(no subject)

[avrelia]

I spent this week generally feeling tired or running like crazy around Toronto, looking for a job. The job keeps hiding from me. I decided to try and apply for a job in a bookstore, and went through most of the Chapters/Indigo/Coles in Toronto trying to engage in a meaningful conversation with managers about Life, The Universe, and my possible employment. Most of the times I actually managed to do it. That’s not to say I’ve got a job as a result. I guess, my complete lack of retail experience is a hindrance here. But may be it will still work out – some of the stores will be hiring in a month, and I told that I will remind about myself at the time.

But what do I do next?

Anyway, by this afternoon I felt very dead and had a headache. Slept couple of hours, got up without waking up and tried to write a cover letter for a position I really like. Do you want to know my painful secret? I suck at writing cover letters. Really bad. They turn out too clichéd, trite, and formal, or flippant and silly. No wonder I am unemployed – I cannot convince anyone to hire me. With all the useful job-searching stuff I forgot about writing. I have to write how many things? A lot. A while ago I finished a short story I was writing since May. Sent it to some friends for reviews and beta-editing. Some are still replying, but I already know what has to be changed – and am I editing it? Nope. Btw, it is in Russian, so I can seriously offer it to read only to a very small part of my flist.

Writing stories are so much more pleasurable activity than writing cover letters, yet I spent more time with the latter. ::sigh::

Apparently trying to catch up all Writercon reports is positively impossible, as well as commenting on all of those that I did catch up. Generally, I’ve got an impression of a happy blur with some minor annoyances.

Comments

[lynnb.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean about cover letters, because I haven't figured out how to write a good one either. I think we're taught to be humble and modest, so it's difficult to brag about ourselves :) They say practice makes perfect, so hopefully we'll get the knack soon.

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

I don’t know if it about being taught to be modest, or just being shy, or not being able to put the write words in the write order, but yeah… Hopefully, we’ll get better.
And jonesiexxx’s just promised to share some tips!

[lynnb.livejournal.com]

Good, I could use some!

[gobi-rex.livejournal.com]

Oh God, cover letters are the most dreaded part of the job search process for me. Well, except for interviews. [shudders] I feel your pain. Although by now I've accumulated so many cover letters that I cut and paste a lot. Yeah, very sincere of me.

I'd say keep following up with the people you talked to, you never know when they'll need somebody.

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

Two of the stores will be hiring at the end of August – so definitely will be following up. The others, too. I don’t have a problem writing somewhere I don’t care much about – cut and paste, etc. But when it is a place a really want to get an answer from, I am trying to write something special and stumble at every word. Of course, since I am rarely getting any answers from both types of places, I probably should save myself some time and not send the cut and paste one at all.

Unrelated: wanna see my story?

[gobi-rex.livejournal.com]

Your story? I'd be delighted. I don't know of how much help I'll be, however. But I'll try my best. My e-mail is king_gobi at yahoo.com. What kind of feedback would you like exactly?

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

I am curious about a general impression on a person who is not familiar with my writing. Because my friends more or less know what to expect of me, and I know that they like my style. I mean, it is a comfortable, but narrow circle, and I’d love to know whether I am too comfortable and how my writing looks from outside. So, is it intersting to read or not?

[molly_may]

Good luck with the job hunting. I also hate writing cover letters, and resumes as well. Also interviewing. The whole process seems designed to make you feel as bad about yourself as possible.

Lack of experience isn't necessarily something that will hurt you when you're looking for a job in retail. If you're enthusiastic and friendly and make yourself available to work any shift, then a lot of retail places will be willing to give you a chance.

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I was trying to be at my enthusiastic and cheerful best, and tried to emphasize the product knowledge, so I am hoping some of it will work.

[jonesiexxx.livejournal.com]

I'm really good at cover letters. *ducks*

They do take work though. If anyone wants tips or whatnot, I'll post something.

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

Tips would be super cool and very appreciated! Thanks!

And how about that post-Writercon cup of coffee somewhere in the near future? I am busy on Tuesday, but otherwise, well, flexible.

[jonesiexxx.livejournal.com]

Wednesday afternoon after 3:30 might work. How about you?

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

Actually, this Wednesday I am going to be busy in the morning, so I am not sure when I will be free after. May be another day?

[jonesiexxx.livejournal.com]

It would have to be the following week. Probably also Wed. around 3:30.

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

hmm. Then the first idea - the next Wednesday looks better. I can more easily move my business in the morning to the next day than to plan the following week.
so, the August, 11 it is? Same place?

[jonesiexxx.livejournal.com]

Holt Renfrew? Sure thing. I actually need to buy something at Ashley's across Bloor St. But Holt's is easier to find someone in.

[avrelia.livejournal.com]

Great! So it is Wednesday, August, 11, 3:30, at Holt Renfrew. See you then!

[lynnb.livejournal.com]

Yes, please do, thank you :)

[jonesiexxx.livejournal.com]

It may take me some time to organize my thoughts, but I will do it.

[lynnb.livejournal.com]

Please take your time, whenever it is convenient for you, no rush. It's appreciated anytime you can do it.