We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #19

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted...this will be my final blog! I hope to make it short and sweet.

To everyone who has read my blog - thank you! If my words entertained, informed, elicited laughter, annoyance or any type of emotion, then I have been successful. It has surely been a wild, crazy, stressful and emotional roller coaster ride for me. But I can say the days, months and weeks of searching for job postings, creating and editing resumes and cover letters, researching institutions, phone interviewing, campus interviewing, and writing thank you notes, has all paid off. I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!! A few days ago I was offered a position in Residence Life and I was happy to accept. I love the school, I love the staff and students I met, and, although I had my reservations before, I am very excited to be working in Residence Life.

The moral of the story is: Often what you end up with is different than your original expectations. Life (God, fate, whatever you believe in) throws you a curveball and you have to change your swing so you don't strike out. (This doesn't mean settling for a mediocre position. Only say "yes" to a job you will love.) It just means you should expand your horizons and open your mind to new possibilities. I know I have and I am better for it.

Thanks again. Goodbye and good luck. May the force be with you.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #18

Just to give a rough quantitative summary of what a job search can look like (for those who don’t/didn’t do the whole ACPA/NASPA Placements):

I’ve applied for approximately 40 positions (including AmeriCorps VISTA positions).

I’ve had:

7 phone interviews

7 on-campus interviews (2 of which skipped the phone interview step)

1 offer (AmeriCorps), which I turned down

I do not know how typical this is, as far as numbers go, but it’s an example.

Otherwise, not much is new. I have been playing phone tag with the Director from AMC. Since he hasn’t been insistent about calling me back I am assuming he is NOT offering me the position I interviewed for. Disappointing. I have one more on-campus interview next week and I should hear back from the other two institutions where I interviewed within the next week.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #17

It’s interesting how every on-campus interview is different. Actually, it’s interesting how, in general, every interview process is different. For example:

1) Some institutions call references BEFORE the on-campus interview and some only call AFTER the on-campus interview
2) Some institutions skip the phone interview all together. I’ve had two of those.
3) My on-campus interviews have ranged from 2 hours (no tour, only met with two different groups of people) to half day (tour, interview with the office staff, meet the head honcho, meet with HR) to a full day interview where (I am sure my fellow job seekers will agree with this metaphor) they run you through the gauntlet. During one interview, I met with 3-4 groups with 6-7 different staff members, faculty members and students. Throw in an individual interview with the office director and then the department Dean/VP/Chancellor/whatever they call it, a campus tour and a lunch and you are ready for a nap. It’s like working an 8-hour a day without getting paid.
4) Some institutions have you meet with HR and some don’t. I like it when they do because I can ask about and understand the salary and benefits earlier.

Speaking of salary and benefits…negotiating is something I have never done before and which makes me NERVOUS. They say women are the worst at negotiating and don’t do it as much as they should. I have plenty of handouts of the subject, but when I am actually attempting it (if that day ever comes) I might pee my pants. Okay, hopefully not, but I know I will at least be shaking and red-faced, so it’s a good thing negotiations occur over the phone. If anyone has any tips, please feel free to share them!!!! They are most welcome!!!!

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #16

So…not much new this week. Had two interviews last week, as I previously mentioned and a phone interview this week. I believe all interviews went well. I will be hearing back from the on-campus interviews next week or the week after (by the way, I am loving how the timelines are so vague…). I actually received a call two days after my phone interview and I am being invited to campus. Yay! I really think I sound ridiculous in phone interviews, but apparently I do okay.

Interview questions that everyone should be prepared for because they are asked ALL THE TIME:

What are your future plans/where do you see yourself in 10 years? (I just remembered I mentioned this in my last blog…)

In student affairs there are often times where you have several projects on your plate. How do you manage your time/multiple tasks/priorities?

I don’t like this question because I am one of those people that just gets everything done. I make lists, calendars, etc. I stick to deadlines. I have tried really hard to think of a more detailed way to explain HOW I manage multiple priorities, but I have not been successful. I think it’d be easier if they gave a scenario like: Explain to me what you would do if: you had a report due in a few hours, other To-Do list items to get done, your office phone is constantly ringing today and a bawling student walks into your office needing to talk to you right away. Maybe I solved my problem. Maybe in response to the general question I should respond with this fake scenario and tell them how I would handle it.

Give us an example of a time you were in a conflict with a co-worker. How did you resolve it?

There are plenty more, but these are some that I have struggled with.

I am hoping Pat got the job that started off with the trip from hell, being stuck in the airport for 12 hours. Sounds like she liked the institution a lot, even if the travelling part sucked.

Pat #9: So.... how's the weather?

I got off that plane and found The Director waiting for me by the front door. I wore a suit on the plane, which was very wrinkled and not-very-sharp-looking at that point. I made a pit stop in the bathroom to freshen up as much as humanly possible after spending 12 hours in an airport.

I'm not sure what I was expecting... perhaps a sign with my name on it, just like in the movies. It was a small airport, so there were only two people waiting by the gate (meaning I had a 50/50 chance). The Director met me with a smile, a handshake, and a "You must be Pat." She must have known, I was the only person in the place who wasn't wearing sweat pants.

The next 24 hours were super intense, but for some reason, I wasn't as stressed as I imagined I would be. The Director and I had dinner that night, and she told me not to be nervous. We ate a delicious meal and compared our Myers-Briggs types. I really liked her and I was starting to get the vibe that she liked me, too. After dinner, she dropped me off at my hotel and we parted ways for the evening.

Day two, The Director picked me up from the hotel and we made the ONE HOUR DRIVE to campus. Let me tell you, I had to learn to be a small talker very quickly. I tend to be a person who is okay with silence-- perhaps a job interview isn't the time for peace and quiet.

The first thing on the agenda was an interview with the Chancellor of Student Affairs-- not intimidating at all, right? Psshhht. She was very pleasant and things went very well. Afterward she shooed me next door to the Vice Chancellor's office. I had spoken to the V.C. during my initial phone interview. We chatted about the campus and how she started out in student affairs. I felt very comfortable with these people... and I normally don't feel comfortable around anyone in that short amount of time.

Next, I got a tour of the campus, the office, and met the staff. The GA and the Administrative Assistant had a few questions for me, and oddly enough, this was the most formal part of my day. They were the only people who asked me traditional interview questions.

Lunchtime was awkward. My introversion was starting to become apparent and I was running out of things to say. Everyone kept asking me the same questions and I already asked most of mine. I didn't have much else to say-- I was in trouble.

My mind was racing, inside I was screaming, "SAY SOMETHING!!!!" But I had nothing. Finally, the V.C. asked the dreaded, "If you could pick any super-human power, what would it be?" question. I was actually relieved, because it finally opened up the conversation and we all took a shot at it.

I left the lunchroom feeling like maybe I wasn't doing as well as I thought.

... to be continued.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #15

Job Search Update:

1) Not offered a position with College B. Tip: It’s important to ask for interview feedback, especially from the colleges who reject you. It shows maturity and interest in your professional development. If you ever decide to apply for another job at that institution or department they will hopefully remember this. Plus, you want to know what you can improve on so you can get a job, right?

So College B told me I gave a good interview, but other candidates had more housing experience. The advice was to develop a more defined answer to the question: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” (there are many varieties of this question). Make sure the answer includes how the position you are interviewing for will help you get where you want to be 10 years down the road.

2) My alma mater finally called about that admissions position and I interviewed for it. I really like the feel of the office and the camaraderie of the staff. I think I could fit there and do an excellent job. However, during one section of the interview I spoke with HR and they provided me a very low salary number. I did the math and I could not live on this salary with all the expense I will have. I do not know if the number was correct and hopefully I would be offered higher because I have a Master’s degree. I know I can negotiate, but if they start off with that number I will not get where I want to be even with negotiations.

Let me make this clear – I am not in this field for the money, but I do have to make enough to cover my expenses and I hope to save a little money, as well. So, I just have to wait and see if they offer me the position and at what price.

3) I have an on-campus interview at the institution I just graduated from. Yay. It’s for a position in the Alumni Office. I think I could do this position well and I already know the person who would be my supervisor. He would be very different from my previous supervisors…probably a little too unorganized for me…but I think that would be a good learning experience and I could balance him out (since I am uber-organized).

4) I have a phone interview for a residence life position at a small, private college. I am very interested in this as well. I think a Residence Life positions would stretch me/be a good professional development experience.

Keeping my fingers crossed. This process is taking forever. And it’s difficult to stay positive when it seems like everyone else already has a job.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #14

How does time fly by so quickly? I am finishing up final papers and tests and will be graduating THIS WEEKEND! I should be excited but I really don’t feel like it’s that big a deal. After already having gone through two graduations (high school and undergrad), I just can’t get that excited. Especially when my future is in limbo.

That’s right, no job yet. And I haven’t heard back from College B. Which, I am not even sure it would be the right move to take that position if it was offered. I know people tell me not to worry about making a decision until I actually have to make it, but I can’t help thinking of the pros and cons of that position and “if I would take it…” or “if I didn’t take it…” I wish my mind would just STOP THINKING!!!!!!!!!!! That’s my biggest wish most of the time. Stop thinking. Stop thinking. Stop thinking. I think more than anyone I know. I am always thinking ahead or worrying about something: job search, relationships, etc. etc. I hate it.

I am just really in a bad mental place. I am not super excited about any position I think about right now. Not even the ones in fields I always thought I wanted to go into. It’s probably because my personal life is falling apart, but that’s just another story I don’t want to get into….

So that’s where I am. Basically back at square one.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #13

Wow….I feel like I am so behind in my blogging! A lot has happened this past week.

First, let’s back the truck up to Blog #8…remember when I talked about my interview with College A and how I thought it was great? Well, after I hadn’t heard from College A for a week or two, I called my interviewer and left a message asking where they were in their search process. A few weeks pass and I realize I never received a reply to my message. So this time I email my interviewer and receive the following response: “We had an excellent pool of over 250 resumes and made a hiring decision last Friday.” Well, thanks a lot! It’s one thing to send out a resume and never hear anything and quite another to be phone interviewed and then be ignored!! I feel it was very unprofessional and rude of College A to not tell me I would not be invited to campus.

Moving on to College B. Remember I thought I floundered in my phone interview? Apparently not! Last week I interviewed on-campus for a residence life position at College B and I feel I have a good chance of being offered (College B has at least 2, possibly 3, positions open). I am excited!

Now, I know I said Residence Life may not be my thing, but after this interview, I think I would enjoy being a Hall Director and the experience would provide me with A LOT of professional development.

At first, thinking about interviewing at College B scared the s*** out of me. 1) Because it was my first, professional all-day interview experience 2) I had to prepare a 20 minute theory-to-practice presentation (yeah, they really do want to know what we’ve been learning in school) 3) I psyched myself out by thinking I really had not a lot of business interviewing for this position with my limited residence life experience.

However, all my worry was needless, especially since I took the time to properly and extensively prepare. Something I am not sure I have ever done for any other interview. I took the day before the interview off (from work and school) to pick my friend’s brain about residence life (he is a graduate hall director). He provided me common residence life interview questions, I thought long and hard about my answers and then we practiced mock-interview style.

The preparation really helped! I felt more cool, calm and collected. My interviewers asked a lot of the same questions my friend had and so I was prepared to answer them with concrete examples. Everyone I met was friendly and I got a sense that the department really works as a team. It was a long, challenging, but satisfying day. And now I am just keeping my fingers crossed…

Pat #9: It's who you know.

Let me preface this by apologizing for being so behind in my blogging! The next couple of posts will be a recap of the past couple of weeks. Here goes.


I know you've heard it before. But honestly, people... networking is key. Though I did not interview at ACPA, I spent my time strategically networking and introducing me to people who work in my functional area. I met some people who work in offices where I applied for jobs in. After following up with my new contacts, my inbox has been flooded with "underground" job opportunities. So take advantage of every chance meeting-- it will definitely pay off.

Before I left for ACPA, I was offered a campus visit at SRC. Honestly, I wasn't really expecting to enjoy the visit, but was anxious to get out of town. The most stressful part of the situation, was that I had to prepare a short workshop presentation for the search committee--something I failed to work on during ACPA.

First of all, how do you really present a workshop in a little over 10 minutes? Second of all, I thought I was done with presentations for a while! My classmates teased me about having to prepare another presentation (I would later find out that many of them had to prepare something, too). After struggling for a day or two, I put up my white flag and asked The Boss Man for help. He had some great advice for me and my presentation just fell into place; I even dug up some of SRC's graduate survey data and popped it into the powerpoint.

I was scheduled to fly to SRC mid-week and would have to miss a class and some work hours. I did not have the chance to catch up after ACPA and would now be falling even further behind. I arrived at the airport in suit #1 and felt like some business-ey person who hops on and off planes like it's the subway. Truth is, I've never flown by myself-- seriously, let's add s'more anxiety to this trip!

It turned out to be the trip from hell. My flight was delayed and I spent a total of 12 hours in an airport. (Just in case you were wondering, my time on the actual plane was about 3 hours.) Of course I missed my connecting flight and had to be moved to a later one. I made what seems like a bajillion phone calls to SRC telling them I may not arrive in time to have dinner with the Director. Not a great way to start off an interview process... but hey, it was out of my control.

After an extremely long day of waiting to travel, I got off the plane. I freshened up and walked toward the airport exit, not quite sure what to expect...

Stay tuned.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #12

Ah….the sweet taste of rejection. NOT. More like the bitter, awful, stomach-aching, soul-crushing taste of rejection.

My top choice for a VISTA position rejected me this week. I should have known. It was like this last summer when I interviewed for internships. There was two I really, really wanted, and I thought I interviewed well, but was rejected by them both. I had the same feeling with this position – interviewed well, I am really interested, even wrote an email with follow-up questions to show my interest, didn’t hear back, BAM – rejected.

Maybe I shouldn’t feel too surprised. I thought the VISTA was a long shot in the first place, considering my limited community service experience. But, let’s not be a complete downer. I still have not heard from several other positions. There is still a chance, a glimmer of hope, right?

And then there’s the question of, if offered a position, do I take it or not? It would be my first offer and I don’t want to take it just because I’m afraid I won’t get anything else….

This is one of the most frustrating and nerve-racking processes of my life!

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #11

Happy Easter! It’s getting more difficult to find time to blog, with class work and INTERVIEWS piling up. :) I’ve had a steady stream of VISTA interviews, as I mentioned in my last entry, including an on-campus interview this past week, one the week before and another one this coming week. I am excited about these possibilities and feel that I have been interviewing well. I will soon see how well, as at least one school said they would be contacting me (with an offer or rejection) by Friday this week.

My interest in the VISTA opportunity is growing and my applications for more traditional Higher Ed positions have not been fruitful, so I am leaning toward accepting a VISTA position if it’s offered. Therefore, I am now entertaining thoughts of “Which position would I pick?” if I was offered a position from several schools. I think this is a possibility since I have had quite a few on-campus interviews.

Aspects I am considering are (in no particular order):
1) Location
2) Position duties – Working more with the community or directly with students? Established duties or is the position in a transition year?
3) Type of Room & Board – The college/university provides this and it varies from school to school. At a few universities I would be living with one or several roommates and at another I would have my own place. Housing ranges from a townhouse to a regular house to an apartment. Is cable and internet provided? Is there a dishwasher (silly for some, but I am tired of hand-washing dishes!)? Is there a garage? Will I be provided money to buy groceries or will I eat in the dining hall?
4) Supervisor – Did I like the person who would be my supervisor? Would we get along?
5) Office Environment – Is it friendly? How many people would I be working with? Would I get along with them?
6) Office Space – Cubicle or office? Window? Supplies?
7) Institutional Mission
8) Institutional Environment
9) Surrounding Area/Town/City – Friendly? Close to shopping, movies, other entertainment?

The institutional mission and environment are important to consider, but I when I applied for the VISTA positions, I had already narrowed down my choices to institutions whose mission and environment fit my preferences. Of course, I know how an institution looks on paper can be different that how it actually is in person, but so far, I feel I could fit at the places I’ve interviewed.

So what features are most important to me? Right now, I am not sure. I have been constantly thinking about the difference in the two schools where I’ve already interviewed and I like certain differing aspects of both institutions/jobs. And then, before I drive myself crazy, I have to tell myself not to jump the gun. I haven’t been offered any position yet, so I can think about these things, but the time for stressing about a decision is not now. If the time does come, I will have to make a pro and con list….but even that may not help me…

I am horrible at making decisions.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #10

I don’t even know what to say. Emotionally, I’ve been a wreck for the past few days. Mostly relationship stuff, but then I get to thinking about the stress of finding a job and graduating and moving and all the changes in store for me. I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE. I am not good at it. I guess some people would say, “Who is?” and others would remind me that life is constantly changing and I’ve made it through changes and hellish periods in my life before. Which is true, but I don’t care. Just cause I’ve done it before does not make the prospect of doing it again any more appealing. Yes, I know there’s a pit of gold at the end of the rainbow, or whatever, but it’s still rough when you’re in the midst of it all. I know I am technically a “grown-up”, but I don’t feel grown-up and it’s still difficult to grow-up. Hmmm….I realized my blog title really fits for this entry.

That’s how I've felt the past couple days….but I am trying hard to change my attitude and perspective on a number of things. And the job interviews have been steadily coming. I’ve had two phone interviews and an on-campus interview (Yay!) in the past week, all of them for VISTA positions. I am actually really excited about VISTA now, having interviewed and talked to current VISTAs. I think being a VISTA would be a challenge and amazing learning experience while still being able to work at a college and interact with students. So, for now, I am leaning toward this type of position; this is different from a month ago when my motivation was born out of some interest, but more out of the desire for more options.

Pat #8: Progress!

Before I update you about my week, let me give you a tidbit of interview advice:

Know your theory. During each of my phone interviews, I was asked about theory and how it relates to the job. About theory and how I use it. About assessment instruments and how they are interpreted. So don't blow them off and tuck them in the back of your mind. You may be asked about them, you may not. But don't you want to be ready if they do?

***As you know, I couldn't tell how my first phone interview with "SPU" went (and I still can't). To be perfectly honest, I don't expect them to be calling any time soon. But ya know, that is okay. I am starting to weigh the "glitz and glamour" of being offered that first job with "can I really be happy there?" SPU is not exactly an environment where I think I would fit.

A few days later, I had an interview with SRC. I was extremely nervous because the Director told me I would be speaking with a search committee comprised of seven people. Much to my suprise, they were very lax, cracking jokes and genuinely wanting to get to know me. They asked me a large number of follow up questions about the work I've done, which leads me to believe these are areas where this office needs improvement.

I just got a good vibe, period.

This is a school where I could see myself working. It is a medium-sized institution in a small town setting, which is where I feel most comfortable. Again, the people I spoke with were amazing, and they are administrators who work closely with that office. I asked what the timeline was for their search and they said they would be making a decision by the end of the week.

Five days of waiting? I can do that.

But lo' and behold, it wasn't five days. It was less than 24 hours. They called me the next day extending an offer for a campus interview. The Director explained the interview process, key people I would be meeting, and asked me if I would mind giving a brief workshop presentation. *Gulp* Sure. I was so excited that I forgot to ask her some important questions.

My flight is booked, hotel reserved, and now I'm working on a stellar presentation. Something about this just feels good in my gut. I'm hoping my gut isn't wrong. But hey, if it doesn't go well, at least I got to take a two-day trip to somewhere I've never been!

Okay, fine readers. I'm off to pack for ACPA where I hope to catch up with some colleagues, volunteer in the placement center, and network, network, network!

Pat #7: Please tell me it gets better!

I spent an entire week preparing for my very first phone interview. I weighed my strengths and weaknesses and carefully crafted responses to typical interview questions. I did research on the institution, practically memorizing the information on the website.

I decided to use a room at work for the interview, thinking that it would help me to stay in “professional mode.” Just minutes before the scheduled time, one of my coworkers decided to inform my whole office that I was about to have my first phone interview.

No pressure or anything.

The interviewers called me at the exact time that was arranged. “Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?” they asked. Now this should not be a complicated question. I told them “a little bit,” unfortunately talking a mile a minute. With each pause I realized how out of breath I was.

The rest of the interview was situational questions and at the end of the interview, I deeply regretted only telling them “a little bit” about myself in the beginning. I feel like I nailed some of the questions, but really dropped the ball on some others. How did I fail to mention some of my key qualifications that were written on a list right in front of me?

I can’t stop analyzing every moment. Why couldn’t I just slow myself down? This isn’t how I typically act on a face-to-face interview, so why couldn’t I get it together? Hopefully I’m just being hard on myself. Too bad it will be another month until I find out how I performed.

No sense dwelling on something I cannot change. I’m off to prepare for my interview next week!

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #9

So…I mentioned the job search got more interesting in my last blog, but never got around to saying why. So, let me elaborate.

A Story about Why Networking is Important
Or the alternative title: A Story about Why Who You Know is More Important than What You Know
(I don’t believe it should be like that, but I am learning that it is sometimes true.)

A certain undergraduate professor of mine, one of my mentors and, now that I have graduated, a dear friend, called me and asked me if I’d like a job at my alma mater. And I said, “TELL ME MORE!”

Apparently, he is good friends with the Director of Admissions (DA) and therefore, now has the inside track on what is going on in the admissions office, which is lucky for me. My professor, we’ll call him Dr. Smith (how original, right?), had lunch with said DA and learned of a future opening in his office. Dr. Smith immediately thought of me (it’s so nice to have friends/mentors/connections) and promptly “talked me up” to the Director, telling him of my qualifications and that I would be perfect for the job. As a result, DA is very interested in my candidacy (let’s keep in mind the job hasn’t even been officially announced/posted yet) and would like to see my application materials. Wow. I am quite flattered. Both that Dr. Smith was so wonderful to think of me (and sing my praises) and that the Director wants to see my resume, etc.

But then there is the question of “Would I want this job?” Now, I love my alma mater and think I could do very well as an admissions counselor. There are a few issues that give me pause, though. One: It is slightly outside my preferred geographic radius. But I think I could deal with that. Two: I am not sure what my future holds boyfriend-wise. There is the question of where will he get a job when he graduates next year and will I be moving to follow him? Some of you may say, “Well, he should follow you since you will have your job first.” And I would agree, except that it really depends on the institution and area where I end up. If I take the job at my alma mater, let’s call it AMC, there are not enough colleges in the immediate area (actually the two closest schools are 45 minutes away) to provide my boyfriend with enough job options. Therefore, it seems I would leave AMC within a year and I would feel bad doing that. I know there is a lot of turnover in Higher Ed, but I would feel like a traitor leaving so soon since it IS my alma mater.

Despite these reservations, within a few days of our chat, I sent Dr. Smith my cover letter, resume and references, which he forward to the DA. So now Mr. Director has my materials, but I probably won’t hear back from him for several weeks (maybe a month…) since the position hasn’t officially opened up yet. Why is this game all about waiting? I am not good at waiting. Patience is not always my virtue.

Speaking of waiting, I am still waiting to hear back from College A, but I have heard back from College B – and they still want me! I am shocked. I really did not think I interviewed well with them. That goes to show you never can tell with phone interviews (which is why, like my fellow blogger, I do not like them). So….apparently College B is checking my references and if that goes well I will be invited for a campus interview! Keep you fingers crossed!

(And congrats to Pat for landing those two phone interviews!)

Pat #6: A Stroke of Luck!

Since things have been eerily quiet on my end of the job search, I decided to revisit my online applications to check the status. Most of them haven’t even been touched! My credentials have just been sitting pretty on the internet for weeks, sad and unread. By far, this is the most frustrating process I’ve been through.

Upon checking the status of the last job I applied for, I realized that I completed the application, but never uploaded my resume or actually applied to the job. (This is a good indicator of how side tracked I’ve been lately!) I frantically uploaded the cover letter and resume that I had prepared for this position weeks earlier, hoping I hadn’t missed a major deadline.

Then something amazing happened.

The day after I finally uploaded, I received an email requesting a phone interview. WAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! It’s about damn time.

I received a phone call from that particular office yesterday with the intention to prepare me for the interview. Is this normal? We chatted for a half hour about the University, the office, and the dynamic. Not an interview, but yes, an initial screening of sorts.

I am starting to get really nervous and excited about my interview next week. I’m the kind of person that hates to talk on the phone (admittedly, sometimes I’ll ignore calls from my family and friends. Tisk, tisk). I like to ensure my interest through non-verbals, nodding and making stellar eye contact. All I’ve got over the phone is, “mmmhmmm,” “uh huh,” “okay,” and “oh.” I really don’t want to blow it—especially because this is what I train my students to do. This is a job I can see myself doing and in an office where I think I’d fit in quite well.

Just when I calmed myself down and started to really pump myself up, I received an email requesting an interview at another school! This is all happening so fast… not that I’m complaining or anything. Keep ‘em coming!

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #8

Okay, so life is crazy and the job search just got more…I’m not sure “interesting" is the word I want, but we‘ll go with that.

So, I mentioned I had a phone interview. Well, I actually had two phone interviews this week! The second one was for a residence life position at a larger university. So, not exactly my ideal, but it’s close to here.

Can I just say how strikingly different the interviews were? The contrast is amazing. But, at the same time, I think that how I feel (about how they went) could not really matter in the end because I am not sure anyone is ever really certain how a phone interview went. It’s so hard to tell because you can’t see facial expressions, body language, etc. And then there are those dreaded silences. Are the interviewers making faces at each other like “That was a horrible answer she just gave” or are nodding and smiling? Who knows? It’s irritating and nerve-wracking.

So I feel my first interview with College A was good. It was with one person and he seemed very personable and interested in what I had to say. The interview was extremely conversational – not question-answer-question-answer – with awkward pauses in between. In fact, I don’t ever think I’ve had an interview that was quite as conversational. It was enjoyable and even though I am not 100% sure I will get asked for a second interview, I feel I made a good show. It was only after I got off the phone that I realized how nervous I was – my hand that had been holding the phone began trembling!

The second interview with College B was quite the contrast. It was with two people, so I was on speaker phone, and it was question-answer-question-answer. And I have a strong feeling I did not answer as well as I could have. I forgot to have my resume in front of me and so I missed key points of my experience. I also don’t think I gave enough specific, concrete answers. It was much more difficult for me to do this because of my limited residence life experience. I do think I did a good job talking about the importance of student development outside the classroom, but I floundered when saying specifically how I have/would foster student development. To sum up, I am disappointed in my performance, but am not sure this position would have been the best place for me anyway.

On a side note, when scheduling the interview with me and today when she called me, the interviewer said that I am “one of their top candidates”. But then when I asked about the timeline, she said they were conducting somewhere between 15-18 interviews! That, in my mind, does not make me a “top candidate”. If I was one of 3-5 asked to a campus interview that would make me a top candidate.

Now for one quick rant – I am so tired of hearing from my peers who are going to the national conferences. In class one day, my professor said, “So how is the job search process going?”, which opened the door for those conference-going people to brag for 30 minutes about how many interviews they have. It’s so annoying. Who cares? And why couldn’t we hear from people who aren’t going to conferences and how their job search is going? Not that I would share much. Maybe that’s my issue – I am a private person and would only talk about my job search with my close acquaintances/friends. Well, with the exception of anonymously blogging about it for all the world to read….Am I am oxymoron? Um……yeah.

Pat #5: We regret to inform you...

Unlike my fellow blogger, things on the job search front have been pretty silent. Other than a few impersonal "Thanks for playing, the position has been filled" emails, I haven't heard anything. Rejection isn't the greatest feeling in the world, but to be honest, they weren't positions that I was especially qualified for. I keep wondering if the phone will ever start to ring. What if it doesn't? Even scarier, will I be ready when it does start to ring?

So far, there have only been two positions that I've gotten nervous about. I had been sending resumes and cover letters out like an assembly line-- but something happens when you find a job that you can actually see yourself doing. You stop dead in your tracks and start nitpicking the bullet points on your resume and the verbage on your cover letter.

My supervisor advised me not to "jump the gun" and take a position that I'm not really interested in. He said most hiring in my functional area happens during the summer months, "Don't get sucked into the idea that you should have a job before graduation," he said. I appreciate his two cents, but I hear my classmates chatting about their phone interviews and appointments they have set up at ACPA. I've got no news, absolutely nothing to share but those lame rejection emails.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #7

OMG! OMG! (and for me that is OH MY GOSH!) I have a phone interview! I HAVE A PHONE INTERVIEW! I am ssssssssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooooo excited! And, I am sure, by the time it rolls around I will be equally as nervous. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

I feel I am a little behind in my blogging since I haven’t even talked about applying for this particular job. I got sidetracked talking about other things….But anyway, this is for an admissions position at a small, private college that I would L-O-V-E LOVE to work at. It is very similar to the institution where I completed my Bachelor’s. Plus it is in the immediate area. I applied to this position probably only a week and a half ago. I just looked, and they already pulled it off their HR website. I suppose that’s because admissions positions receive a lot of application submissions from qualified candidates in a short amount of time. So can I just say that IT’S SO AWESOME THAT I GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I can’t freak out. I have done this before. A lot, it seems (for professional positions and when searching for an internship for last summer). I need to stay focused, calm. What do I need to do to prepare? What are they going to ask?

Phone interviews, I feel, can go one of two ways – really well or really bad. What’s the difference between the two? I’d like to say it’s all preparation, but I think it is also how well you click with the personality or personalities on the other end of the phone. And that is something you can’t prepare for or predict. What you can do is research and study about the institution and office for which you are interviewing. So I have already printed off information about the person with whom I am interviewing (he also coaches a sports team at the school - very good to know. I can talk about my interest and involvement with athletics), the mission of the school and information I deem “special qualities” this institution feels it has to offer its students.

Now, I have to study and then wait until the fateful day and hour when I can “sell myself” and show off what I know. Good Luck Me!

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #6

So I broke down and applied for Residence Life jobs. Yes, I know. I can’t believe it either. What am I thinking? (And as I write this I hope no one who has the power to hire me for one of these jobs reads this and figures out who I am….I know, I know there’s like 0% chance of that happening, but I still worry…)

So let's walk through the pros and cons of this decision:
Reasons Against Working in Res Life
1) I don’t think I have the personality for it.
2) I want clear separation between work and home.
3) I worked in Res Life over the summer and it was not the most enjoyable experience (to put it lightly).
4) I am an introvert; I feel Res Life staff members are usually extroverts.
5) I also feel like you have to be able to handle ambiguity, be okay with unstructuredness (which the computer tells me isn’t a word) and have a sense of humor to work in Res Life. Not that I don’t have a sense of humor, because I do, but unless I really know people, I tend to be quite serious. I don’t think I have a Res Life sense of humor.

Reasons for Working in Res Life
1) Perhaps my experience has skewed my perspective. Perhaps my summer internship experience was atypical; it seemed EXTREMELY unstructured, was missing protocols, etc. All Residence Life departments can’t be like that, right?
2) We all can’t be extrovert, right? Introverts still do amazing work and like to work with people. They are social (like to work with people), but may not be sociable (the life of the party). I don’t have to be the life of the party to be a good RD, right?
3) You get free room and board in Res Life, plus a salary. That could go a long way toward paying back loans and even saving some money.
4) I am learning to relax more and be okay with some unstructuredness/ambiguity. It’s a work in process, but I’m improving.
5) It provides me more job search options (especially in my limited geographic area).

So, in the end, the Reasons For have won out. I have applied to an RD position at one small, private college and one, large, state university. I believe I have more of a chance at the small, private since that’s my background and since that job description only required a Bachelor’s degree. Of course, that could mean I will be overqualified, but we’ll see. One thing that also worries me is I don’t have one full year experience as an RA or Assistant/Graduate Hall Director. However, I believe the skills I’ve learned from other positions are transferable; I mean, they are always telling us these skills are transferable and we should learn to explain how they are. So (like other positions, I’ve applied for….see previous blogs…) I hope the search committees aren’t closed mind and don’t overlook all my other experience just because it’s not in Res Life.

Pat #4: Let's Talk About Recs, Baby

Lately I've had this increased need for reassurance. My reference list includes supervisors that gave me a lot of freedom on projects. As a paraprofessional, I value their willingness to let me find my own way. The trouble is, I’m not sure what they think about what I’ve been doing. I keep telling myself, “If something was wrong, they would tell me.” Right?

On the other hand, my internship supervisors really lay on the praise. At first, it kind of freaked me out. I receive tremendous amounts of positive feedback, sometimes just for making a simple spreadsheet. I'm getting spoiled here. It is nice to have someone appreciate you, but it also makes me wonder if I'm doing a good job in my other roles. Being a supervisor myself, I know it is difficult to give constructive criticism. Maybe they have just been holding back.

So who are my positive references? I’ve got a handful of internship supervisors, an employee, a professor, and my assistantship supervisors.

How well can they speak about my abilities and strengths? I’m hoping that each can speak about a different dimension of my professional life. These people have been with me through the ups and downs, whether it be at work, an internship, or a professional organization. They recognize my strengths, but more importantly, they know my weaknesses. They know how to frame my weaknesses in a positive way; they know the steps that I've been taking to better myself personally and professionally.

Do they even know me well enough to take on this responsibility…did I choose the "right" people? All I can do is hope that the answer is “yes.” I can’t think of anyone more qualified to vouch for me. It is gut wrenching to put your future into someone else’s hands. We’ll see what happens when my ears start ringing.

Here I am, clicking “send” on University employment sites, and hesitating each time. I keep analyzing my past performances and behaviors. What do these people really think about me? Last semester I let paranoia get the best of me. I applied for a scholarship, one of my intentions being to learn more about myself. I asked three people for letters of recommendation. Two were absolutely lovely; if I were an emotional person, I could have very easily cried. The other, however, was a template and was clearly written for someone who came before me.

Is this sneaky? Perhaps. But it eased my mind and I found out who appreciates my work. Sometimes when I'm having a really crappy day, I pull out those two letters and read them. It makes me feel like it’s all worth while.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #5

Since I am geographically limited, I decided to think outside the proverbial higher ed box in order to expand my job options. What did I come up with? AmeriCorps VISTA.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program for 18-24 year olds interested in volunteerism. VISTAs work in collaboration with nonprofit organizations or local government agencies working on a variety of projects from literacy to health care to Habitat for Humanity. What is great for me is how VISTAs work with colleges and universities. These VISTAs have projects that range from coordinating service-learning or a volunteer corps for an entire campus to working with a specific group of students who complete various volunteer projects throughout the academic year. A VISTA working at a college/university is provided room and board by the university, and a stipend and health insurance from AmeriCorps. VISTAs usually work for one year and after that year of service they also receive an end-of-service stipend or education award (which can be used to pay back federal loans). What is great for me is I know of several area schools that house VISTAs.

Although I do not have much experience with service-learning or volunteerism (my experience is limited to a church missions trip during my freshman year of high school, serving Thanksgiving meals to the poor at a local church, and wrapping a whole bunch of presents for a charity’s Christmas giveaway to poor, local families), it is something I have always been interested in doing more of. A VISTA position would be an excellent opportunity to:
1) Gain experience in an area of interest
2) Be challenged and learn a lot
3) Stay in the area
4) Did I mention the benefits? Who wants to pass up free housing and food? Plus more. It’s like residence life without well….all the residence life stuff: on-call duty, RA supervision, etc. Okay, so maybe it’s only similar to residence life in that your room and board is paid for. But that’s amazing!

The positions haven’t been posted yet, so I can’t apply until probably the beginning of March, but learning about these VISTA opportunities has given me hope that I have recently lacked. Therefore, I am going to continue to search for more “outside the box” opportunities while also applying for student affairs jobs that become available.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #4

Do you know what I hate? That sometimes applying for jobs is such a waste of time. They want you to have experience before you have a job. But how are you going to get experience if no one will hire you first without experience?

I also hate universities’ online job databases. It’s so tedious to enter in all your personal, work and education information. It’s a repeat of what’s on your resume! WHY CAN’T THEY JUST LOOK AT YOUR RESUME? Furthermore, as you are not supposed to lie on your resume, I also don’t lie when I answer the “supplemental questions” for positions I apply for in online job databases. “Do you have one year of academic advising experience?” Hmm. I have experience advising students, but it is actually academic advising? No. So I check “no” and get automatically rejected. “Sorry, but you do not meet the minimum job qualifications.” BS. What about all my other experience in higher education/student affairs? Doesn’t it count for anything? I am sure it is transferrable to academic advising! Just take a look at my resume, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, no, I am rejected. What a great way to weed out possible good candidates/fits for that position. Just because a person doesn’t have that specific experience, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t do a great job.

Pat #3: Hitting Close to Home

I really haven’t had time to breathe since the beginning of the semester. My energy reserves are starting to wear thin and it is showing in my work. I just need a “watch 12 hours of House, smother everything in cheese, not change out of my pajamas, or answer my phone” kind of days. To be perfectly honest, it has been a bleak couple of weeks and staying optimistic is becoming quite difficult.

Last night I got a phone call around 11 p.m. which sadly enough, is about two hours past my usual bed time. I debated answering the call, but because most of my friends know that I go to bed before the sun goes down, I assumed it was pretty important. Ronnie, my best friend since the eighth grade was sobbing on the other end.

Ronnie has been my constant support over the years. For better or worse, she has always been by my side. We both went to State for our undergraduate degrees and studied the same subjects. Our fork in the road was Ronnie’s decision to pick up a second major, causing her to graduate a semester later than me.

I jumped right into graduate school and Ronnie spent over a year looking for a job. That’s right, a year. A bright, talented woman with not one, but two baccalaureate degrees could not find a job. I was so excited for her when she finally found a decent job at a newspaper in October.

Last night the recession became a terrifying reality. Ronnie, defeated and scared called to tell me that The Newspaper decided to cut 7% of their budget (for the second time in the past two years). Since her job happens to be towards the bottom of the Newspaper Prestige Scale*, it isn’t difficult to figure out that her job will be included in the 7% of cuts.

I feel so guilty. A few months ago, I was actually jealous. She was starting her adult life and I was still in school. And now, my best friend might be losing her first full-time job at the age of 23. “You are so lucky that you’re in graduate school. Higher education is one of those recession-proof jobs,” she said.

And so I told her about hiring freezes, budget cuts, and “anticipated” job openings. My future could be just as uncertain as hers. Neither of us could think of anything to say that would make us feel better. And so we sat in silence, both terrified and uncertain about our futures.

"It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours." - Harry S. Truman

*The Newspaper Prestige Scale is fictional. For someone who has a tremendous amount of talent (and two degrees), Ronnie deserves better than the Obit-writing, coffee-grabbing, status that she currently holds.

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #3

Oh, the job search. People are already asking me how it’s coming. And inside I freak out a little thinking, “Is it supposed to be in full-swing already? Is everyone way ahead of me and have they already applied for a couple dozen positions? Is there a secret job board that I don’t know about that is posting hundreds of available positions?”

For me the job search is not coming or going. It’s not much of anything right now. Granted, I did sign up to receive weekly emails from HigherEdJobs.com and InsideHigherEd.com. If you don’t know about these, they are great (FREE) job search tools. At each of these websites you can check off which positions and geographic locations you are looking for, provide your email address and then every Thursday or Friday you receive an email listing positions that match your specifications. Awesome, right?

Well, it would be except not much is available yet. I want to give a shout-out to Pat, the other job search blogger, on applying a position that sounds like it fits her skill-set perfectly. I wish I could find an opening like that. Maybe I could, if I wasn’t limiting myself geographically. In fact, I am interested in Career Development/Services positions, so I would have also applied to that job if I was doing a national search. So there you go, Pat. I am currently one less competitor for that job because I (sometimes foolishly, I think) want to stay in the area.

I say “foolishly” because I sometimes wonder if my boyfriend and I are actually headed down the same path. Well, maybe that isn’t the correct term. What I mean is, I feel I have more depth of feeling and am more committed to being an “us” than he is. This is still coming out wrong. I am not saying he has a wandering eye or isn’t committed to me. He is just in a more “I am still an independent person” place than an “I am in a serious relationship where I should put our needs above my needs” place. So am I a fool for trying to stick around? Maybe if I went far away that would give him the kick in the pants I think he sometimes needs to figure out how much he (hopefully) loves me and wants me around. Or maybe he would then figure out he doesn’t need me around. Now THAT is a scary thought. All I want is to be loved and wanted. Is that too much to ask?

Sorry - back to the job search! The one that hardly exists right now. Let’s talk about functional areas/positions I would apply for. This has been pretty consistent since I entered graduate school, with a few additions: admissions, academic advising, career advising/counseling and study abroad advising. Do you get the sense that I am the advising type?

Truth be told, I want a job with (mostly) regular hours. Eight to five. Eight-thirty to five. I don’t want to do student activities where I am busy five of seven nights each week. I want my nights and weekends for me. I also do not want to do residence life if I can help it (no offense to all those wonderful hall directors and assistant hall directors and other res life staff out there). It’s just that I have dabbled in it before and figured out I am just not a res life kind of person. I wish I was since there is a proliferation of residence life jobs available. But I am not. On the other hand, I am not saying I would NEVER take a residence life position. I could suck it up for one or two years. Hence, if a residence life position becomes available within my restricted geographic arena, I will probably apply for it. Oh, the joys limiting your options….

We’re adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #2

So it’s been over a week since I’ve posted my first blog…the first few weeks of school have been busier (and crazier) than I thought. But now I am sitting on the couch, munching on chips & salsa, and (kind of) watching the Super Bowl, so I thought this is probably as good a time as any to blog. I am a shameless multitasker, but it’s probably better that I write a blog while eating & watching the Super Bowl than trying to read for class.

This entry will not have a lot to do with job searching, but since it’s early, I thought that would hopefully be okay. In this post, I want to discuss my issues with blogging.

First…
This blogging experience is a bit out of character for me. I am by nature a very private person. It takes me a long time to warm up to people and for them to figure out I am not really as shy as they first think I am (Is that grammatically correct? Maybe not. Oh well.). So when I applied to blog, I thought it would be easy to remain completely anonymous & that I wouldn’t want to tell anyone I know that I was a blogger. Boy, was I wrong. As soon as I found out I was chosen to blog, I wanted to tell EVERYONE. I was at work, so the first person I thought to share the news with was my supervisor. It took me all of 2 seconds to realize that was probably not a good idea. What if I wanted to complain about *Jim in the blog? (*Names will be changed in this blog to protect people’s identities.) I also realized I didn’t really want to tell everyone, especially those I work with or go to class with everyday. So I settled for telling my friend from undergrad and…I did tell my boyfriend because I tell him most things. This doesn’t mean I won’t be writing about him, but I thought I would give him fair warning. Also, he is pretty easy-going and I don’t think he’ll actually ever look up the blog to read it.

Second…
I had trouble coming up with a title for this blog. I wanted to be creative, but at the moment of posting, the juices weren’t flowing. A few ideas:

If you’re going through hell…keep on going – You know, from the Rodney Atkins song, since I figured job searching is sometimes like hell. But then I thought “No, too negative. Let’s not scare people off.”

Searching for the perfect fit – Referencing the search for the institution/job that seems like it exists just for you (most high school students also go through this search deciding where to attend college). “Eh. A little too boring.”

Please, God, let me survive – Again, too negative or possibly, whiney

PROCESS – Enough said.

Growing up and moving on… - Too cliché

So I ended up with one of my favorite quotes from Grey’s Anatomy as the title. Not super creative, but it’s what I’m stuck with now.

Third…
How do I enthrall and entertain my readers, but also maintain my anonymity? It’s a fine line to walk. I do not want to reveal information that would blatantly give me away to people in my program if they happen to read this. Like I said, I am a private person, so I’d like to be able to write what I want without fear of “getting caught”.

My boyfriend just went crazy because Arizona got a safety. We are rooting for the underdog. All righty, that’s enough for today. More on the actual job search later this week…

Pat #2: Taking the Plunge

My need for unnecessary organization is really starting to delay my job search. Lately I've been obsessing over my resume, changing the layout and toying with different quantities of white space. I printed out descriptions for a bagillion jobs...some of which I am actually qualified for.

Now enter more job search O.C.D.

The descriptions are categorized by functional area and are marked with a color-coded "sticky note" system that I don't even understand. Downside? A binder filled with neon pink and orange post-its isn't going to make a search committee say, "She's the one!!!"

Last night I decided it was time to take the plunge. After a few minutes of reading and highlighting posts from HigherEdJobs.com, I found The One. When I was skimming through the qualifications, I felt like I was reading my own resume:

1) Facilitating career-related workshops (check); 2) Planning job fairs & special events (check); 3) experience leading & managing volunteers (check); 4) knowledge of career development theory (check); 5) resume writing (check); 6) supervisory experience (check).

Stellar cover letter and resume submitted to The Institution (check).

It's a weird feeling; kind of like taking a test. A weight is lifted after you're done-- but you are uncertain about when you'll receive feedback. When you find a job that could potentially fit you so well, a potential let down could hurt even more.

But hey, the Millennial in me says, "I'm special. They'd be crazy not to offer me a job."

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #1

I used to keep journals as a child, teenager and sporadically through college, so writing a blog shouldn't be a big deal, right? I don't know how I feel about the world knowing my every thought and feeling, but I will be under a blanket of anonymity…..and I'm not sure the world is ready to be inundated the intense and ever-changing emotions of a 24-year old who is not quite sure if she is ready to, or even how to, grow-up. I always seem to journal when I am at emotional extremes – very angry, very sad or very happy. But if that's something the world doesn't mind….all I can say is this blog is sure to be very schizophrenic (and hopefully, entertaining).

Case in point - I've already become anxious enough about the impending job search and the absolute scariness of my future that I broke down and bawled. Last night. Not just two or three glistening tears, but a volatile river poured out, threatening to drown me in misery for the rest of my life. The semester hasn't even started and I am completely freaking out. I am worried about my courses this next semester (I have two professors who give ungodly amounts of work, including one that's emails you at ungodly hours of the night – 2AM, 3AM – to provide comments on your work or provide the entire class with commentary or extra readings/assignments). Plus I have my assistantship (which I like, but don't love and am not completely looking forward to returning to in a few weeks) and a personal goal to start exercising again. I want to have time to spend with my boyfriend. And on top of that people expect me to find a job!?!?!?!?!?! What if I don't? What am I gonna do?

If you can't already tell, I am a worrier. And this is why I became overwhelmed and cried like a baby in my dad's arms last night. Yes, my dad. I am at home for winter break and my boyfriend wasn't around.

My boyfriend. That's one of the reasons this job search will be even more stressful and difficult. He is in my program, but still has another year of school left. I want to stay with him, but a long distance relationship is something neither of us wants. We had to do it over the summer when I was six hours away working at my summer internship. It was difficult and we really don't want to have to do that again. He says he understands if I need to take a job not in the area. He doesn't want to hold me back, so he's not going to tell me, "Don't take that job; it's too far away." But that's not what I want to hear. I want to be with him, and I want him to tell me to stay close because he needs me. Why, oh why, does he have to have another year of school? And his idea of “too far" and mine are not the same. He somehow thinks that four hours away is okay and that we'd still see each other often enough at that distance. I don't think so. I am thinking two hours, max. But with the economy and competition for jobs in Higher Ed being what they are, will a two-hour radius be enough? I am lucky, of course, that there are approximately 30-40 institutions within a two-hour radius. That is one good thing about our current location. Of course, I would rather be only a ½ hour to hour away. Or to work at my graduate institution, if possible. Although it's not the type of institution I'd prefer, I could work there for a year if I had to.

So there's a quick look into my world, my mind, and my possible insanity. Strap yourself in, because if you continue to read, you're in for an interesting ride.

Pat #1: The one where I tell you that I'm a Fraud...

We have a lot in common, you and me. Sure, chances are we’ve never met. But the truth is, I know you pretty well. You are the graduate student in a Student Affairs program, who will be graduating soon and seeking a professional position. Your cup is overflowing with class work, job responsibilities, internships, and in some cases, finishing a thesis or studying for comprehensive exams. Working with students is your priority and your adrenaline; sleep is a distant memory. You have been paying close attention to hiring freezes that are sweeping universities across the country. You are supposed to be looking for jobs, and you are terrified.

Perhaps you will find comfort when I tell you that I’m scared, too.

You can call me Pat. No, it’s not my real name, but I have been promised anonymity in exchange for sharing my hopes and fears with the rest of the job searchers who are shakin’ in their pumps. Why Pat, you ask? It is the name of the person who gave me my very first job and quite frankly, I am hoping it will give me some good job search juju.

One would think that working in a Career Center would lessen my anxieties, but this little factoid creates another set of problems entirely. There are quite a few things weighing on my job searching mind, here is where I will share them. I’m hoping that my neuroticisms make you feel better about your own. Feel free to share yours with me, but until you feel comfortable enough to do so, here’s a few of mine:

1. I’m a fraud.

I have this relative and he’s that guy. You know him, every family’s got one. The one who tells inappropriate jokes and makes it a goal to humiliate you in public. Last summer he was harassing me about working in the Career Center. “How can you be a career counselor if you’ve never had a job?” As much as I hate to say it, he hit the nail on the head.

Though I’ve had my fair share of experience, I’ve never had a full-time position—you know, the kind that comes with an actual salary and benefits? I spend my days meeting with nervous college students who are about to embark on a job search of their own. I provide them with a bounty of advice, interview tips, resume help, and a confidence in their abilities that I wish I had in my own. I have learned a lot about Career Services through training and independent research and luckily my students and staff find my advice to be helpful.

Sometimes, though, my inexperience makes me feel like I am keeping a “dirty little secret.”

2. I haven’t been unemployed since I was fourteen.

I started working at the age of fifteen and against my parents’ wishes. Employment was something I was always drawn to; perhaps it’s why I ended up working in this functional area.

In May, being jobless is not an option. I have never pictured myself without a job, but lately I’m having visions of my parents removing the treadmill from my old bedroom so I can move back in. This is reason enough to start having panic attacks.

3. Does anyone actually know what I do?

A while back, a colleague was nice enough to write me a letter of recommendation. But something important was missing—what I actually do at work. I know that my job is important… does anyone else?

I never thought I needed the recognition or the pats on the back. Lately, though, I’ve been thinking: Who can vouch for me? Do my professional references actually know what I have accomplished in the past two years? The only thing my resume seems to be lacking is white space—but my job search is lacking a well informed recommender.

Note to self: Have everyone in the office revise my resume (a.k.a. learn more about what I’ve done) this month.

4. I think I’m a terrible interviewee.

I am extremely shy, horrible at making small talk, and I can sell anything except for myself. But at work, I become an actor of sorts; my character is a planner and an extrovert. Just like I tell my students, sometimes you just have to fake it.
I can still remember the day I interviewed for my current position. It was the very first time I wore a business suit, and I felt totally absurd. My resume was average at best. I had 11 other interviews that day, most of which didn’t go very well. Luckily my current supervisors saw something in a nervous, young woman with a lackluster resume.

Looking back, I have to laugh at myself. Some of the things I said, how completely unqualified I was for some of the positions. Some of the questions I was asked (i.e. If you were the cookie monster and the moon was a cookie, would you eat it?) I think I have come a long way—but one little mistake can disqualify someone who is supposed to be an expert on interviewing (see 1. I’m a fraud).

Admittedly, I have learned from my students’ strengths and weaknesses. After helping a couple hundred students prep for their own job interviews, I think I’m ready to show the world what I’ve got.

5. The economy.

How will it affect me? How is it affecting students? How long will it take to find a job? Will I be jobless? Will I ever be able to pay off my student loans?

Stay Tuned.

6. Moving on… again.

As another chapter of my life comes to a close, a new one begins. In a few months, I will finally be done with school. I’ve been a student since the eighties—it is finally time to close the textbooks. With job searching comes research on the cost of living, apartments, and transportation. I can’t believe I will be moving again. I am excited for what this new life has to offer, but I am terrified of the unknown. Learning to exist without the support of a cohort system and similarly aged peers will be different to say the least, but I am ready.

The road ahead is long—I hope you will join me for the ride. What about the job search worries you?