Annoying if you ask me.

Do you ever find yourself getting annoyed by those who have already found a job? 

Just the other day, I was at a 'social gathering,' and I ran into a few old friends. A few of us were spending time catching up and commiserating about what its like living at home with our parents and having nothing to do. 

Out of the blue, one of my friends' said, "I am working now! My dad got me a job at his company. I am some guys 'assistant.' It's not the same as a secretary. But its kind of like that." 

I'm sorry. Her dad got her a job? Her DAD GOT HER a job? Ugh. 

Here I am, working my tail off. . . emailing hundreds of people, going through dozens of interviews, dealing with rejections and disappointments. All the while, my dad stands by and says, "Keep up the good work." 

What is it with these parents who do all the work for their kids? If you ask me, it seems a little ridiculous to go through 4 years of college just to have your daddy do all the work for you once you've graduated. What is the point of all the studying and preparation and practice? I don't know, I just find it to be annoying.

Although I must say. . . I wish my dad would get me a job.

"The trouble with unemployment is that the minute you wake up in the morning you're on the job." ~Slappy White

Tip #2: Mention Other Interviews

We all know there are some crucial tips to remember when heading into a job interview. . . The strong handshake. The eye contact. The appropriate attire. 

Well, its your lucky day! I have discovered another! This is perhaps a more subtly executed technique. It isn't as easily learned and it requires a bit of practice, so pay attention.

I had another interview a couple of weeks ago. Now, I was excited about the potential job, but I wouldn't say I was dying for the offer. Secondly, I was not entirely qualified for the position either. It required more experience in the field than I had. However, I obviously entered the interview with confidence that I was the best choice for the job. 

As we approached the end of the interview, my interviewer inquired about when I might be able to come in for a second meeting. The truth of the matter is, I had nothing planned for the next two weeks. I mean, I'M UNEMPLOYED, hello! But I didn't want to sound like a pathetic couch potato, so I was quick on my feet and came up with alternative response.

I proceeded to answer, "Well thank you very much for the offer! Lets see, I have a few other interviews lined up over the next couple of weeks, so I will need to check my schedule before confirming a specific date, but I would love to come in for a second interview sometime next week!" 

It was taking a risk, I know. And as my father later pointed out, a lie. Lying is never a good idea, he says. So perhaps don't take my advice. 

However, I can honestly tell you that at that moment, the momentum of the interview shifted. It was if, in that instant, the interviewer decided she wanted me. It was like the other interviews I had were HER competition, and she wanted me to pick HER. Moments earlier, I was trying to get her to want me. And now, she was trying to get me to want her. It was truly fantastic.

So there you have it. Tip #2. In your next interview, casually mention the other interviews you have lined up. You as the interviewee have OPTIONS. You're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. What you want counts, and you aren't about to just accept any job because you were offered a second interview. By doing this, you will impress your interviewer and show that you have other people interested in you. Therefore, you increase the likelihood of actually getting the offer!

Believe me, it works. 

LOVE, your job snob.

Tip #1 : Reject a Job

This tip may sound crazy, but it is crucial for boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

Searching for a job is far from easy! It's hard on the ego. Because the response rate to emails and resumes is so low, and because it seems there are so few ideal jobs out there, job searchers are often feeling rejected and unappreciated. It is emotionally exhausting at times.

I have found the solution to this problem. 

Step 1: Apply to job, knowing that you don't want to work there. Perhaps choose a job you know you're a bit over qualified for. The person hiring will then see your resume and notice you are highly qualified for the position. Without question, they will then send you an email asking for an interview. 

Step 2: This is the easy part. Dress up for the interview. Put on your best suit and your sexiest shoes. Look the part and have fun with it! Bring a copy of your resume. 

Step 3: Walk into the interview and own it. Be confident! There is absolutely nothing to lose. You don't even want the job anyway!

Step 4: Within a day or two, the company will undoubtedly call you back with an offer or a chance at a second interview. Your job is to REJECT IT! Politely decline the offer and graciously thank them for the opportunity (Below is an example of what one could say).

"Thank you so much for the offer, and I really appreciate your call. Unfortunately, I have had some other offers and I have decided to go in a different direction. But again, thank you for your time and I really enjoyed meeting you." 

Even if you haven't had another offer, you'll feel great once you hang up that phone. You see, you didn't settle. There ARE people out there who would love to hire you. However, because you are so great and so talented, you aren't willing to work for just anyone. You are not willing to settle. You're worth it.

REJECTING an offer will be the first step to embracing this confident attitude. So go out and reject a job today.

Introduction

Welcome welcome!

My name is Annie Cameron and I am just one of the 14.5 million unemployed people living in America right now. Having just graduated from college, I've spent the last 4 months nearly drowning in my job search. Interview after interview, cover letter after cover letter, disappointment after disappointment. . .  

Whether it is because I haven't found the right job, met the right person, done the right thing, I am still JOBLESS. Every morning I wake up and feel a pang of discouragement, a sting of unsuccessfulness, and a twinge of hopelessness. 

All of this got me to thinking. If this is how I am feeling, and there are 14.5 million people sitting in the same boat, then I cannot be alone in this. 

So here I am. I've created this blog in hopes of bringing people together. There is advice to be given. Hints to be used. Tips to be acknowledged. Stories to be told. And since we're all in this together, we might as well find the humor in it all and indulge in it. 

Career searching is a job, and it deserves to be talked about.