I applied for an editing job today.
I decided to write a freewheeling, from-the-heart cover letter. I want to work somewhere because of who I am, not pretend to be some fictional, perfect candidate.
I'm probably not a great candidate for this job anyway––having little to lose, I dared to boldly go.*
I decided to write a freewheeling, from-the-heart cover letter. I want to work somewhere because of who I am, not pretend to be some fictional, perfect candidate.
I'm probably not a great candidate for this job anyway––having little to lose, I dared to boldly go.*
I sent this photo, below, explaining that I'd painted the words on the store's boarded up windows with a coworker, in the aftermath of the police murder of George Floyd a mile away.
"I know this is not standard operating procedure," I wrote, "but this is how I feel about the power of words."
Presenting myself this way was more meaningful than I'd expected.
I felt lifted up, reminded of who I am. This job has become a downer, with Ass't Man in charge since Covid stay-at-home in March. I wonder if he'd be happier in the Marines or something.
And I really felt how much I want to use my brain again!!!
I don't expect to get the editing job, but I hope someone has fun reading my application, like I had fun writing it.
I'm going to keep applying for jobs, even if I'm not a perfect fit--and see what else I discover about myself and the world of work.
I felt lifted up, reminded of who I am. This job has become a downer, with Ass't Man in charge since Covid stay-at-home in March. I wonder if he'd be happier in the Marines or something.
And I really felt how much I want to use my brain again!!!
I don't expect to get the editing job, but I hope someone has fun reading my application, like I had fun writing it.
I'm going to keep applying for jobs, even if I'm not a perfect fit--and see what else I discover about myself and the world of work.
__________________________
*I also rewrote their awkward mission statement for them. That could be a really terrible call. Or, depending on who reads it, not.
Why not? Good for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of someone I used to work with who told me that she was applying for a job online with the government. Somehow she hit a key and the next thing she knew the application was submitted before she finished filling it out. And they hired her!
I need to try that more often as I, too, want a little something extra right now.
WWFD?
Kirsten
Better to be yourself honestly..for you and for them.
ReplyDeleteHope you succeed in your job hunt
Absolutely -- even the process of applying for a job can be a tremendous boost. And who knows -- maybe you're the perfect candidate! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI left a reply when this popped up in my email box, I guess the replies don't transfer as comments.
ReplyDelete