Job hunting is not fun

So, I've been job hunting a while now. I applied for my first job on May 30, so you do the math. I've applied in higher ed, of course (the field I've been in a while), school systems, even health care stuff and non-profit.

Out of 8 applications:
2 denials,
2 interviews,
and the rest are in a big black hole.

Why is job hunting so friggin' hard? Aside from shopping for a new swimsuit, nothing else makes you feel so crappy about yourself.

"What's wrong with me? Is it my cover letter? My resume? Do I come across too confident? Too weak?"

Sigh.

And the resume thing is always interesting....1 or 2 pages? Should I give past job descriptions, or give examples of projects at those jobs?

But I think the hardest part of job hunting is: waiting for a job you really want VS. the panic of being unemployed. Basically, not settling for a job just because the economy is crappy and you need money STAT.

The first example of this is applying to jobs that don't even say what the company/organization is....they just have some vague "top Dallas company seeks PR professional" listing on a website, and you're supposed to email your resume to some stranger at crazyman@crazy.org. I'll admit, I've applied to those in the past. This time around, not anymore. Because applying to those listings is how, as I've learned, one winds up in a "group interview" for a pyramid scheme to sell bottled water.

The other example of the job quandary is when you're actually blessed enough to get an interview...and while you're in the interview, hearing that little voice in your head that says "hmmm," proverbial red flags, etc, etc. This dilemma, I think, is even tougher, because you're so close to getting a paycheck, why back out? Uh, back out, sister, because you should trust that little voice.

The latter is something I recently experienced. I had a job interview a few weeks ago that just didn't settle right with me. I thought about it over the 4th of July, and prayed about it, and finally took the courage to email them and withdraw my name. It took guts. But I'm glad I did it. Thankfully, I have a spouse who can pay bills while I'm turning down jobs - and supported my decision.

Thankfully, I *think* I have a lead. On the same day as my odd interview, I also had a great one. I felt comfortable, laughed, met nice people, noticed my future office would have....A DOOR! (gasp!) They've already called my references and are now doing my background check. Anyway, they've called me a couple of times to tell me they're still doing the paperwork and to check that I "haven't been lured away by someone else." Yay.

So I'm pretty sure I'll get a job soon, but don't wanna count my chicks until they hatch. But please hatch soon, little chicks. Hatch soon.