…or 35 different jobs on monster.com. I’m terribly nervous as this is my first real full-time job that didn’t come from family or connections. All of my friends who graduated from college and applied for jobs waited as long as 6 months to a year to find a job. This scares me so I’m looking at all jobs I’m qualified for (e.g. administrative assistant). I worked at my mom’s restaurant for over 8 years so I have the customer service part down. I volunteered at an anime convention as the publications manager for 2 years which means I have some leadership experience. I also worked as a receptionist at my school’s health center for a quarter so I can work in an office setting.
But oh man I’m so scared I won’t get any replies and I’ll have to continue mooching off of my mom at home until I have to get another food service job. I have a B.A. (technically two since I double majored - psychology and Asian American Studies if you were wondering), I have some work experience, I’m a hard worker, I learn quickly and I’m honest. I should be able to get a job, right? Please help me feel better by offering some of your first job stories.
Oh, and pray for Mojo.
Your Mom here.
With some advice. (Hey, it’s what I do.)
The first and most important thing I’ve learned about finding a job over the years is that you can’t just fill out a form and then sit back and wait for the job to fall into your lap–you gotta get out there and beat the bushes. This would be why your college friends waited so long for their jobs to fall into their laps.
So putting your name up on monster.com isn’t going to do it for you by itself, especially if you’re looking for something as hazy as (quote unquote) “administrative assistant”. Employers who are looking for (quote unquote) “administrative assistants” don’t go to monster.com to find one–they can always hire their golfing buddy’s son or daughter.
So you need to spread your net wider, and that includes other occupations. Consider consulting an employment service where you are. Look in the Want Ads. Ask yourself, “Even though this doesn’t say they’re looking for an AdminAss, could I do this?” Talk to people. Network. Make sure lots of people know you’re looking for a job; one of them may have a suggestion (“well, they’re hiring down at…”) that pans out.
And don’t knock jobs coming through family or connections–that’s how a surprisingly large number of people wind up “employed”, as opposed to “unemployed”. It truly is “Not what you know, but who you know”.
And if nothing turns up by the end of August, consider taking some courses at a local college to broaden your resume skills. That way you won’t have to feel so much like you’re mooching off me, you can point to your attempt to improve your lot with justification.
I’m glad we had this little talk; I like to feel you can still bring your problems to me even though you’re all grown up now and have a college degree and everything.
And, would you take out the trash? It stinketh. Thanks.
Sending lucky thoughts your way!
Duck Duck Goose, your post almost made me sputter water onto the screen! Gotta stop drinking liquids while reading potentially funny posts. Anyway, you have some great advice and I really appreciate the non-angry parent feedback. I applied on monster.com and just that for now because I finally got done with all of my commitments. I graduated, my mom sold her restaurant so she can’t enslave me anymore and I finished out my year as the publications manager for the convention (which was basically a job in itself, you just didn’t get paid). It’s the first time I had to apply for a job and really be able to commit to it.
I’m also not knocking family connections. They’re awesome! It’s just that my mom sold her business and my dad retired from United Airlines 3 years ago. They’ve been telling their friends right after I graduated last year that I’m looking for a job. Nothin. I told all of my friends I’m looking, but their companies aren’t hiring.
I wanted to see by placing some bait out there, if I could get a bite in a week, if not, then I would be more aggressive toward the job hunt. Hey, it’s the first time I’m getting any kind of break - I never got summer or winter breaks since I had to work at the restaurant - it’s time to relax a little while I’m applying!
I also promise to take out the trash once I’m done cleaning out my room 
Khadaji, thank you for the good wishes!
Maybe your well wishing pushed the tide. I got up this morning, went into my inbox and I have four e-mails from the various temp agencies from monster.com to set up interviews. I know that these aren’t real job offers, but they’re a step forward! I’m so excited!!