(((2beme)))

These are real tough times to be job seeking. The job market is flooded with applicants. It took me one year of lots of applications and interviews to finally get a part-time job. It was very hard for me to keep looking, despite the rejections. But I did it anyway. I pushed myself hard to focus on the now. What can I do NOW? What do I have the ability and desire to do NOW?

The answer, for me, was focusing on simple tasks. Like dishwashing, laundry, kitchen help, etc. I like physical labor. I need repetition. I need part-time. My resume certainly didn't make a lot of sense with the types of jobs I was applying for and my experience ~ which may be what took me so long. But my job-seeking assistant thought that I should put all of my experience into the resume, to give me more opportunities. My ex-hub, on the other hand, recommended that I don't put my college education and several jobs down on the application. He thought that my app scared potential employers away. Who was right?? Probably my ex, because my experience didn't match the jobs I wanted at all.

So, you may want to put some real thought into the type of job that you'd really like to do. Get some independent ideas on your resume. Does it flow well, and apply well to the job that you're applying for?

The toughest advice: practice interviewing skills! They always ask "Why should we hire you?" and my mind goes blank. Practice sitting nicely, listening attentively, and asking smart questions about the company and the position. Try to gently smile frequently. (These are all SO hard for me ~ which is why I advise you to practice doing them regularly, to make it a little easier.)

Please do keep trying, and let us know how it's going for you. My thoughts are with you!