Day 10: Big Apple

I hit the ground running this morning and sent out an application for a job in New York City.  The job itself doesn’t look totally perfect, but the location, well, where do I even start…

I love New York City.  I lived there for two years while I was in graduate school, and it’s a place that is dear to my heart.  The energy of those streets gets into my blood, and I just want to work harder and do more when I’m there.  I get a little freaked out when I look at the (constantly rising) cost of a studio apartment, but the freak-out subsides when I remember how much I love the city.

I want to go to there.

Other news of the day:  The place in Indiana already hired someone.  Drat.  Another colleague endorsed me.  Yeah!  J. Crew is offering 50% off final sale items with free shipping.  Can I justify buying a work outfit when I don’t have a job?

-Josie

Day 8: Endorse Me

Yesterday evening I received an email from the recruiting firm saying that they want to work with me.  Considering that it can take up to two weeks to hear back from them, I was pretty surprised to hear back in less than twenty-four hours.  I was also pretty happy.  I’m a big believer in celebrating small victories, and this, at least in my mind, qualifies as one.

Today’s task is putting together my profile on their online site.  I don’t know if this counts as applying for a job, but it’s all I’m going to do today.  I figure since I created this 100-day project, I get to make the rules for it.

One of the things I have to do for the online profile is collect endorsements from people who think well of me.  I’ll be honest, I don’t like asking for endorsements.  I know they are important, but I cringe every time I request one.  It’s like begging for compliments – no matter how generous the compliments you receive are, you feel like you don’t deserve them.

I also have to make a short video of myself.  This is even harder.  No one likes the sound of their own voice recorded, and when you add the video element in, it’s almost impossible to be pleased with the product.

I saw a cute little plaque once that said, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”  My dog adores me and looks sad whenever I leave him.  Sometimes he gets jealous of my laptop computer and spreads his little body over the keyboard so that I can’t type without first stroking his head.  I think I will always have his endorsement.

-Josie

Day 7: Recruiting Firm?

Up until 24 hours ago, I had never considered using a recruiting firm.  Then last night I was googling something else and came across a place that, apparently, helps people like me find jobs.

The recruiting firm’s online Yelp reviews range from negative – “I am extremely frustrated and annoyed by their lack of professionalism.” – to glowing – “My placement officer was very attentive, and I got great exposure to some really excellent opportunities.”  I guess I should know better than to take Yelp reviews very seriously.

This firm doesn’t represent just anyone, so I have to apply and see if they are interested in me.  That process can take a week or more, so it will be a while before I know if this strategy is going anywhere.

In the meantime, I am still applying for one job a day.  Today’s application is headed to Maryland.

I’m also doing my darndest to stay, if not positive, at least not too negative about things.  This article about unemployment on Forbes is pretty useful for that: http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2013/04/12/feeling-battered-by-unemployment-5-ways-to-stay-strong/#d2ecb32203c5.

My favorite suggestion in their list is #2, learning something new.  Every now and then I go on Duolingo and try to learn Italian, but my fluency is only at 38%.  Perhaps that is the next thing to work on.

-Josie