Narratives of the Disengaged: The Job Search

The Year is 1990: What the f*ck is a Human Resources Dept.?!

I initially began my job search experience in the middle of my senior year in high school. I've held previous gigs in the whole fast food thing which, needless to say, didn't last long, and telemarketing was not something I foresaw in my future. I really wanted to start out in a basic clerical job, then work my way up. That is, after all, how previous generations climbed up the ladder. If it can happen to them, it can happen to me. So, I start perusing the help wanted ads.

In retrospect, it can be assumed that I am having as much difficulty now as I did then in terms of my experience. In those days, the only experience I had was working the cash register and being able to count back change using my head. Not very many employers were willing to hire a high school senior with little to no office experience, even though I was determined to get a part-time office job. I thought for certain there would be an employer that would be willing to work with my schedule (Monday thru Friday, 3-7pm-ish, or thereabouts) so I could focus on graduating. Needless to say, I didn't have very much luck.

I decided to put my clerical fascination on hold until after I graduated high school. My father's dream was that I attend college, which I did, but only for a short awhile. My need to work on a full-time basis nullified any desires to obtain academia success. I start hitting the help wanted ads once again.

By this time, I had just gotten married, and settled in a one-bedroom apartment in a quaint suburb of Chicago. In the days before the internet, I subscribed to every local paper as well as the biggies (Sun-Times, Tribune) just to conduct my job search. At that time, jobs were aplenty, but there were few jobs that were willing to interview an inexperienced youngin' barely out of high school.

My difficulties were legitimate. Hell, I probably wouldn't interview me either. On the contrary, I knew plenty of folks who were in the midst of changing jobs, enhancing their careers, and/or climbing up the corporate ladder. They didn't have very much difficulty in getting interviews. All they did was send a resume via snail mail, and if they had any kind of skill set that would be relevant to the job, they had potential. There was no such thing as fighting to get a response through e-mail....there was no e-mail! Resume tracking databases and the online job applications were ethereal. There was no such thing as a "second interview." If the hiring manager liked you, you'd get a call back with an offer in a matter of days. There was no such thing as asinine psychological assessment tests. In reading this, you might think I'm dating back to about fifty years ago. The truth is....I've only gone back fifteen.

Follow-Up to Those Who Wanted My Firstborn

I was so disheartened with the job application I encountered yesterday (see the blog post from yesterday) that it propelled me to relay my thoughts to their human resources department. I realize that by doing so, it has automatically defaulted any chances of being considered for the role...any role for that matter, with that particular organization.

As if I'm distraught over it. Or even care.

As I've stated earlier, with plenty of professional references and a healthy and extensive set of credentials, I'm really not too concerned what the HR folks think of me. More often than not, someone's initial reaction of me is way off base. For example, I look every bit Latino. I have olive skin, brown hair, and brown eyes. The truth is, I don't have an ounce of Latino blood in me. My point is, if people are quick to make inaccurate assumptions over my nationality, how can I possibly ever to expect them to know what kind of work ethic I have, or what kind of a team player I am, and/or whether or not I am capable to handle all the primary tasks a particular job description lists?

Back to the letter....having said all that, I have decided to write a letter to relay my thoughts on their application and pre-employment screening process. One of the very many reasons I wrote this is because I keep getting the uneasy feeling that employers/hiring authorities enjoy watching job applicants jump through all sorts of hurdles by implementing various requests, some that make sense, some that don't. And since employers are well aware how constricted the job market is, they have the power to instill any kind of criteria they want, because they know job applicants will conform to them without question, just for a chance of getting a job. While all I am saying may be way off base, but by reading the job application procedure, it sure the hell seems that way, and I feel I have every right to question it.

Enclosed is the actual e-mail I sent to their human resources department:

Job Applications: Do You Want My Firstborn, too?

A day in the life of a job seeker comes the redundant task of completing job applications. Some of them are cut and dry, meaning they only ask for basic information, employment history, education, and call it a day. Then there are applications that would make one second guess if they are applying for a job....or a mortgage. Really, is all that information necessary? No. It's absolutely not.

I came across a job posting earlier for an Executive Secretary with a non-for-profit organization. Upon first glance the ad was very wordy, complimented with 20-point bold-type fonts. My immediate reaction is that they must have one helluva job application process. I scrolled down to the application procedure, which basically instructs the job applicant that they *MUST* complete their job application or they will *NOT* be considered. You must send it by e-mail. Faxed or snail mailed copies will not be considered! Well, my goodness. You might as well beat me with a whip right now. Or make me do 100 push-ups. SIR, YES SIR!

Just for poops and giggles, I went to their web site as instructed and reviewed their application. As I suspected, they want your entire life story. They would also like your social security number, because as noted on the top of the application, "Leaving any question/section blank may disqualify applicant from consideration of employment." Oh, okay. So I'm just going to throw around my social security number like a used cigarette butt to a group of people I don't know, with no guarantee that I'll be considered for the role. And since this is over e-mail, it's too easy to delete/ignore, and leaves the potential for a "gifted" individual to hack into their system just to gain this valuable information for their own fortune. Yes, I'm referring to identity theft. I digress.

So as I scroll towards the bottom of the application, I find a bulleted list of their entire interviewing process. I must be applying for a mortgage, or some kind of loan...I'm almost positive. Granted, some items are standard. But bear in mind, the job is for an EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. Let's review their interviewing process, shall we?

Top 10 Reasons Why the Unemployed Deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

As with the majority, I fail to understand why Obama was suddenly awarded one of the most highest and prestigious awards in the world, all without much notice, but plenty of surprise, even for Obama. In listening to Obama's speech recently on his thoughts, even he remarked how surprised he was....and was caught totally off guard.

Well, Mr. President, I must say that I am just as surprised as you are. I don't know this for certain, but I'm almost positive that other job seekers feel the same way I do.

Speaking from an unemployed perspective, I was really hoping that he would follow through on his campaign promise regarding job creation. Instead, I got more money in my unemployment check. At this point, I would prefer to give back the supplemented increase in exchange for a job that would bring me a steady income. The surplus really doesn't mean anything to me, because eventually it will come to an end...in a matter of a few months. With that in mind, I don't understand the whole 'Obama deserves a Nobel' thing, because it's certainly NOT for job creation.

As long as we're on the subject of awarding the Nobel Peace Prize for just any old shit, I honestly believe the unemployed certainly deserves the top honor. Here are the top ten reasons why:

10. We have to deal with the bullshit "advice" given by career coaches and master resume writers who's only in it to make money for themselves.

9. Dealing with long lines at the unemployment office. That ALONE is Nobel-worthy!

8. It'll make one hell of a status update on your LinkedIn profile.

7. If you are a Michigan resident . Definitely Noble-worthy.

6. We could use the monetary award that comes with it. Especially Michigan residents.

5. And then we can use the monetary award to devise a system to eradicate all the "work-at-home" spammers on the internet via spontaneous combustion upon their first post.

4. Would provide bragging rights at the next Pink Slip Mixer function.

3. Job seekers can stand on the street corner wearing the prize on their chest instead of using sandwich boards that say, "Hire Me."

2. The look on a recruiter's face when you tell them you are a recent recipient of the Noble Peace Prize: PRICELESS.

And the number 1 reason:

1. That staple of accomplishment would definitely land an interview for the job seeker!

Notice, I did NOT say, "land you a job." Of course you're still not going to get hired because with that comes compensation that correlates with your fine achievement, and employers nowadays are all about cheap labor. However, imagine adding that prize on your resume under "List of Accomplishments." There is no way a hiring manager would ever pass that up, at least for the opportunity to interview you to see how the mind of a Nobel Peace Prize winner ticks. You could very easily get away with making up some inspiring story, based on what you plan to do in terms of benefiting your potential employer. After all, Obama got away with it.

I support granting this award to unemployed folks all across the globe. After all, haven't we been through enough bullshit?

'Half Of All Recruiting Functions Are Dysfunctional'

Funny, I've been saying this for the last ten years. At any rate, I'm pleased that someone else has confirmed such discrepancies. 'Half Of All Recruiting Functions Are Dysfunctional' Shared via AddThis

Chicago 2016: Congratulations Mayor Daley! Now You Know How *I* Feel

Dear Mayor Daley:

Hi. Are you drunk yet?

Oh, the heartache. That rejecting feeling. Such a shame for you, as you've worked so hard preparing for the moment when you would finally cash in on the world's top prize. You've done everything right, and planned it so carefully. You've practiced your speeches, your presentations, and contacted the big guns to use as professional references. You've practiced for two years, only for it to slam in your face by the rest of the world. In a nutshell, the IOC pretty much told you: 'you're nowhere near as perfect as you think you are, even with The President as a reference.'

I know the feeling. Speaking from a job seeking perspective, I have had doors slammed in my face since 2004.

Of course, I have to point out some key differences: first, I have never screwed anyone over. I've never used my employer's funds for my own selfish reasons. I have never "bought" my way into certain job roles, and will readily admit to wrongdoing if I know I am guilty of it. My opposition is minimal at best, and to my knowledge, my reputation and my credentials are intact. Can YOU say the same thing about yourself, Mr. Mayor?

I can, however, relate to your loss. You see, I provided three professional references and three letters of recommendation during a job interview I had earlier last month. Even though none of those references came from The President or from Oprah, I figured I had a good chance of landing an offer. I was very polished during the interview, and provided sharp, on-the-point answers to all of the questions. To date, I have yet received a response (even AFTER sending two e-mails) on whether I'm still being considered for the position. At least you were able to find out immediately by being the first city to get eliminated. I'm still in freakin' limbo!

However, I have had previous interviews where I was SURE something good was to come of them. Like you, I practiced my interviews, polished my presentation, and put together any ammunition (references) I had well ahead of the scheduled interview. I made sure that I wouldn't do anything stupid during the interview, such as yawning....oh wait, that doesn't apply to you....well, anyway...I did everything right, but still was not awarded the job. It's so frustrating, isn't it, Mr. Mayor? I'm certain you are content in your heart that you did everything right, too. I'm pretty sure you thought at one time, 'well how can Chicago possibly lose? We're doing everything right -- we have the President and Oprah! What more do you want out of me?'

Apparently, Mr. Mayor, the IOC indeed wanted MORE out of you, just like my previous interviewees wanted more out of me. Perhaps you can use the events of today as a time to reflect. You've spent a lot of time telling the world how pretty of a city Chicago is, but how will the Olympics benefit? What are the advantages of hosting the Olympics in Chicago, aside from the Oprah factor? These are questions you should have been prepared to answer, Mr. Mayor. Take it from someone who knows. Since 2004.

They say everything happens for a reason. Perhaps your reasons are more prevalent and climatic than mine. At any rate, being rejected sucks. Being rejected by the rest of the world sucks even more, but at least you know what I've gone through, from tears to heartaches to more tears. I'd take my rejection much better if I had Oprah on my side, so at least you have that going for you.

Congratulations on your well deserved loss.

With love,

JS

My Wish List

During my highly nerving reign of unemployment, I have proposed a wish list of things to acquire and projects to endeavor once I start to have a steady flow of income. I'm a girl with huge dreams and java-flavored kisses! So, while I will not disclose ALL of my dreamy-like items, I figured it would be best to jot down some of them. Knowing me, I will forget them later. They are, in no particular order:

• a grooler. How cool would that be? I will be the first on the block to have one.
• Fake acrylic nails with gaudy colors and stupid smiley faces. Maybe some glitter thrown in. The base color has to be really dark, like gray or black. Superb!
• Start my own publication company. My first magazine would be titled, "Fuck Off Ken Lewis , Nobody Will Miss You."
• Bring Michael Jackson back from the dead.
• Have a memorial service for Saturn
• Construct a pep rally for the City of Chicago when they are (hopefully) announced as the LOSING city for the 2016 Summer Olympics. This would be an excellent reason to celebrate, and taxpayer money would NOT be affected in the construction/production costs.
• Bribe Barbara Streisand into retirement...for GOOD.
• Build a nice little cabin in the middle of Dumbfuck, Nowhere, throw Kanye West in there and throw away the keys for good.
• Which brings me to my second magazine titled, "Fuck Off Kanye West, Nobody Will Miss You."
• Develop an application that would force the spammers and spam bots into spontaneous combustion upon their introductory tweet on Twitter.
• Bribe a politician to end the Swine Flu. That way, I won't be spammed by the likes of Walgreens and media outlets just to get me to spend more money on a vaccine that may or may not work.

Plus much more! The sooner I can land a job, the sooner I can pursue my dreams!

Resumes v. Cover Letters: A Love Story

I have just figured out why so many job seekers have an incredibly hard time landing a gig, and it's not always because they are not a good fit or because they accidentally tooted during an interview. In this day and age, hiring professionals don't really know of what the perfect "fit" really is, but they are sure quick to point out their exasperations.

I, too, wish to point out my vexations, starting with ever popular debate of resumes vs. cover letters. I was bored one day and decided to collaborate different replies from various hiring "professionals" (I use quotes for a reason) to see if I could find any kind of a pattern of which method was best. In the end, my head was spinning, and was highly tempted to throw my laptop out the window. I didn't because I kind of like my laptop. I digress.

Mind you, I haven't even cracked a third of the internet. The following comments were gathered from various blogs, newspaper articles, and job forums. All from hiring "professionals" unless otherwise indicated. My comments are in regular text. By the way, names have been omitted ONLY out of courtesy (which is, kind of a shame, because I believe if you post on an open and public forum along with your name, it's considered public record and open to scrutiny). None of these comments have been edited for grammar and spelling, as I refuse to correct someone else's' idiocy. Read on...

Privacy Tips for Online Job Seekers

This is from Privacyrights.org. They offer some excellent tips if you MUST conduct the job search online:

Online Job Boards: Poisonous to Your Health

I am not a fan of online job boards of any variety. Just a few days ago I perused the Careerbuilder web site (out of desperation) and I was quickly reminded why. Bait and switch jobs have run amok. The military is clearly determined, and the "work at home" cartel are audacious. Page 1 of my search was quickly scrolled to the bottom and clicked for the next page. Page two was no different, so I clicked to page three, and four, and five....

...I gave up. This is insane. The old school versions of Monster and Careerbuilder was tolerable, as you can find at least two legitimate jobs. Now, even if there are legitimate postings, they are incredibly hard to find because of the necessity to weed out the bullcrap. No thanks. If I'm going to weed out anything, it will be from my garden, and nothing else.

From what I've read, however, more and more people have removed the rose-tinted glasses when it comes to internet job boards as far as reliability. Even recruiters have started confessing (slowly but surely) that job boards haven't been all that successful as far as reaching out to potential candidates. Sadly, even the local newspapers don't even have their own classified section online anymore, instead they have proudly advocated "partnerships." The Chicago Sun-Times and Herald News have partnered with Monster. The Daily Herald and Gatehouse Media have partnered with Yahoo's Hot Jobs. When these papers made the initial announcement of such partnerships, perhaps they didn't realize it was more to their benefit than the jobseeker. Since they cannot get enough orders for help wanted ads in their own right, they have resorted to desperate measures. This partnership is a logical idea on a revenue sense since classifieds are well below last year's figures due to hiring freezes and overall lack of jobs. They have to get the revenue from somewhere, but to allude jobseekers that there are plentiful jobs is a complete farce. These boards are damaging on both ends, and serves absolute no purpose except to achieve the goals of their advertisers.

It is now being suggested to stay clear of the major job boards, only to stick with job boards that pertain to your field (as in, "niche" job boards). That's wonderful and all, but unfortunately we are still dealing with the internet. I have come across peculiar job postings on mediabistro and journalismjobs.com that is considered head-scratch worthy. On several occasions I've come across job postings where the header read one thing and the job description read another (mostly alluding to sales). I still come across the "unknowns" as in, "Company Confidential," or "Company Unknown." As long as they are online job boards of any sort, there will always be the useless spam of some sort.

That's the one thing I've always hated about the internet. It makes everything very unpersonable and way out of reach. Come across a job posting that's the job of your dreams? Well you have to fill out an online application, go through tons of servers, and get a generic, electronic auto-response that's blandly worded as if they're trying to give you the warm fuzzies. And maybe....just maybe...the user on the other end of the line is talented enough to punch those magic words to make your resume appear on their computer like magic....otherwise you will never get a human response. This lack of interaction is toxic. 

I prefer the old school way of doing things. Talk to everyone you know (I don't mean Facebook and especially LinkedIn). Get your ass off the couch and drive around for any hints of help being wanted. Get that company's information. Conduct the search manually and cold call. Send flowers. Bake them a cake. You never know...sometimes radicalism works!

Using Twitter the old skool way

My blog is appropriately titled, "Narratives of the Disengaged' for a reason. It does not denote innuendos of unemployment and job search frustrations, but it does describe my overall feeling of unemployment.

Our society is in love with coming up with imaginative ways to make a name for themselves. How quickly we forget Twitter's original intent and rush to infest the site with spam and useless information. "Social media experts" will suddenly come up with magical, "strategic" ways on using the site, and will post tweets promoting their blog posts on these wonderful Twitter strategies, Twitter do's and don't's. I ignore them all, as I see Twitter differently.

In each role throughout my career, most of my colleagues found me very personable (I can't say 'all' because clearly, I cannot please people ALL of the time). Whether it was the act of engaging in office gossip, celebrity gossip, even participating in after-business hours events, I made certain to keep my "social butterfly" reputation intact. I was not shy about asking questions. I was not shy about butting into conversations. I was not shy about speaking up at sales meetings even though my role didn't have much to do with revenues, sales trends, and advertising supplements. I wanted to be heard, and my colleagues appreciated my voice.

I have not had that luxury since July, 2008. I haven't had the opportunity to share ideas and thoughts to those I'm at ease with and prosper. The option of volunteering somewhere is always available, but even that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. The idea of working for "free" simply doesn't excite me at the present time. My days are spent at home, researching and job-hunt, and caring for the home in between. No money to go anywhere. No money to do anything. What is a once self-proclaimed social butterfly to do?

That is where the advent of the blog came in. I'm writing and writing, but wait....is there anyone out there even listening to me? So I checked out various blog promotion sights, only to find someone spamming me about THEIR blog. Don't get me wrong, I have come across some very intuitive blogs, which I never would have discovered otherwise. I still feel like I'm talking to myself, and I hate that feeling. One day, someone on my Facebook page posted something about Twitter. My response was, to paraphrase:

"I don't understand this Twitter nonsense. Why would I read about someone else taking a dump?"

After writing that, I became intrigued. I was convinced there was something more to Twitter than that, so...I investigated.

There were numerous responses regarding Twitter being the most successful tool as far as blog promotion. So naturally, I registered. At this point, I've got nothing to lose, and listed my blog in my profile.

Then I started tweeting.

And tweeting.

And tweeting.

And tweeting.

My tweeting madness has not stopped, and it doesn't appear that my fascination will come to an end any time soon. Not while I'm unemployed at least.

Twitter seemed to have picked up where I left off on a social scale. I've met many wonderful people with whom I hope to have a long-lasting tweeting relationship. I've learned many wonderful things, and discovered some very intriguing blogs and web sites which I never would have discovered if it wasn't for this ever-so-popular networking tool. Twitter allows me to be just that....me. In the real world, I carry around a sense of humor, sometimes poking fun at things just to ease the anxiety. My goal was to transfer this on the web, and I was happy to learn that I gained a good amount of followers in about a month. Twitter allows me to maintain my social demeanor in e-form, and as far as I'm concerned, some social time is better than none. While everyone else is busy tweeting techy things and spam, I have decided to stay old school and use Twitter for its original intent....what am I doing? And yes, even a little blog promotion. What's a little blog promo between tweeps? :)

Twitter seems to be getting a bad reputation nowadays due to spam and security breaches. As a result, I had no choice then to protect my updates. I do not agree with this decision, but until Twitter becomes more aggressive, I will leave my tweets protected.

So a' Twitter, here I come!