I applied for one, three more possible

[Zoe Girl]

Oh dear, feeling some good stress I guess.

I had a plan to start applying for better paying jobs at the end of this month. However I became aware of some jobs recently. I am not sure how much of a stretch they are, but at least being employed already I am not as stressed. One is a 3rd grade teaching job at the school I am already doing the out of school time programming at. Not sure about the etiquette but I applied online. I have 3 others to look at doing tonight, I also have a dang cold which bugs.

I am trying to just apply and let it go, not spend hours upon hours getting things perfect. Not easy after years of rejection (those who have had years of unemployment may understand, I have always been employed however almost never at a living wage and with lots of rejection). It feels like a lot since the other 3 jobs are using skills I have been adding to furiously and so that means all my resumes and cover letters are out of date.

[Tussiemussies]

Good luck Zoe Girl, think it's great that you are pursuing what you want. You will be able to get your cover letter and resume up-to-date -- don't worry, you have plans and it will fall into place! :)

[Zoe Girl]

Thank you Tussies, I really would just love someone to hold my hand, literally. Or come check in as i worked, then I wouldn't have to be so needy here huh.

But my kids are here and they are being great. We spent the day cooking a LOT of food for the week and my son just took on cleaning out some of the storage without being asked.

[Tradd]

Good luck, Zoegirl! Keep us updated. :)

[Tussiemussies]

Zoe Girl, we all feel the same way you do at times, so keep coming here for support, we all will help you move forward...

[RCWRTR]

Good luck, Zoe Girl! :)

[lhamo]

Good luck! You never know unless you try, so kudos for being willing to put yourself out there in spite of the stress.

lhamo

[BayouGirl]

Best of luck on the job hunt. I was laid off a year ago from our local library but in my situation it was a blessing in disguise because I had been wanting to quit and be more of a stay at home and freelancer. I never would have quit on my own because I loved the job and didn't want to leave them shorthanded but I was ready for new experiences. I pursued my dream of working from home as a freelance writer, work seasonal jobs with BayouBoy such as Alligator hunting, harvesting pecan and I also work with my elderly gram, which I never could have if I still worked at the library.

Each time have been laid off or quit, I have taken an attitude of "this will lead me to better things and I will be thankful for this one day. It has actually turned out to be true each time. I have never had a problem finding a job because of the way I do it.

First, I would brush up my resume, gather reference letter and keep it all in an online folder. Keep a portfolio with your resume, certificate, awards and examples or photos of your work (if applicable). It is also a great idea to save your resume on program Microsoft Work and email a copy of all the documents to myself. This good because you able to sign on anywhere in the world and have access to your resume to print out or send to someone instantly

Then I would hit the help wanted ads in the paper and online. In this economy, the competition in the want ads can be really overwhelming so then I go into Plan B. I think of places I would like to work or that are in my field. I get their names and info from the phone book or online. I create a notebook and/or a folder online and record all of them. I also notate their address to gauge how a daily commute would be if I worked there. Then I call and ask if they are hiring.

My degree is in education and was once a teacher, although I have also worked as a fairy princess, a southern belle in hoop skirts, a waitress, an auto parts store employee, an fish egg packer at an Alaskan cannery, gutted mucky and mildewed houses after Katrina and even was a roofer after Hurricane Gustav. There is no shame in any job and no job is "beneath" me as long as it is a legal, honest job. I have learned so much and worked with so many different people

Being in a job (any job) means other see your work. If you make an impression on them with your skills and attitude, they could recommend you to someone that they know who ls looking to hire. It might also happen that your boss sees how well you handle your menial job, and would offer you a better job in the company when one comes in, rather than him having to go thru the tortures of interviews and hiring applicants. Believe me, they DO hate the hassle of placing ads and wasting time interviewing people who clearly don't have the skills for the job.

So get out your list of employers you would like to work for and give them a call. Ask if they are hiring or might be hiring in the future. Let them know that you would even be willing to fill in as a backup, substitute or a temp if they have a sudden employee shortage. You could also ask if they would be willing to allow you to work there for the day for no pay, just for the experience and to let them see what kind of employee you would be. Volunteering can often lead to a job lead and it gives you experience.

This starts a conversation with them and they will be more likely to hire you. You are getting your foot in their door. They might not be hiring but they may a have a friend in the business who may need to hire someone .Or they could have a situation where they need a temp to fill in for a worker on maternity leave, sudden illness or for a special project. You could be there to save the day for them in their time of need. Temporary or sub work can often lead to a permanent position.

Do your job there well and ask if there is something else that needs doing too. Assess the needs they have, look for areas that are neglected. Find something that no other employee seems to be doing , ask permission to do it and do it well. If you find something that needs to be done then do it because you just might creating a position for yourself by showing that you an asset to the employers who doesn't need to be told what to do and takes the initiative. Employers like this because it makes their job easier when they have competent workers who are self motivated, who don't need to be told what to do and who don't lounge at every possible choice

When you call a company or potential employer, be sure to get their name of who you spoke to, and jot it in your notebook (or in your online folder). Also document the things you discussed, how they responded and other things you have talked to them about, even if they are mundane things such as their kids names, their hobby, etc. This will help you keep everyone, who they were, what y'all talked about etc. The touch bases with them periodically.

I have done this many times with success. I rarely get a job just by looking at the want ads and competing with hundreds of others. I get out there and create my own job. Best of luck to you!!!!

[Mrs-M]

Fingers crossed for you, Zoe Girl!

[rodeosweetheart]

Good for you, Zoe Girl! Let us know of good news as it transpires!

[awakenedsoul]

Bayougirl,
Great advice. I used the same technique finding work in my field, and it really worked.

[Float On]

Hope the best for you Zoe! You really put your all into whatever job you do and I'd love to see you be recognized.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Yea, applying for jobs is an extremely yucky unpleasant task. I feel your pain, I know it well. :)

[Zoe Girl]

Thank you all for the support, whew. I ended up not applying for all 4 based on a gut feeling and some other info. Mainly the one I was really qualified for was not much more and I would feel bad moving to an even better paying job soon, and the other one was a big stretch.

In any case I saw the principal today, she has been out sick all week. And I let her know I applied online. She had an immediate smile. Sometimes they feel put on the spot such as times I was subbing a lot and then a job came open (a different district that was a little snooty). So i did tell her my one limit was I needed a position that was not a long term sub so that I could keep insurance for my family. She is asking her HR person about that, the situation is complicated with a teacher on leave and another long term sub who got a permanent job, however the smile was all worth it.

[awakenedsoul]

Yay! That's great.