Why I've Created This Blog

I hate the job hunting process. The resumes, the cover letters, the anticipation of a phone call or email, the formulaic interview questions and answers, the rejection letters, the resume black holes. I can think of very little things I hate more in life, and most people I know feel the same way.

Recently, I've had to start looking for a job and I thought it would be interesting to document my job search from start to finish. How many jobs will I apply to before I get an interview invitation? How many of my resumes will be sucked into an HR black hole, never to be seen or heard from again? And the most frightening question of all, how long will it take for me to get a job? Only time, and this blog, will tell.

As of November 28, 2007, my husband and I do not have jobs. After nine months of teaching English in Japan, our employer went bust and we returned to the States to find "real" jobs and settle down. That was exactly two weeks ago. I know it hasn't been long at all, but I'm already getting anxious. It doesn't help that my husband and I need jobs NOW. In my experience, people usually find good jobs when they are not desperate for them.

I'm trying to find an entry-level public relations and/or editorial/writing/publishing position in either Charleston, SC or Tampa, FL. I have a Master's in English, a B.A. in Public Relations and three relevant internships, so it's not like I don't have anything to offer. My job history is stable, I haven't commited any crimes, I don't have any emotional or mental issues so one would think I have a decent shot at getting a good job. We'll soon find out.

One good thing has come of my job hunt so far. I recently sent a resume to a small PR/advertising agency in Charleston, and while there aren't any positions available, the owner did say I had an impressive resume and sent it on to contacts she has in the area. Unfortunately, unless I hear something soon from a potential Charleston employer in the next week or two, my husband and I are going to move back to Tampa as the job market is much more promising there. Currently we're temporarily staying at his parents' beach house in South Carolina, and while the house is nice, living with the in-laws just ain't cool.

Current Job Hunting Stats:

Positions Applied to: 20
Interview Invitations: 0
Rejections: 3
Resumes Currently Floating in the HR Void: 17
Time Spent Hunting: Twelve days

I welcome any and all comments. Please feel free to pass on any advice, criticism and job hunting gripes you might have!