An Arduous Path
So… here I am. Looking for a job. I’ve been at it for less than a week, and already I can confidently state – it sucks. So much. It does not in any way make one feel good about one’s self. It is a series of moments in which one is reminded that an English degree and three months working in Borders (when they were still around) does not necessarily amount to much. To start with I gave the Guardian Jobs site a go. I thought, hey, the Guardian is artsy and lefty, I’ll find something there. Pity the naive optimist. Even in the Graduate section, you had to have millions of years of experience and be AMBITIOUS and MONEY-HUNGRY and have ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT. Basically, whoever is writing these ads has been way too influence by The Apprentice.
So, lacking in experience and having no desire to work in recruitment, I took advantage of my knowledge of independent bookshops gathered from my current position as an intern with online magazine Untitled Books and trawled the web for their sites. Today I have sent a stupid amount of emails to those based in London that looked appealing, with desperate pleas to let me know if vacancies come up. All job applications - especially the introductory and cover letters – always sound desperate and pleading, as if it is the jobseeker’s natural way to just grovel and try to ingratiate themselves. This is unpleasant for all involved. It strips dignity and any chance of being taken seriously. The only hope is to meet potential employers face-to-face and try to charm them with compliments and smiles. God help us.
I need and want a job, and I would LOVE to work in a cool indy bookshop that will challenge and excite me (hint hint). Hopefully this little dream will come true. Please?
oh lizzie, I feel the same way… I mean, money-hungry? really? i don’t want to be encouraged to be money-hungry.
Good luck to you xx
Exactly!! Hope you’re having better luck!! xxxx