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Let's face it: looking for a job SUCKS. You know it and I know it. It's not pretty, even for seasoned (or wannabe seasoned) HR pros.
That being said, let's see if we can help a reader out, yo:
I'm a big fan of yours, and I'm also a recent graduate. I earned my
Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Criticism, graduating Summa
Cum Laude. Right up until two months before I graduated, I had been
planning to attend grad school. I found out last-minute that I wasn't going to be receiving a Teaching Assistantship from the two universities I had been accepted to. Because I'm not willing to be buried in $70k worth of extra debt, I'm going to find a job and go to grad chool part-time and closer to home.
I've been applying for jobs since late April. I've been on interviews for two different positions. The first company, after 2 interviews, called me to tell me it was down to me and another candidate, but she had more experience. The Hiring Manager wanted to let me know that he and the rest of the team (the second interview was with the heads of 4
departments) were very impressed, and to keep him apprised of how my job search was going. The second company entered a hiring freeze the week after my interview.
These interviews happened the week after I graduated in May, and I haven't heard back from ANY other companies.
I have been sending out applications to 10-15 jobs a week, calling back
a week later (where applicable), and still nothing. I am beginning to
loathe the welcome pages of Monster, Yahoo! Hot Jobs, and
Careerbuilder, and there is something so disheartening about sending applications off into the void, receiving a "thank you for your submission, but don't call us, we'll call you" e-mail, then never hearing from the
company again.
I know that the job market sucks right now, and that I've never felt so powerless and depressed in my life. I don't have a very marketable degree, but I have been hoping for something. I haven't even heard back about call center and secretarial jobs.
Wenchie, I know my story isn't unique, especially in this market. You have even been having trouble finding something, so I'm wondering if you have any words of advice and/or encouragement for those of us who are stuck in unemployment land.
Darlin', you bet I do.
First of all, congratulations on completing your degree. That is a huge accomplishment no matter WHAT the subject is and don't let anyone tell you differently. You should be very proud of that darn degree!
Second of all, it sounds like you were a very strong runner up for the position you applied for in May. You know what my question is, don't you? Have you kept the hiring manager apprised of how your job search is going? If not, get on the horn NOW and let him know by asking him how the new hire has turned out and if there are any other positions on the horizon. Use your position as a kick butt runner up to your best advantage. Invitations to keep in touch with a hiring manager hardly ever happen. Trust me.
Now, it sounds like you have been applying for a lot of jobs. This is generally a good idea when you're looking for a job. But do you know what else is a good idea?
1. Figuring out what you're really looking for.
You mentioned call center, secretarial and teaching assistant jobs. You are all over the map. You need to zone in on what you really want and use a laser like, not shotgun, approach. Yes, you're a new grad and your "just" looking for a part time gig. It doesn't matter. If you don't know what you want and feel desperation, recruiters can SMELL it and it smells RANK.
Take a realistic view of your experience, education (and all that it encompasses, not just your major)
