The highs and lows of job hunting

Have you ever felt like your emotions were on a roller coaster and there was almost nothing you could do about it? If you've experienced job hunting in this economy, you'll understand what I'm going through. If you haven't, count your blessings.

I steamrolled into job applications off a high from my goal setting adventure. My resume was updated, I had a kick ass cover letter, and I was determined and focused. The digital application process can speed things along, however, it also leaves that personal touch out of things. I tried to get a few little things into my paperwork that would personalize it a bit, but no matter how awesome you may be, it's still a tough market. With a minimum of two applications filled out a day (often several more), the "radio silence" in responses was tiring.

Then you finally have a positive hit - yay! Interview scheduled - "alright!" you think, "this is it, we're on to another job now!"

Um, ya, not so much. With hundreds of applicants, employers can afford to be VERY picky. If you make it through that maze, and actually end up with an interview, you are still competing against a dozen or more people for one position - and they've already whittled things down to who they feel is the cream of the crop. Sometimes they are doing interviews for WEEKS, and trying to make an impression when 6 other people are getting interviewed the same day is TOUGH. Ugh, time to brush up on interview skills, cause the usual "you're a hard worker, clean, presentable, etc" isn't cutting it anymore.

After a couple weeks of "focused" job hunting I had landed a grand total of two interviews. One of them I was very excited about, and really hoped I would stand out - apparently not. The rejection letter I got yesterday pretty much popped the small bubble I was riding on. Making a career change was going to be difficult - I should have known this, because I've wanted out of the security and retail fields for awhile now - but those were the only jobs I was getting hits on, and as I said earlier, at that time my own goals weren't a priority.

Today dawned a bright new day, however, and I'm back at the computer continuing with the applications. I think the let down would have been easier if I had experienced a few more positive hits - although I've been applying right along (learning not to put all my eggs into one basket), with no other scheduled interviews it's a little tougher to keep my head up as much as I should.

It's officially time to dig deep and find my inner badger! The right job is out there, and I'm going to find it!