while i am looking forward to this new chapter of our lives, let me be clear: i hate looking for jobs.
there is something incredibly nerve-wracking about trying to find a position that i will enjoy, that will use my education and my so-called "skill-set," and that will provide decent pay and--most importantly--health benefits. even more annoyingly, i hate drafting overly confident letters of application and listing out my many brilliant qualities (brilliant as i may be).
as i work through this process, i have learned that i am not good at selling myself. i am sure my mother will be relieved.
on a lighter note, here is a list of qualities i wish were appropriate for a résumé:
- Outstanding internet shopping skills
- Mediocre attempts at cooking
- Ability to prevent small children from placing even smaller toys in my husband's guitar
- Stellar laundry-folding and organizing skills
- Total inability to find multiple terms for "skills" that people would actually use
you know how it goes.
12 comments:
based on your skill set, i'd hire you in a new york minute. i especially envy your ability to fold laundary and organize---you listed it in jest, but keep in mind that some of us lack that particular talent (skill synonym?).
also, you're living my dream getting your masters in english, and i bet you're a great teacher because you are very funny. but maybe you don't want to teach...
and, i think this might be the first time i commented on your blog.
lastly, i am sad your time in boise is drawing to a close. we do live in the same city and could have totally met by now--
except--
i'm a stay at home mom of two who barely makes it out the door to grocery shop.
good luck.
Haha! I'm totally feeling you right now. But why would your mother be relieved? You should always talk yourself up - and get others to do so for you as well. Are you ruling out adjuncting? Oh wait....that doesn't really solve the whole benefits things....or decent pay thing....or...yeah. Maybe we should have been engineers.
you forgot to mention "best dressed t.a. at boise state" or "near-professional blogger." come on, becca. have some self-respect and recognize these superlatives.
diana:
i also believe this is the first time you have ever commented on my blog, and i loved it. it seems odd that we haven't met yet, but one day, friend. one day. until then, take more pictures of your adorable girls and post them on our blog (please!).
diane:
unfortunately, the comment about my mother was one of those "made in bad taste" moves... you know, selling myself... yeah.
andrea:
i considered the best dressed TA move, but then i remembered your cute skirt ensemble earlier this week. so, if i don't get a job, it's pretty much your fault. thanks.
I feel you. I just got out of the job hunt market. Just remeber these in an interview.
1. Don't lie not even little white ones but also don't sell your accomplishments short.
2. Be confident. You CAN do it and your are the IDEAL person for their position.
3. "Sell yourself" avoiding all bad taste connotations, don't be afraid to ask them at the end if there is any reason why they wouldn't:
- bring you back for a second interview
- Make you their top recommendation to the hiring manager
- Be their top consideration for the position.
(Use this one wisely. it has always been my interview ace in the hole, it often catches them off guard but shows you aren't afraid to ask the hard questions and sometimes get the hard answers)
4. Sing Billy Idol songs to yourself before you go in. It gives you a sassy yet comfortable confidence. (unless you are singing "white wedding", small inappropriate situation issues in that one. I prefer "dancing with myself")
And remember, you are awesome and if they don't pick you it is THEIR loss.
Oh I say give up on employment!!!! After 24 years of it I can say it is way over-rated.
Go on welfare. They have health benefits!
Ha! Yeah, I guess I missed the subtle (and classy) street-walker reference. Or "lady of the night" as Dr. Widmayer used to say in my British Lit survey class.
I'm sure Jesse will be relieved as well...
job hunting is the very worst part of life. it really might be. i hope i never graduate. except that would be just as bad. oh boy, we need something positive to talk about. shoes?
ha. Thanks for that. It made me giggle and feel more content with my day that does not involve job hunting or writing resumes. Ugh. It really is the worst.
Job hunting sucks, but you don't.
...
i was SHOCKED to find that your more than excellent spooning skills were never mentioned. sorry, did i say skills? i meant abilities.
i find all the skills you listed incredibly valuable. but job hunting is the worst.
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