Ugh - The Job Hunt

For the past two months, I've been scouring the job boards, classified ads and company websites, seeking positions throughout the Kalamazoo area. Initially, I applied only for academic jobs, because a full-time, tenure track position is my goal. Then, reality struck and I realized that I needed to find a full-time job, period. So, I began applying for everything from administrative assistant positions to director positions and everything in-between.

After a few weeks of nothing, I opened myself up to the wonderful and exciting world of temporary, holiday employment. I had one interview. It was for a sales associate position with Macy's, and I was excited, because I love Macy's! The interview went well. The interviewer said she was impressed with my knowledge and skills. I knew I'd nailed it! I couldn't wait to dig out all of my black dress clothes for my first day of work there. All I had to do was wait for the email that would tell me when I should show up for work. It only took four days for them to get back to me, but they didn't have a position available that was "equivalent" to my "job expertise." They lauded my strong work experience and credentials, then sent me on my way. It was crushing.

I also registered to become a substitute teacher. The process was time-consuming, and by the time I had been approved to be a sub, the Christmas break had begun. Sigh.

The job hunt continued, well into the Christmas season, and, now, outside of it. Most of the positions for which I'm now applying are well outside of my comfort zone, probably because I know that I'm only remotely qualified for them. Take, for instance, the Director of Community Partnerships position I'm applying for today. I'm well-qualified for several of the requirements. I have great interpersonal communication skills. I can write press releases which are generally published without editing, and I discuss various fundraising techniques with priests, bishops and any person of power (religious or otherwise), I'm able to work with all kinds of people (whatever that means), and I have a fantastic ability to fund-raise, because, after all, I attended a parochial school for nine years that enabled me to grow, four to five times each academic year, in that capacity.

What I don't have is experience in cultivating prospective collaborators and donors. That happens to be the key component of this particular position, so, I'm leery of even applying for the position. In order to cultivate prospective collaborators and donors, I should probably know more than six people in the area. (I've only lived here for six months.) And, I should probably have more dressy clothes than casual. I know that this element that will keep them from furthering my application to the interviewing process. Still, I'm going to submit it, because, who knows? Maybe they can look past that?

I wrote three cover letters last night. Two of the cover letters were for administrative assistant jobs, and I wondered, as I began writing them, if I should adjust my resume so as not to sound over-qualified. It's a moral dilemma, because I don't want to lie. I posited the question on Facebook. A few people told me to lie. A few people told me to be honest. It was a draw. The best route (which a few had mentioned, too) is to just sell myself as best as I can. So, asking the question on Facebook now seems irrelevant, but for a moment, it made me feel better. I moved on.

The Sunday classifieds were posted, so I scoured them between writing cover letters. I avoided all of the RN, LPN, CNC Operator, Machinist, IT, CPA, CSW, CENA and other license-seeking positions, because I'm not qualified to do any of them.

"What about factory work? You're not too good to do that!" some have said. Sure, I have a BA in Communication and an MA in English and Literature, but I'll jump into factory work if I need to do that. There were three positions listed, through a temp agency, but, they were for $8 an hour, and required me to work two weeks of 3rd shift, then two weeks of 2nd shift then two weeks of 1st shift, then back to 3rd... and make that rotation for the duration of the position. No wonder they're looking for help! That just might be the biggest step toward insanity I've seen yet, and for $8 an hour? After I pay a sitter, there will barely be enough money left to pay rent. I skipped it.

I also passed on the full-time sorority house director position, because I'd have to live in the sorority house, and it didn't allow for pets. The ad made no mention of children, but I can't imagine raising a child in a sorority house.

So, my job search continues. I'm glad that I haven't lost all hope (though you may have noticed I've become more cynical than normal). I can't live like this forever, and, if I stop applying for jobs, well, I don't even want to think about the alternative. So, let's just say, again, the job search continues.

By the way, if you know of anything...