job search

Tales from a (former) Job Hunter

Well, you can guess by the title of today’s post that I have good news!  I was offered a job!!!  I start today, and I must say I am a little nervous.  The funny thing is that this was one of the 2 interviews I had in the same day, and I thought I BOMBED this one.  I knew that I nailed the other interview, but surprise of all surprises, I wasn’t offered the other position, and I received this job offer.  #gofigure

I do want to thank my family and friends that stayed praying for me, keeping my spirits up, and having my back.  It was truly appreciated.  Because I’m tired of anything that remotely looks like a job hunt, I am removing my resume from various employment sites and unsubscribing from various sites that send automatic e-mails for positions that “match your resume”.  I need a break. 

To those of you that are job hunting, stay faithful, and know that the job for you is out there.  Stay dedicated to your search.  Never give up.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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Tales from a Job Hunter 6

I trust you all had a great Thanksgiving.  I did.  I was blessed with having friends in the DMV who were providing a SPREAD, which meant I did not have to cook a thing! 🙂  And of course, since my part-time job is in retail, I was working on Black Friday. 

I haven’t posted in awhile due to a number of things, but mainly because of my work schedule.  I’m working in the mornings, which actually works better for me (at the moment).  And by the time I get home, I don’t really feel like posting for the next day.  But here I am, and I have some updates!

I have an interview on Thursday!  Thanks to one of my sorors, she forwarded my resume to an agency that she has worked with, and they contacted me for an interview.  I’m hoping this leads to some good news in the near future.  And my part-time job was flexible enough to change my schedule. 

I recently heard from a representative that I interviewed with last month.  Honestly, I had given up all hope regarding this position.  But I got some news that I was still being considered; I just have to complete the “official” application.  And I’m guessing the next step is just me hearing back if I have been selected.  In the meantime, I am still applying for jobs.  Nothing’s guaranteed until I get an e-mail or phone call saying, “Ms. Elle, you have been offered a position with a salary of X amount per year.  Do you accept?” 

I know I’ve said this before, but I’m really thankful that I have people looking out for me and steering me in various directions and websites to go to.  It’s very appreciated, and I’m learning new places to look at each day.  I have to admit, it’s hard being so perky and cheerful and optimistic all the time, but I have to have hope.  Trouble don’t last always, and I’m really hoping to hear some positive news soon. 

On another front, even though this has nothing to do with job hunting, things are going fine with the New Boy.  So much so that we hung out together yesterday.  He took yesterday off and I had yesterday off, so I decided to bless him with my company. 😉 

So, that’s all I’ve got. I ask you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and send your good vibes my way! 🙂 Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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Tales from a Job Hunter 3

It’s been a while since I’ve posted.  I’ve kinda been in a funk.  As I’ve said before, it’s hard always being the positive one and trying to stay motivated.  I never want my friends to see me sweat.  Why?  Because I’m the one who always has a smile on my face and a great word to share.  But lately I’ve been feeling like I’m not measuring up.   But I digress….

Last week, I decided to branch out in my job search.  Instead of looking for jobs, I thought it may be a good idea to look for internships.  As someone who ideally would work in the communications field, I thought this may be a great idea since I can gain experience in a field that I do not have a formal background in Journalism or Communications, I thought this may be the start of something great.  And at least I’ll be doing something constructive.  So, I took to Twitter with my thoughts to see what my followers thought.  Surprisingly, at least to me, everyone responded favorably.  And my neighbor even shared that his company was currently looking for interns.  The day after he sent my resume to the appropriate department, I was in for an interview.  I’m still waiting to hear back, but I think it went well. 

I haven’t been forthcoming to all in my personal circle about my job situation.  Not sure how much people talk, so I’m not sure how far it’s made it to everyone I know, but I am considering letting more people know in hopes they have leads, ideas, or suggestions.  Pride is a dangerous thing-it’ll keep you from asking for help when you really need it.  I told a young lady at my part-time job, a girl refer to my as “little sister”, that I hate asking for help, and when I was in college, I hated asking my parents for money, even when I really needed it.  I wanted to be independent, and I didn’t want to be a burden, even though I had a scholarship and worked during the summer so I would have money during the school year. 

So, the biggest revelation I’ve had is that yes, even at 29 years of age, you can ask for help and it’s ok to start over, as long as you have an idea of what you want to do.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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Tales from a Job Hunter

First, let me say that I have some of the BEST friends in the world!!!  Even in this state that I am in, they check on me, make sure I don’t get discouraged, and make sure I don’t sulk and suffer from self-pity. 🙂 

After talking with one of my favorites last night, @AGinDC, I have decided to share a little more with you guys about what’s been going on in my life in the past few months in hopes of sharing my story and letting others who are in my same position know that you are not alone.   So, here we go…

As most of you know, if you’re an avid reader, I have been without a full-time job for about 2 months.  My job ended, through no fault of my own, and I’ve been job hunting like a mad woman.  I do have to admit I am VERY thankful for my part-time job as it has helped me maintain while my unemployment payout has not been consistent (long story).   I have applied to multiple jobs each week and have gone on countless interviews.  The good thing is that I don’t discourage easily, and I don’t give up, despite the fact I’ve gone on some BS interviews. 

When you’re job hunting, you have to be really careful.  I’ve thought about “switching careers” during this time, in the sense of doing sales or becoming an account executive.  They promise high earning potential and fast advancement.  What I discovered is that your paycheck is dependent upon how many people you can get to “sign up” or “buy” whatever you’re selling.  And these hiring managers will make you believe that your paycheck is a reflection of how hard you work.  If I visit 20 businesses or people in a day and only 3 bite, that’s good to them.  But I have to travel to theses places, get told “no” way too many times to count, and keep a positive attitude.  No offense to anyone who does that, but that’s not enough of a reward for me. 

During this search, I have come to realize that I like stability; in fact, I crave it.  I like to know that every 2 weeks, I know what I’m getting paid (translation: base salary).  I also like a stable work setting, whether it’s in an office, a cubicle, or whatever.  And Southern Mom gave me some great advice as well.  If you know you have no desire to do the job (whether it’s sales, travelling, or even sitting in an office), don’t go on the interview; you’re just wasting your time and the interviewer’s.  Lastly, it pays to be positive.  Oh, and the good news so far this week?  I’ve gotten 2 callbacks from jobs I applied to yesterday (both calls came in yesterday, too). 🙂  Until the next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

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