The Job Hunt

The statistics...

• Weeks unemployed - 8  The unemployment average before finding a new job is 28 weeks!
• Number of jobs applied for - 40  Ten were government jobs, 5 of which have not conducted interviews yet, 17 non-profit, the rest private.
• Times I got a confirmation of application received - 26
• "We hired someone better suited to our needs, please apply again" received - 5
• Number of jobs I applied for that I really, really wanted - 16
• Number of jobs applied to that I spent time dreaming about what it would be like to work there - 9  Five of which I did not get, 4 have not closed yet (2 I applied for yesterday).  *crosses fingers*
• Number of times applied to a job blind... meaning there is no name of company or contact information besides an email - 12  This is very frustrating when you want to customize the cover letter.
• Number of interviews - 1  This number truly amazes me.  You'd think it would be more like 4, 1 in 10, wouldn't you?
• Number of government tests taken and and scored high enough to be invited to take another test - 1 (I will take the next test in the series on April 20.)
• Number of follow up letters or emails sent - 16  Number of responses - 1
• Ads applied to that say "DO NOT CALL ABOUT THIS JOB" - 39  One said call if you have any questions.
• Number of people I've talked to about my job hunt - countless  These are people who I have contacted letting them know that I'm job hunting and the type of job I'm looking for.
• Number of job boards visited daily to search for jobs - 10
• Number of bookmarked websites of agencies I'd like to work for that I check at least once a week - 29
• Number of jobs applied to, as advertised on Craigslist, suspected to be a scam - 1  After applying for a job that seemed too good to be true I received an email saying I was the perfect candidate and that I should immediately "click on this link to give us a credit report".  I can now recognized the ads that are "scamish" and skip over them.
• Number of books checked out from the library related to resumes, cover letters and interviewing - 8
• Number of books purchased - 1
• Number of job hunting advice websites visited - I have no idea, but it's a lot
• Number of different cover letters written - 40

The cover letter.  I don't think I've read more conflicting information about something that seems like such a simple thing.  Apparently in this time of high unemployment the cover letter IS the first impression.  If a potential employer does not like your cover letter they do not even look at your resume.

Some people say, short and sweet; don't be redundant and rehash what's on your resume.  Others say list the skills that fit the job.  Still others say "grab their attention with a killer opening".  I've used all these techniques and have only been called for one interview. 

The last few cover letters I've sent out I've been very thoughtful with.  Researching their website and what others are saying about them and using a tidbit of info in the cover letter.  If in the job description they say "must have a sense of humor", I try to be light-hearted in part of the letter.  We'll see if those make an impression over the next few days.

A couple days ago Handy Man said... At what point to you start doing something different to find a job?  A great question to which I have no answer.

Comments

[Lisa]

Wow. That's a lot of info, a lot of work. It seems that the most common way to get a job anymore is through people you know ... and people THEY know. I've been offered a couple jobs in the past few months, all because of people I know. My husband got his after his layoff because he knew someone at a place that was hiring (and contacted that person after seeing the company's ad in the paper). Maybe the secret is to expand your network through taking a class or volunteering. ??? It's so darn hard nowadays and I don't think any of the old rules apply. Keep your spirits up!!

[The Incredible Woody]

Wow, I truly never knew job hunting was so hard. I know that sounds really petty but it's honestly not meant to be. I've just never seen someone work as hard as you to find the right job. I am confident that you will reap what you sow!

[deb]

I really hate this new way to find jobs. It boils down to you are just a piece of paper. No one talks to you, no one sees you face to face. It is truly disheartening.
Chin up!

[Asthmagirl]

Coming from the other end of the equation, when I was a recruiter, the cover letter was everything. I always took a brief look at everyone's resume, but the cover letter told me more about the person than the resume most of the time. The cover letter should tell a recruiter how you view yourself as an employee, what you bring to an organization and what you're looking for in a job. The resume is for what your have done, qualifications.

[Mental P Mama]

Ugh. I think your networking is what's going to pay off in the long run. But listen to AG about the cover letter...it really does sell you to a particular position. You are an inspiration!

[noble pig]

I agree about the cover, let it spill over about you!! It will get your foot in the door!!

[joanne]

wow...the stats say it all. Keeping my fingers crossed..;p

[Rachel]

What a roller coaster! My hubby has a government job, he's a biology major so most of the jobs he applied for were in government. They are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO slow!!!!!!!!! We were unemployed 4 months because they were so slow. And what's funny, is 4 months is a GREAT time frame for getting a government job. Sad, huh? Good luck and my fingers are crossed for ya!

[Robin from Israel]

This all sounds so frustrating, I really feel for you.

Would in-home daycare be an option again? At least that way you'd control more of your own destiny.