Why it sucks . . .
Holding onto patience, wearing thin
I can’t force these eyes to see the end
if only time flew like a dove
we could watch it fly and just keep looking on – Paramore, “Hallelujah”
I’m up in the air about the part that sucks most about this whole job-hunting ordeal. One of the front-runners is the fact that I wake up every single morning to multiple letters of rejection. There’s nothing better than rolling out of bed and seeing that you have been deemed inadequate to perform your life’s calling by a couple more people. It’s a real confidence booster to start your day. Not only that, but the internet has developed this nefarious plot where it delivers e-mails full of rejection at sporadic points throughout the day, just in case I ever decide to start thinking highly about myself. At the exact same level of sucktitude is the time-killer that is applying to all these places. It’s bad enough that H has complained that I’ve been ignoring her. So I got up at seven this morning, and worked on the stupid applications and such until slightly before four ‘o clock. Finding them is difficult enough, and until recently has been the biggest drain on my time. Then, once I find a posting for a position, I have to go to their website, make sure the position is still open, fill out any special applications they may have, then send that in along with my resume and a form cover letter I’m using. So, if the church has no special application, that’s five minutes of work, probably that long even if I don’t end up applying to the position or it has already been filled. If they have a special application, it jumps to 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how in-depth the application is. To some people, the massive amount of time spent pointing and clicking and repeated pressing of Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V might not be too bad, but I’m a grownup with ADD. I have to do something else, I have to have something entertaining my brain, and scanning page after page of job listings doesn’t much do it. I get antsy and have to force myself to be sitting in the same place, which is never really conducive to doing good work.
I guess, in short, it’s a long, boring process which has done nothing but make me feel like a rejected loser up to this point, and I occasionally question whether or not it’s worth it.
You’re not a rejected loser. You’re a typical person right out of college, trying to find a job in a field where there aren’t a lot of openings, but are undoubtedly a lot of candidates, many of whom have more experience.
If I may make an unsolicited suggestion, I would never send a form cover letter. Instead, I’d send a customized cover letter for each job opening. I realize that takes time, but those of us who are accustomed to going through resumes can pick out a form cover letter from a mile away, and that’s not a good thing. When I receive a form cover letter, I discount the resume immediately. A form cover letter merely tells a potential employer you’re interested in getting a job. A customized cover letter tells an employer you are interested in that particular job, which in turn generates interest in you.
Besides, writing customized cover letters will give you something to do to “entertain your brain” due to your ADD. It’s a win-win.
I think personalizing is definitely the way to go. Don’t look at it as drudgery, but rather an exercise in creative writing. Make the potential employer like you, especially given that the position you desire requires that you be liked.
You never know, but while you may not be quite right for one employer, they may refer your resume to another employer seeking someone for the same position. I’ve done that many times over the years, when I was really impressed by an applicant’s cover letter.
Keep us updated on how things are going with the job search. I have every confidence that you will find the position you seek, it’s just so hard to stay positive when you’re right out of college and trying to get your foot in the proverbial door. I was in your shoes once, decades ago, so I feel your pain and frustration with the situation.
Also, spend a little more time with your beloved during your job search. That will not only make them happy and solidify your relationship as strong even during times of stress (which will come in very handy during marriage), but you might find that it makes you feel more relaxed and confident, which may in turn come through in a very positive way in your cover letters and other communication with potential employers.