You know, it's a funny thing: back when I graduated college in 1998, I couldn't get a job in my field to save my soul, because every advertised position required five or more years of experience. Which really pissed me off, because how the hell are you supposed to get five years of experience in the field if no one will hire you without five years of experience?
Now, here it is 2006, and I have well over five years of experience in my field, and despite sending out somewhere in the realm of 30+ applications/resumes over the past couple months, I've heard less than a peep from anyone. Eventually, you really start to wonder what the hell's going on.
I mean, I like to think I'm a fairly good writer, and I have strong researching and interviewing skills. I even have some marketing and public relations skills. My humor column has won first and second place honors over the years from the Minnesota newspaper Association, and I've won a "Best Column" award from the Minnesota Magazine Publishers Association. So, I have some phony baloney street cred, I like to think.
So what the hell? Do I have too much experience? I'm telling you, this job searching shit can really suck when companies don't even let you know you've been rejected. I just send out tons of applications, and then it's just dead air.
A new job, man, that's all I'm after.
Posted by Ryan at May 2, 2006 04:51 PM | TrackBackI'm in the same boat, and I agree with you man, it sucks. They demand experience when you leave school, and when you apply as an experienced adult you find they're hiring school-leavers.
One prospective employer told me that this time around they were hiring from the 'youth pool' as they were cheaper, less likely to complain about pay and conditions, less likely to belong to a union, and were more amenable to being trained, not having entrenched attitudes of how the job should be done. At least he was honest about it.
Posted by: simon at May 3, 2006 05:08 AMOh yes, and if you ever get as far as the interview stage, I respectfully suggest that you wear a wig.
But leave the handbag at home.
Posted by: simon at May 3, 2006 05:09 AMHell, I'm willing to take a substantial pay cut to do something different for awhile. Job burnout is a real bitch.
Posted by: Ryan at May 3, 2006 09:20 AMMaybe they've all seen your Dirty Mushroom ?
Posted by: Derek at May 3, 2006 10:43 AMYou know, Derek, there's definitely a part of me that wonders if my blog adversely affects my chances. I mean, a Google search on my name and. . . there's my blog.
Posted by: Ryan at May 3, 2006 11:23 AMGreetings, Ryan Rhodes. As head of the Personnel Department at one of this nation's major newspapers, I must say I'm extremely impressed with your experience and skills. I would like to offer you an unprecedentedly cushy job, the details of which I will soon email to you.
Just out of curiosity, what is this "dirty mushroom" thing Derek mentioned? I think I'll go and Google that.
Uh, Ryan? Say, about that job.... Some new developments have just occurred, and we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you employment at this time. We thank you for your attention and wish you success in your future endeavors.
Posted by: D.L. Stern at May 3, 2006 03:49 PMBRILLIANT!
Posted by: Ryan at May 3, 2006 03:56 PM
Stumble It!
