Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

by Claire Schmieder, Head Editor, INALJ New Jersey

Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

ClaireSchmiederHere are a few things I’ve learned during my seven-month (and, as of yet, continuing) job search:

1. Because I can’t relocate, my search may take me a little longer. I am not in a position to move, nor am I willing to do so. I have a family and a community. My kids attend a great public school, my husband has a career and moving isn’t really an option for him, and, quite frankly, I like where I live. It’s peaceful. It’s semi-rural. I love the nighttime chorus of frogs, crickets, and other critters. (By “other critters,” I mean the occasional moo or bark.) Because there’s a radius of about 90 minutes within which I’m willing to commute, my options are limited. But that’s a choice I’ve made, and I’m good with it.

2. Applying to jobs takes time and patience. Learning to not become attached to a job I don’t yet have has taken some time. Learning how to write cover letters has taken some time. Learning how to interview has taken some time. Learning to be patient…is something I’m still working on. But, it is getting easier to apply and move on

3. Beggars can’t be choosers. Sometimes, I’m frustrated by the language of a job posting or the application process. Sometimes, I get annoyed by what I perceive as nepotism/favoritism/politics in the job application process. Sometimes, the phrase “needle in a haystack” echoes through my head. Most of the time, though, I try my hardest to submit the best applications I can, to stay positive about my chances, and to think creatively how to market myself in order to land my first paying and (I’m hoping!) full-time gig.

In the meantime, I keep this song in my head.

I’d love to hear from our readers – how have you managed an extended job search? What worked best? What didn’t work at all? What did you learn?

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