"Come to me and I will help you..."

I recently received a letter in the mail from the Department of Labor instructing me to come down to their One-Stop Employment Center for a group orientation.  It's less of an invite and more of an edict, but for good reason.  The Labor Department doesn't want any slackers on the unemployment roll, so the sooner we find work, the better.  The Labor Department is more than willing to help out as far as the job search goes, but we've got to do our part too, and this means paying a periodic visit.

Even though I have been meticulous about sending out resumes, unfortunately, not every job-seeker is as motivated.  So it's actually a good thing the Labor Department holds these periodic get-togethers.  It's a chance for them to monitor the job-searching progress of the unemployed masses, but also an opportunity to showcase all that the Labor Department has to offer job-seekers.  And the Labor Department has an impressive arsenal of resources.  I must say I was quite impressed this morning.  Stop by your local Labor Department to get your job search off the ground and you'll find office equipment (fax machines, photocopiers, and phones), computers (PC and Mac) and computer courses/tutorials, workshops, a career resource library, job listings/job fairs, and most importantly, genuine, positive support from the staff.  The One-Stop Employment Center really does live up to its name as it offers job-seekers all one could ever want under one roof while looking for work.  Best of all, you're surrounded by folks in the same boat, so any unemployment-related shame immediately falls by the wayside.  So what's not to love about the Labor Department?

As it happens, I am good to go with my trusty laptop, reliable printer, and my usually cooperative internet connection.  I have a slew of media-related career websites where I spend much quality time, and I keep my writing skills sharp by continuing to blog.  My focus is firm and my commitment to my job search is undeniable.  I am also highly motivated to find work as I hate being at home and I have too much energy to sit around for very long.  I also need the paycheck, which is incentive in and of itself.  But for folks who are without these resources for whatever reason, the Labor Department is a great place to get started on the job search.  In addition to its stockpile of services, it also offers a supportive environment in which to stay focused.  Sure, you could drop by your local library to use a computer, but while you're there looking for work, you just know temptation will beckon to surf the web or check out a good book.  The Labor Department circumvents this by allowing computer users to access career-related websites only, and the only books you'll find in their library focus on finding work.  So it's a good place to stay grounded in the job search.  And who knows?  It just may lead you to a job!

"In Search Of..."

Whenever my buddy, Margaret, is trying to find something, she usually prefaces her hunt by muttering, "In search of..." and then her voice trails off until she locates the missing item.  In my quest to find gainful employment, I'm starting to think that maybe I should do the same, especially if it'll bring me closer to the job I really want.  Whatever works, right?  Or maybe not.

Prevailing job-search wisdom dictates the following:

• Never apply for a job for which you're unqualified -- under any circumstances.  The unpleasant reality is that this is a waste of everyone's time, especially in a tight job market where even the qualified are struggling to stand out.
• Resumes should always be professional, detailed (without going overboard), organized, and compelling.  If your resume writing skills are lacking, hire a professional or find a talented friend/family member to help you out free of charge.
• Generic cover letters and/or overly personalized cover letters are a no-no.  In other words, no blatant form letters or missives which wax enthusiastically on your love for skiing unless you're applying for a slope instructor position in Vail, Colorado.
• Do not talk money upfront unless a salary request is included in the classified ad.  Ever.
• Kindly refrain from showing up uninvited at the front door of a company which may or may not be hiring -- unless you already have an appointment.  No one likes unexpected company, so do yourself a favor and don't be that person.

And my personal favorite:

• All resumes and cover letters must be thoroughly proofread prior to being sent.

So I'm following the rules with an absolute vengeance, and have netted one interview after almost two weeks of hardcore job-searching.  Considering the current job market, I'm probably doing quite well, response-wise.  Proofreading is a notoriously difficult profession to break into, and because it's so niche-oriented, jobs are scarce.  Fortunately, I have options with respect to the range of jobs for which I can apply.  My undergraduate degree is in journalism, so I'm qualified for myriad positions including copywriting, copyediting, public relations, marketing communications, et cetera.  I also possess secretarial skills, which have come in handy during times of professional hardship, so I am certainly not averse to accepting an administrative position.  After all, it's honest work which pays a decent wage, and while I'd prefer a position more in line with my academic achievements and professional goals, it's important to be practical and remain flexible in today's topsy-turvy job market.  So while I'm always proud to proofread, I'm equally proud to accept any position for which I'm qualified which will enable me to continue paying my own way -- with my head held high and my dignity firmly intact.