yes, I am serious. Since the beginning of June I have been searching for a full-time job. That means that I've actually probably sent out about 50 application/resume combos. Why? Why is it so hard to find a real job these days?

I am so frustrated. I am a freelance journalist/blogger who makes okay money. I have no benefits. No job security. No way to climb the ladder since our company is made of only 5 employees and none of them are leaving their positions. No room in the budget for a raise, either. What's a girl to do? Let the career search begin!

I've spent the last few months of my evaluating my career. At the age of 24, I'm a go-getter. I want to work my way up in the corporate world. I want to have financial security and health insurance. I want to work at the same place for dozens of years and be able to look back on my time at that job and feel a sense of accomplishment. Is that too much to ask for? In today's world, I actually think that it may be.

I'm feeling the strain of this job search. I have applied for at least a dozen 'dream-jobs' in the past month. Jobs that I know that I would LOVE doing. Jobs that I know I would fit perfectly. It's as though those employers are looking for something different, or maybe not really looking at all.

I think it's disappointing to know that I'm being judged off of a cover letter and resume, too. I wish there was room for some personal communication and interaction. I want so badly to just walk into some of these places of employment and introduce myself in person. Make a memorable and positive impression. Has the internet ruined this? Now, I have an allowance of 400 words to type into a little scroll box on an online application. Those 400 words have to scream, beg, and prove that I am the perfect candidate.
I have received a few (2, actually) phone calls from jobs that I applied for saying that I was 'over-qualified' for the position. That makes me feel good... except I'd take just about any full-time position with benefits that I could get my hands on right about now.

I guess I'm looking for some tips. Suggestions? Words of advice? Has any other poor soul experienced these job-applying rituals lately? Am I the only one going through this saga today? Please wish me luck and I will promise to keep you on the up-and-up with everything! Thanks for listening to me vent. You're the greatest.

4 comments:

 Amy said...

Girl, I was right there with you last spring. I was unemployed for 6 months doing the same thing, and it was tough. The only tips I really have are to stay positive and keep emphasizing what you can do for them is your letter and resume. That's all anyone really wants to hear these days.

Other than that, keep your chin up, make sure you do lots of fun things to balance it all out, and keep looking forward with optimism. If you think about it, it's probably impossible to stay unemployed forever, right? Something awesome will come along. It HAS to! GOOD LUCK!

Michelle said...

Hang in there Ami! I've been through that same experience, and I know how frustrating that is. But I do think that things tend to happen for a reason, so don't lose hope. You will get through it. Just remain positive and good things will happen. Good luck!

Dana Fox said...

this may sound crazy, but why DON'T you go in there and introduce yourself in person??? could give you a great leg-up.
good luck!!
xox dana
thewonderforest.com

Anonymous said...

Use what you already have. Call the intended place of employment and tell them you are interested in writing about them. People love to talk about themselves. Then after you have spent an afternoon interviewing them, if you feel a good vibe, tell them you are thinking about employment there. Just a thought. Good luck.