The job hunt continues and I'm feeling beat down and discouraged. At first it was an adventure, I was excited about new possibilities now I'm feeling much less excited.
Yesterday I received this email from the City of Tacoma...
February 17, 2010
Dear Tammy :
Thank
you for your application for Office Assistant. We received
applications from 1,115 qualified candidates. The next step in the
selection process will be a multiple choice written examination. The
most successful candidates from the written examination will be invited
to a performance examination in our computer training room. Candidates
who pass the examinations will be ranked on an eligible list. The
eligible list will be used to fill vacancies as they occur at the City
of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities for one year.
This is your invitation to participate in the Office Assistant written examination.
Be sure to bring to the test site:
• This invitation
• Photo identification
• Two number 2 pencils in ready to use condition
Your test date and time cannot be changed and late entry is not acceptable. The location, time and date of your test is:
DATE: 03/01/2010
TIME: 8:00 AM
PLACE: AMVETS HALL
There is no study guide for this examination.
Please plan to be at the test site for approximately two hours. I look forward to seeing you on 03/01/2010.
Very truly yours,
Human Resource Guy
City of Tacoma Human Resources Department
They received 1,115 qualified applications?! 1,115?!! Seriously?!
My next step is to take a written test that could lead to a chance to take performance test to be ranked on an eligible list?! Did I read that correctly? What happened to the position I applied for? No chance for an interview?
I haven't had any responses from the first few jobs I applied for that I really wanted. I've sent follow up notes and still haven't heard anything. If they have received 1,000 applications like the city of Tacoma did, I can understand why.
I've updated my resume yet again to really showcase my people skills.
I'm really feeling like my Epiphany might have been a very pollyannaish mistake.
It's always easier to see thing clearer when you're looking in a rearviewmirror.
Pearl Jam
Rearviewmirror
I took a drive today
Time to emancipateI guess it was the beatings... made me wise
But I'm not about to give thanks, or apologize
I couldn't breathe, holdin' me down
Hand on my face, pushed to the ground
Enmity gauged, united by fear
Forced to endure what I could not forgive...
I seem to look away
Wounds in the mirror waved
It wasn't my surface... most defiled
Head at your feet, fool to your crown
Fist on my plate, swallowed it down
Enmity gauged, united by fear
Tried to endure what I could not forgive
Saw things
Saw things
Saw things
Saw things
Clearer
Clearer
Once you, were in my...
Rearviewmirror...
I gather speed from you fucking with me
Once and for all I'm far away
I hardly believe, finally the shades...are raised...
Saw things so much clearer
(Once you, once you)
Rearviewmirror...
Aww Honey... It is a process now days. I still think your epiphany was right and you need to pursue jobs that you would love to work at. Otherwise you cross the finish line and go "WTF? I didn't want this!"
Big hugs and smoochies!
Posted by: Asthmagirl | February 18, 2010 at 09:10 AM
That sucks ... big time. But things happen for a reason and I think the reason they're not interviewing you is because the RIGHT job awaits you; if you took this one, you'd miss out on what's meant to be. We're all rooting for you and can't wait for the day you post the "I just got the most wonderful job EVER" post! It's coming!
Posted by: Lisa | February 18, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Good Lord!! 1115 applicants - that is just insane!! {{{HUGS}}} I remain confident that the job meant for you is out there.
Posted by: The Incredible Woody | February 18, 2010 at 11:19 AM
That is the truth...the part about looking in the rear view mirror, but I still think you did the right thing...follow your heart.
Posted by: Tracey of These Nine Acres | February 18, 2010 at 12:50 PM
I'm with the others...follow your heart. It will happen for you. Love that song, isn't it funny how there is always a song for the times of our lives? take care.
Posted by: joanne | February 18, 2010 at 06:05 PM
1,115?!! Holy crap...
I'm sorry this is becoming so frustrating for you. I hope the perfect job is right around the next corner.
Posted by: Robin from Israel | February 19, 2010 at 08:19 AM
Holy crap. That sucks! I'm sure your epiphany was not for nothing, that something will come of it and it will work out. You're in my thoughts!
Posted by: Meg | February 19, 2010 at 08:35 AM
1115??? Wow. I still think there is something good for you out there. And I would play those numbers... Hugs.
Posted by: Mental P Mama | February 19, 2010 at 03:41 PM
Oh geeze, that sounds daunting. The multiple step process expected of job applications these days sounds flat out exhausting to me.
Lots of deep breaths and long walks and positive affirmations. And a bit of "pick ME, pick ME" vibe headed your way.
Posted by: phd in yogurtry | February 19, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Ahhhh, that is so disheartening!!! And that many applicants??? How is that supposed to be encouraging, my goodness! I'm sorry it's so hard for you. My hubby went through 6 months of unemployment 1.5 years ago and it was HIDEOUS. My prayers are with ya!!! I hope something good comes around the corner! Hugs! :)
Posted by: Rachel | February 20, 2010 at 11:07 PM
Wow, that's incredible and a lot of applicants. It's funny because they are trying to paint a picture of a better economy but those numbers are huge. Maybe take the test for experience and who knows it could lead to something. Follow every lead.
Posted by: noble pig | February 21, 2010 at 08:54 AM