(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.

[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.

[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.

[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.