Why is job hunting so painful?

[DirtyJJ]

What is it about the process of job hunting that is so awful? And does anyone have any ideas to make it better? I always dread sending out the resumes and cover letters - don't know why, but I want to avoid it like the plague. I think that is why I have been flitting around Lit all day - among other reasons, I can avoid sending out these resumes! There are only a few to do - I think I make it much worse than it really is.

But I really hate it.
Anyone else?

DJJ

 

[Boxlicker101]

What is it about the process of job hunting that is so awful? And does anyone have any ideas to make it better? I always dread sending out the resumes and cover letters - don't know why, but I want to avoid it like the plague. I think that is why I have been flitting around Lit all day - among other reasons, I can avoid sending out these resumes! There are only a few to do - I think I make it much worse than it really is.

But I really hate it.
Anyone else?

DJJ

I think the worst part is when an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here?" I wonder if anybody has ever answered "For money, stupid. Why else would I come here looking for a job at this place that I never heard of until today?"

 

[neonlyte]

Re: Re: Why is job hunting so painful?

I think the worst part is when an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here?" I wonder if anybody has ever answered "For money, stupid. Why else would I come here looking for a job at this place that I never heard of until today?"

If you want the job tell them;
"So I can collect ideas and characters for my porn stories"

NL

 

[Svenskaflicka]

M suggested that I'd apply to tons of jobs, even those I didn't really want, because it would take the edge of applying, and it would be good for my self-esteem to turn down job offers from places where I didn't even wanted to work - it gives you a sweet feeling of being so wanted that you can choose what job you like the best!

 

[cantdog]

It takes a lot of concentrated self-esteem to do the job hunt thing.

Especially difficult to do if you've been fired, which is pretty devastating.

I sympathize entirely.

cantdoghttp://no-troy.planetaclix.pt/images/mexico.gif

 

[Guest]

I like how you put that, Cant - concentrated self-esteem. Last time I looked for a job I'd just left a husband, moved to a new city and found a new home and schools for my two young sons.

I was a hit and had three job offers after a week and a half of the pavement hitting. After each interview I'd wonder, "Who the fuck was that woman selling herself like she was royalty?" Still don't know. But god what work it was to dress right and answer dopey questions as if they came from God.

Perdita

 

[Clare Quilty]

What is it about the process of job hunting that is so awful?

I think it's the humbling oneself and jumping through hoops like an oft-beaten circus poodle. Alternatively, it could be the swallowing of ones own convictions without benefit of a beverage. On the other hand, perhaps it's having it rubbed in ones face that one is not the beautiful unique snowflake that one has always imagined oneself to be.

 

[cantdog]

Clare stands outside at a weird angle and his light shines in showing me a new thing sometimes.
Yeah. And try being fired.

 

[bg23]

Yeah. And try being fired.

Been there. Still traumatised.

I hate when they ask, "What makes you special? Why should we choose you over everyone else?"

Because I'm better than everyone else? Over the years I've tried to formulate a good answer to that one...still haven't really succeeded well...just end up sounding like some halfbaked self promotional campaign.

What does everyone else say when they get asked that?

 

[DirtyJJ]

Re: Re: Why is job hunting so painful?

I think the worst part is when an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here?" I wonder if anybody has ever answered "For money, stupid. Why else would I come here looking for a job at this place that I never heard of until today?"

Yes, that is a big part of what I hate - answering those kinds of questions that no matter what you say you sound phony.

In fact, it's hard not to get through the whole process without being somewhat phony - which I can't stand! You have to talk yourself up, and while I do think I have a lot to offer, it is hard for me to "sell" it.
JJ

 

[DirtyJJ]

Re: Re: Re: Why is job hunting so painful?

If you want the job tell them;
"So I can collect ideas and characters for my porn stories"

NL

Too funny.
But you have a point - the last place I worked I met someone who inspired my two Lit stories as well as one in the works!
JJ

 

[DirtyJJ]

M suggested that I'd apply to tons of jobs, even those I didn't really want, because it would take the edge of applying, and it would be good for my self-esteem to turn down job offers from places where I didn't even wanted to work - it gives you a sweet feeling of being so wanted that you can choose what job you like the best!

Svenska, this is good advice. I think it will get easier to do this once I finish polishing my resume and cover letter, though it seems like THAT will never happen because I can't stop tweaking them. I know I should just apply to as many jobs as I can, and not worry about being perfect.

Part of my dilemma too is that I have a freelance business that has been busy at times and is now slowing, and I am just testing the waters to see what else is out there... but I think my heart is not totally in it because I don't want to give up my business just yet.
JJ

 

[DirtyJJ]

It takes a lot of concentrated self-esteem to do the job hunt thing.

Especially difficult to do if you've been fired, which is pretty devastating.

I sympathize entirely.

cantdog

yes - you hit it right - the concentrated self-esteem, which is hard to muster up and maintain through the whole process. And yes, I have been laid off in the past which is still a bit painful.

Thanks for your understanding! These responses help me feel a little better - it's a necessary evil that I don't think anyone likes
JJ

 

[DirtyJJ]

I like how you put that, Cant - concentrated self-esteem. Last time I looked for a job I'd just left a husband, moved to a new city and found a new home and schools for my two young sons.

I was a hit and had three job offers after a week and a half of the pavement hitting. After each interview I'd wonder, "Who the fuck was that woman selling herself like she was royalty?" Still don't know. But god what work it was to dress right and answer dopey questions as if they came from God.

Perdita

This made me laugh, and was inspiring too. That is sort of how I felt when reading my cover letter yesterday. I wrote what I thought was a good one on Monday, then when I looked it again I had the same reaction - who the fuck is this saying all these great things about me? Again - it feels so fake and yet, I don't know if there is any other option! I think you have to do what you say above. And I especially hate those "dopey questions."

JJ

 

[DirtyJJ]

I think it's the humbling oneself and jumping through hoops like an oft-beaten circus poodle. Alternatively, it could be the swallowing of ones own convictions without benefit of a beverage. On the other hand, perhaps it's having it rubbed in ones face that one is not the beautiful unique snowflake that one has always imagined oneself to be.

Very well said Clare - what person in their right mind could actually enjoy such a thing!

JJ

 

[DirtyJJ]

Been there. Still traumatised.

I hate when they ask, "What makes you special? Why should we choose you over everyone else?"

Because I'm better than everyone else? Over the years I've tried to formulate a good answer to that one...still haven't really succeeded well...just end up sounding like some halfbaked self promotional campaign.

What does everyone else say when they get asked that?

I hate these questions too, along with "what are your strengths and weaknesses?" I don't have any brilliant answers - but one thing I do know, now that I think about it, is that job hunting has gotten a bit easier as I get older and feel more comfortable being myself... but you still have to sell yourself somehow in the end.

I appreciate all of your responses! You have given me a little lift to keep wallowing through this thing, knowing that hopefully in the end there is something good on the other side.
Thanks!
JJ

 

[Guest]

In the same boat

I was looking around for some interesting things to put in my cover letter... i came up with
Cover Letters:

"Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty!"

"Enclosed is a ruff draft of my resume."

"I saw your ad on the information highway, and I came to a screeching halt."

"Please disregard the attached resume -- it is terribly out of date."

"It's best for employers that I not work with people."

"Insufficient writing skills, thought processes have slowed down some. If I am not one of the best, I will look for another opportunity."

"If this resume doesn't blow your hat off, then please return it in the enclosed envelope."

"My fortune cookie said, 'Your next interview will result in a job' -- and I like your company in particular."

"You hold in your hands the resume of a truly outstanding candidate!"

"I am sicking and entry-level position."

"Here are my qualifications for you to overlook."

"I am a quick leaner, dependable, and motivated."

"I am relatively intelligent, obedient, and as loyal as a puppy."

"Note: Keep this resume on top of the stack. Use all the others to heat your house."

"I don't usually blow my own horn, but in this case, I will go right ahead and do so."

"I need just enough money to have pizza every night."

"My compensation should be at least equal to my age."

"I'm submitting my resume to spite my lack of C++ and HTML experience."

"My primary goal is to be recognized."

"Below are the top 10 reasons to hire me."

"My salary requirement is $34 per year."

"I'll need $30K to start, full medical, three weeks vacation, stock options and ideally a European sedan."

"I am superior to anyone else you could hire."

"I vow to fulfill the goals of the company as long as I live."

"Although I am seeking an accounting job, the fact that I have no actual experience in accounting may seem discouraging. However..."

"I realize that my total lack of appropriate experience may concern those considering me for employment."

"I worked here full-time there."

"I'll starve without a job but don't feel you have to give me one."

"You are privileged to receive my resume."

 

[Green_Gem]

Dirty JJ,

I can empathize with your situation and know exactly where you're coming from. I am by profession a Human Resources Practitioner ( been in corporate Human Resources where you ask all those ( dumb) questions to try and screen out the chancers, and now I work for myself as an HR Consultant handling outsource HR work for companies and doing Recruitment and Head Hunting.

The only advice I can give to you, as I do to all my viable candidates, is to give it your best shot everytime you do go for an interview. By this I mean, stay focussed, concentrate on your strengths, listen to what they expect of an incumbent and make decisions based on proper information. It's a sad fact of life but employers generally have a far wider choice of potential and eager job seekers than the other way around BUT don't ever feel like you are on the backfoot because you too are 'selling' your labour to the 'best' company and you should be 'interviewing' and 'screening' them as much as they are you. So don't feel intimidated to ask them about why the company is special or what the company's long term vision and objectives are. Are they achieving them? What's their staff turnover like etc. I can assure you that from an interviewer's perspective it's a welcome change and exciting as well to come across someone who is confident and positive and okay with themselves and who shows initiative.

My bet is that's why Perdita says she was a hit and got three offers in one week. Her 'selling' of herself was probably percieved as enthusiasm, dynamism and companies are more likely to take a chance on someone like that rather than someone who doesn't make any impression.

The thing is, I think your biggest reluctance at the moment is based on the fact that you feel you may have to give up working for yourself and that I can totally identify with. I would HATE to work for a boss again ( and that's probably what keeps me motivated in my situation) but if there is no way economically you can keep working for yourself, remember the fact that you have had the balls to go it alone and generate your own income says a lot for you as well to a prospective employer.

Best of luck and hang in there!

Green_Gem

 

[Guest]

This might make you feel better

i replied to an ad in the paper for a company seeking a web demi god.. so i sent this along with resume.. i got a reply saying while they appreciate my sence of humor, the position had already been filled:


To Whom It May Concern:

I am very interested in the Web Demigod position, advertised in The Day paper, and would like to have the opportunity to discuss with you my (pseudo-demigoddess/demigoddess-in-waiting status) and qualifications for this job.

I hold a Associate in Science , majoring in Computer Sciences from Three Rivers Community College, Norwich, Ct, with additional experience and training in bank deposits/reconciliation, history, intensive care unit management, store management, computer (technical) support and unit management, web design, and business applications.

My experience and skills would make me a valuable asset to your company.

My proficiency with the following alphabet: Visual Basic, SQL, Photoshop, Pagemaker, MS Office, Java/ Javascripting, Html, Xhtml, and webpage design, Dreamweaver, a splash of Flash and C/C++, complement my qualifications. Enclosed is a resume for your review (Please be kind when examining aforementioned resume). What I lack in experience, I more than make up for with my creativity and uncompromising taste.

My salary requirements are approximately $17 an hour/ $35,000 a year (of course the coffee and benefits are much appreciated). While I realize that experience should be commiserate with salary, I am worth this and much more on the way to full goddess-like status and I would be very willing to negotiate the monetary compensation further.

I look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you and discussing how my skills benefit your company and help meet your goals.

 

[Jamdin]

For me it has always been trying to fill out the applications. They expect you to put the full name, address and phone number of past employers, schools and refrences. Yet, there is barely enough room to write the name in the space provided on the application.

 

[steve w]

Dirty JJ,

Commiserations - it's a nightmare isn't it? I've interviewed hundreds of people over the years (not as many as Green_Gem, I'll warrant!), so my feeble advice would be -

1 Have an example of how you've done each point on the person specification. Interviewers are usually looking to tick each item of the PS off as they go, so if you can clearly state an example of each you're halfway there. This counts DOUBLE during the written application. Most are sifted by people who know nothing about the job, so they love a checklist.

2 I totally agree with GG - have some questions at the end. It's the last thing an interviewer remembers before he/she does the initial scoring - you leave them with the impression that you're interested, have paid attention, and would be an asset.

3 Don't worry about being nervous in interviews. Anyone who isn't nervous either doesn't want the job, or is an idiot. Your interviewer is also very nervous. It's not a drawback, and no-one you want to work for would hold it against you. Some of the best people I've ever hired were nervous interviewees.

4 Do find out something about the company. Don't be afraid to ring whoever's doing the job now, or someone else in the department. If you can persuade them to allow you to visit, do so. It'll tell you if you want the job, and it puts you in the shop window better than anything else can. People make your job good/bad/indifferent, not the job, so check them out first if you can.

5 With the written application, speak to the Personnel/Recruitment department. Some companies (like my own) basically talk candidates through the written process, and this virtually guarantees you an interview. Don't agree with it myself, but if it's available, hey, take it!

6 Remember, as GG said, it's a two-way process. Companies with no people only exist in the Cayman Islands. Everyone else needs workers, and trust me, good workers with good attitudes are not everywhere you look.

7 Most interviewers want someone who seems keen, has taken an interest in their organisation, shows initiative and - above all - looks like they will be a hassle-free person to employ. So no 4 above becomes an easy way of showing you'll fit in.

8 Remember - it isn't necessarily a job for life. Easier to get a job when you have a job, so don't be afraid to take one step back to get two steps forward.

9 Believe in yourself!

Hope this helps

 

[DirtyJJ]

Hi everyone - thank you for the thoughtful responses and the humor! That was great. It is nice to hear from some people on the "other"side too.

I am leaving town for a few days so I hope to respond more when i get back - just wanted to say thanks!
DJJ