Okay, I'm back!

Wow! Over a month since I've posted a blog. I feel a little guilty, like I've deserted my friends. And I guess I have. Sorry and all.

So, what happened? Well, all of a sudden my job search went ballistic. I had so many job interviews every week that I just ran out of time. For those of you who haven't done this in a while, be prepared to dedicate a good chunk of time to your search. Getting a job has become a career in itself. You need to be on all the websites, read all their newsletters, have your resume and cover letter analyzed and find out what to say (and what not to say) in job interviews. There are so many sites and agencies dedicated to placing the unemployed that it has created this huge industry. Way to profit from the recession!

I think they should turn searching for a job into a reality show. They could have people submit their resumes and an explanation of why this show should help them find a job. They would need to be out of the working world for a year and fairly desperate. It would also help all the other unemployed people out there with free advice (which you can get anyway from most sites). 

I did get a bit of a kick out of going for interviews. It was interesting to see the inside of different companies and how they tick. There were some where I walked away and thought "I'd be happy never to hear from them again", and others where I really wished I'd get an offer. I showed up for interviews (and, unfortunately, more than once) where the person I was seeing either (A) didn't know I was coming, or (B) thought I was coming another day. One guy didn't show up at all.

I have to say that one thing lacking in today's job market is rules of etiquette. A candidate is expected to show up with their research done, their responses to questions rehearsed and to be perfectly groomed and poised. The interviewer is only required to have their questions prepared and to show up on time. However, it doesn't seem to bother them to keep someone waiting in their lobby. A job seeker is also supposed to email the person after the interview and thank them. What kills me, is that the interviewer so rarely returns the favour. 

And my pet peeve? The fact that you very rarely get that call or email saying you didn't get the job. The fact that the applicant has spent time applying, researching, preparing then travelling to the interview (at some expense to themselves) doesn't seem to mean that the employer should extend that common courtesy. I paid for my gas, my parking, my transit, rearranged my schedule - the least you can do is send me an email. It's free.

Well, that's the end of my job hunting story. I start a new position on August 15 and I'm looking forward to getting back to the work force and talking to someone other than my dog. Even though she's totally going to miss it. I'll try to keep up the blog and, for those who asked what happened to it (Tracey), thanks for reading. I'll try not to desert you again!