Just Like Clockwork

As September is quickly approaching signaling the start of school, many friends of mine have started to Facebook me and ask me how me how my summer was. They ask me of exciting adventures I might have embarked on, of hilarious anecdotes, of touching tales, etc; generally, they ask the all-around question:
 
“What did you do this summer?”
 
All I can ever say is, “I went to interviews...”
 
Interviews. It's an unholy word as it's not just an interview for a job, it's an interview for a future; regardless of what and where the job is. A new job means a new life, new prospects, new goals. A new job means independence and, yet, co-dependence. With the state of the economy currently, you need the job, whatever job, more than it needs you. And so I went to interviews all summer, searching and searching, not even for the “perfect job,” but at least for some sort of job.
 
In the last 3 months, I went to 25 job interviews. People always say, “Hey, at least you're getting interviews,” and yes, this is true; I'm quite fortunate to have received so many interviews, but it doesn't make the sting hurt less. See, I really do feel fortuitous for having been granted the chance at a job. Every time my phone would ring and an unknown number would pop up, my heart would seize and I would answer the phone very aloof hoping to convey a cool and calm worker rather than the hysterical and desperate being I'd become. I'd constantly refresh Craigslist and become more and more disappointed when each line was purple from already being clicked on.
 
I always make jokes that I should be a professional interviewee and get paid for every single one I attend. I've learned how to be personable, passionate, punctual and professional (four 'P's to remember) and although I left each interview feeling very confident, I would never receive a call back and after a while, it begins to tear at your self-esteem. “You're a worthy candidate...but not worthy enough.” In the job market, it's overqualified workers in under-qualified jobs; but what about those of us that are just qualified? How can I be qualified to work for an expensive restaurant or as a receptionist for a non-profit organization, but not be qualified to run a cash register at a pizza joint?
 
Alas, I did learn some interesting habits:
 
1.You end up using the same 3 or 4 “interview” outfits over and over again. These are usually nice, but not too fancy. Dress the part.
 
2.You have at least half a dozen resumes lying around your car or in your bag.
 
3.Smile, laugh, charm. You become permanently on your A-Game.
 
4.You come dangerously close to selling yourself; almost saying you're available whenever they could possibly need you in fear they'll use this lack of flexibility against you.
 
5.You know your exact answers to the questions: what do you love about customer service? How would you react if a customer was unruly? What are your flaws in the workplace? What do you think you can bring to this company?
 
Job hunting is a keen skill not for the faint of heart; it truly is a jungle out there. You have to have the heart of a lion, the tough skin of a rhino, and the luck of a rabbit. Or at least its foot. How do you keep from giving up hope? Keep searching, keep refreshing the pages, keep dropping off resumes, and keep believing in yourself. Even if it's not the perfect job, always apply. There's never small jobs or even small people, just small steps and those will lead you on the road to exciting adventures, hilarious anecdotes, touching tales, and everything else.