On my birthday last month I found a job opening online that would have been ideal for me. A job that I'm uniquely qualified for, a job with good pay and benefits, and most importantly, a job I think I would love. Seeing the opening on my birthday felt like a sign. I was convinced this was it.
So I went back over my resume, making sure everything that made me the perfect person for the position was mentioned. I wrote a very nice cover letter to go with it. I even wrote an email to the person who would be in charge of the hiring process, introducing myself and asking for an interview. After submitting everything I called around to some of my contacts (I have a lot of great contacts in this community) and discovered that a woman in my book club volunteers at this place. I reached out to her and told her about the position I was applying for so she could put in a good word for me. In short, I did everything I could think of to try to get a foot in the door. Then I waited.
And waited.
And........nothing. Not an email, not a call, nothing.
Which is just par for the course. I've applied for three jobs with the state (at DHEC and DHHS) over the last couple of months and haven't heard anything back from them, either. Then there was the job as a secretary at one of the high schools I applied for and got really hopeful about....because they checked my references...but then I didn't hear anything else until I found out through a friend that they had filled the position. I never even got an interview. Why they bothered to contact my references is a mystery to me. Every day, I check the online job postings, and there's rarely anything worth applying for. On the rare occasion that something seems promising, I do whatever I can think of to get noticed, but it's just not happening.
I'm so unhappy at my current job (anyone who's been reading here for any length of time knows that already, and I apologize for sounding like a broken record) and I've been searching for something better for so long, that I'm getting depressed about it all. Everything is great when I'm off work, but whenever I'm about to go in (like tonight) the dread settles over me like a dark cloud.
The only thing I need to make my life completely happy is a new and better job. Everything else is great, and I'm grateful for all the good stuff in my life, but I'm so ready to have this job search behind me.
I can relate to so much of this, as you know. It is depressing to think that no matter what education and qualifications and experience we have, it doesn't ever seem to be enough to get ahead.. or even to move laterally into a less toxic environment. Hang in there, Jennifer. Keep pounding that pavement until it cracks. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll keep pounding. :)
DeleteI don't sympathize; I empathize. In seven and a half years of applying for hundreds of jobs, I've had two temporary positions (one was temporary because I got fired). It's rare for potential employers to initiate any kind of contact. They don't even bother to send out letters or emails that say, Forget about it. We hired someone else. It's so hard.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thanks Janie...it is hard.
DeleteDon't give up hope Jennifer, the right place for you will come when it is the right time for it, i am sure.
ReplyDeleteYour faith gives me hope, Yael. Thank you!
DeleteYou'll get there. The job might come from an angle you haven't thought of.
ReplyDeleteI keep hoping something completely unexpected will show itself. I've had good luck that way before in my life!
DeleteSo sorry about what you're experiencing regarding finding a new job. I've been there like you, in a miserable position, feeling desperate to escape, and not having any luck. Then, suddenly, something clicks. I have faith and hope you can keep up your spirits.
ReplyDeleteI hate feeling stuck, which is the worst part. When I decide I'm ready to do something in life, I don't like waiting around! I need to learn patience.
DeleteWhen I win the British National Lottery I shall offer you a job as my PA and we will jet around the world together making business deals and assisting worthy charities. You will not be required to wear high heels as they are not sensible footwear and may cause injury or pain. Like the other commenters above I am rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteI will happily accept your offer, YP. And I never wear high heels...my poor feet weren't made for such torture devices! When I need to dress up the highest heel I'll wear is a modest 1/5 inch or so.
DeleteIf you are going to wear modest high heels, I shall wear them too in solidarity.
DeleteYou must stay strong Jennifer, you are going to find that job.
ReplyDeleteThanks Doc! :)
DeleteI think most of us have been in a similar situation and understand your plight very well. It seems to be getting harder and harder in the job market. Something will come along; you just have to keep trying your best.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone probably goes through similar situations from time to time. I'll keep on keeping on!
DeleteI understand how discouraged you must be, especially when you put so much effort into an application and it goes totally unanswered.
ReplyDeleteAlphie
It's disheartening to put a lot of effort into the application process only to hear nothing!
DeleteI believe that in the UK it is obligatory to advertise a job opportunity, even if they already have someone in mind. This gives false hopes to people who genuinely thought that the job was on offer. Maybe this is the case with some of the jobs you've applied for too. They could at least reply to you!
ReplyDeleteI think that what you mention happens quite often here, too. Some sort of reply would be nice, though.
DeleteI applied for a job in a library. It invited informal discussion by phone. I rang. The guy was very enthusiastic and said I had everything they were looking for, exactly what they wanted. He encouraged me to apply. On the back of this I completed an eight page application form as required. I waited. After a few weeks I rang up library HQ, in fact the Council I already work for. They said the position had been filled and I could assume I had not been short-listed as I had not been called for interview. No letters were sent to candidates unless short-listed. I rang the guy I originally spoke to. He said he had not been invited to the short-listing committee and had no in-put in the end. I no longer apply for any Council posts but just keep on temping. It was farcical and a lot of time wasted for several people including my referees who I had named in the application and approached out of courtesy before sending it off. I feel for you Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteOh no! That's the WORST. A long, time consuming application process and then someone getting your hopes up...only to be ignored. I've been there many, many times. I'm sorry that happened to you, Rachel.
DeleteDaughter had a job she loved, had the early morning opening shift 6AM, loved her customers who kept coming back but her manager was a BITCH ! Daughter had to retrain the staff, parts were missing from the equipment. Just builling. She finally had enough and quit. The manger looked surprise when she handed in her 2 weeks notice.
ReplyDeleteShe applied for another job and would have done a great job but didn't get hired.
I just do not understand.
I really do not know what to say to you or Daughter.
cheers, parsnip
cheers, parsnip
I daydream about writing and handing in my notice. I can't wait for that joyous day to come!
DeleteI hope your daughter finds another (better) job soon!
Jennifer, your lovely card arrived today - thank you so much! It now sits on the cabinet in my tiny hallway, right underneath Fred Fox' portrait by Neil, so that I am reminded of two blogging friends every time I look that way or walk past :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it is basic human kindness and shows professionalism at the same time if a company lets job applicants know even if they are not the "chosen ones".
I'm so glad it arrived and that you like it! š»š¼
Delete