Apr 26: 2pm
I got paid from my second freelance editing job today. I also heard today from the director of graduate studies in the department for which I applied that I have officially been accepted for next fall! No news yet on the assistantship to pay for it, but my internship professor implied that I probably don't have to worry. Following this, a friend told me about a temporary part-time position available this summer and I wrote a cover letter, filled out the application, and applied. I also have a tutoring job lined up for a few weeks in July and August and will meet with the director to find out the details this Friday, April 30.
April 26, 2010
April 20, 2010
Catch-up
Apr 14: 12pm
I got my other honor cords today for my membership in a Communication Studies honor society. These cords are red and white, so I will have red, white, and gold cords at graduation with a black cap and gown. Interesting.
Apr 13: 2pm
I received an email from my internship editor today saying "It's been a while since I've seen from you. I hope that everything is okay." Everything is okay, just busy. Paid work and schoolwork have taken priority over my internship. However, I am getting back on track. Only a few weeks left. I bought my cap, gown, and gold honor cord today.
Apr 12: 7pm
In my email today was a standard rejection letter about the Executive Administrative Assistant job I applied for a little while back. I can't say I'm disappointed that I didn't get the job because I'm not.
Apr 9: 11am
Today I had a feedback session scheduled online through a chat program with the editor of my online internship. I was a little worried about how it would go since I haven't written many articles in the last few weeks, but he didn't even mention that. Instead, he gave me helpful advice and constructive criticism that I feel will be very useful, especially when writing online.
Apr 8: 2pm
I turned in my graduate school application today. It consisted of: three faculty recommendations, one graduate school admission application, a two-page letter of intent, my resume, a cover letter directed towards the graduate director of the English department, a six-page writing sample, a graduate assistantship application, and a thirty-five dollar fee. From start to finish: less than twenty-six hours.
Apr 7: 12pm
I decided to apply for graduate school in the English department at my current university. Four people in the last three days have mentioned that I should be going to graduate school and perhaps they've finally convinced me. Perhaps I have put up too many 'roadblocks' to my success and am only limiting myself. At any rate, the first meeting about assistantships is tomorrow, so I must get my materials in quickly.
Apr 5: 11am
I got my first "real" freelancing job today. It is for a Criminal Justice graduate student currently deployed overseas who needs his 133 page graduate practicum review edited and has to be done within two days or so. Time to get editing.
Mar 27: 11pm
I applied for an executive administrative assistant position at a staffing company down in the Twin Cities. I didn't include a cover letter and probably should have, but I don't really want the job that bad. It's a ninety minute drive each way and doesn't really utilize the skills I have.
I got my other honor cords today for my membership in a Communication Studies honor society. These cords are red and white, so I will have red, white, and gold cords at graduation with a black cap and gown. Interesting.
Apr 13: 2pm
I received an email from my internship editor today saying "It's been a while since I've seen from you. I hope that everything is okay." Everything is okay, just busy. Paid work and schoolwork have taken priority over my internship. However, I am getting back on track. Only a few weeks left. I bought my cap, gown, and gold honor cord today.
Apr 12: 7pm
In my email today was a standard rejection letter about the Executive Administrative Assistant job I applied for a little while back. I can't say I'm disappointed that I didn't get the job because I'm not.
Apr 9: 11am
Today I had a feedback session scheduled online through a chat program with the editor of my online internship. I was a little worried about how it would go since I haven't written many articles in the last few weeks, but he didn't even mention that. Instead, he gave me helpful advice and constructive criticism that I feel will be very useful, especially when writing online.
Apr 8: 2pm
I turned in my graduate school application today. It consisted of: three faculty recommendations, one graduate school admission application, a two-page letter of intent, my resume, a cover letter directed towards the graduate director of the English department, a six-page writing sample, a graduate assistantship application, and a thirty-five dollar fee. From start to finish: less than twenty-six hours.
Apr 7: 12pm
I decided to apply for graduate school in the English department at my current university. Four people in the last three days have mentioned that I should be going to graduate school and perhaps they've finally convinced me. Perhaps I have put up too many 'roadblocks' to my success and am only limiting myself. At any rate, the first meeting about assistantships is tomorrow, so I must get my materials in quickly.
Apr 5: 11am
I got my first "real" freelancing job today. It is for a Criminal Justice graduate student currently deployed overseas who needs his 133 page graduate practicum review edited and has to be done within two days or so. Time to get editing.
Mar 27: 11pm
I applied for an executive administrative assistant position at a staffing company down in the Twin Cities. I didn't include a cover letter and probably should have, but I don't really want the job that bad. It's a ninety minute drive each way and doesn't really utilize the skills I have.
March 16, 2010
One application down, many to go
Mar 16: 9am
I received a less formal email today about the application I just submitted last night. They said they don't "consider May graduates for interviews until it gets a little closer to their graduation date (usually sometime in April)." I am to follow up with them if I don't hear anything by the end of April.... so I'm thinking that's pretty good news and that I probably qualify for an interview then. Yay! Not sure about when to apply for other job possibilities though. Will many employers have the same guidelines?
Mar 15: 10pm
I realized I never finished completing the application I received back in February from a potential employer. Whoops! Sometimes you really can lose things in a crowded inbox. Plus, lately I have been questioning when is the right time to start job searching and sending out applications. When I received the email back in February, part of me probably thought it was a little early to be applying, but I didn't know how long the position would be open and they were advertising at college job fairs, so I figured sooner would be better.
At any rate, I finished the application, copy and pasted my unofficial transcript and sent it out in a formal-looking email. From the company's website, it looks like the position is still open.
Feb 25: 12pm
My boss said she would recommend me for a tutoring job this summer and wanted to check out my resume. She said there was a lot of "empty space" that I could better use to "advertise" myself. I tried four new and different formats for resumes before settling on one. I think it looks more professional and there is more information on it, but in some ways I liked my old basic one a little better.
Feb 23: 9am
I got an email response about the application I submitted. They sent another more traditional application to fill out and requested an unofficial copy of my transcript. It seems they hire college graduates, so I am optimistic.
I received a less formal email today about the application I just submitted last night. They said they don't "consider May graduates for interviews until it gets a little closer to their graduation date (usually sometime in April)." I am to follow up with them if I don't hear anything by the end of April.... so I'm thinking that's pretty good news and that I probably qualify for an interview then. Yay! Not sure about when to apply for other job possibilities though. Will many employers have the same guidelines?
Mar 15: 10pm
I realized I never finished completing the application I received back in February from a potential employer. Whoops! Sometimes you really can lose things in a crowded inbox. Plus, lately I have been questioning when is the right time to start job searching and sending out applications. When I received the email back in February, part of me probably thought it was a little early to be applying, but I didn't know how long the position would be open and they were advertising at college job fairs, so I figured sooner would be better.
At any rate, I finished the application, copy and pasted my unofficial transcript and sent it out in a formal-looking email. From the company's website, it looks like the position is still open.
Feb 25: 12pm
My boss said she would recommend me for a tutoring job this summer and wanted to check out my resume. She said there was a lot of "empty space" that I could better use to "advertise" myself. I tried four new and different formats for resumes before settling on one. I think it looks more professional and there is more information on it, but in some ways I liked my old basic one a little better.
Feb 23: 9am
I got an email response about the application I submitted. They sent another more traditional application to fill out and requested an unofficial copy of my transcript. It seems they hire college graduates, so I am optimistic.
February 22, 2010
Job Fair? What job fair?
Feb 19: 9am
I spent the last hour trying to decide whether to drive an hour away and pay for parking and food to visit with one employer who had a job application I could submit online. The job is salaried, but it is also a ninety minute commute each way. I decided against going to the job fair, but I did submit an application for the job. It never hurts to try, right?
Feb 18: 4pm
I updated my resume, adding my internship. Now I have my education listed first and five entries under "Professional Experience." I think it looks crowded, but everyone I showed it to seemed impressed with my experience. Hopefully potential employers will agree.
I spent the last hour trying to decide whether to drive an hour away and pay for parking and food to visit with one employer who had a job application I could submit online. The job is salaried, but it is also a ninety minute commute each way. I decided against going to the job fair, but I did submit an application for the job. It never hurts to try, right?
Feb 18: 4pm
I updated my resume, adding my internship. Now I have my education listed first and five entries under "Professional Experience." I think it looks crowded, but everyone I showed it to seemed impressed with my experience. Hopefully potential employers will agree.
February 8, 2010
I got the internship!
Feb 8: 11am
I got the internship!! The editor of the web magazine emailed me this morning and said to register on the site and give him my username so I could get writing privileges. After that, I had to give ten ideas on which I could possibly write. Looks like it's finally happening! I'm really excited but nervous too.
On a different note, the first article I wrote for my college newspaper was published today. I am now not only a copy editor, but a contributing writer as well. Time to update the resume... What a good day!
I got the internship!! The editor of the web magazine emailed me this morning and said to register on the site and give him my username so I could get writing privileges. After that, I had to give ten ideas on which I could possibly write. Looks like it's finally happening! I'm really excited but nervous too.
On a different note, the first article I wrote for my college newspaper was published today. I am now not only a copy editor, but a contributing writer as well. Time to update the resume... What a good day!
February 6, 2010
Less Vague, Still Uncertain
Feb 6: 12pm
Yesterday I received another email from the editor of the web magazine where I am trying to get an unpaid internship. In the email, the editor answered the questions I asked regarding content and communication but completely avoided answering where in the selection process he might be. Instead, the editor asked when I would be looking to start "an internship"? Not the internship with them, simply an internship.
The professor who introduced me to this opportunity believes that the editor is delaying make a decision for some reason. In answering the editor's latest email, I decided to be forthright without asking directly whether I have the job. With only around twelve weeks left in the semester (not including finals week) and a twelve week internship on the line, I replied this morning that I would like to start "an" internship as soon as possible and to let me know as soon as he has made a decision. I finished the email politely and now am playing the waiting game again. It shouldn't be too much longer and I am upbeat that I am still in the running for the position.
Yesterday I received another email from the editor of the web magazine where I am trying to get an unpaid internship. In the email, the editor answered the questions I asked regarding content and communication but completely avoided answering where in the selection process he might be. Instead, the editor asked when I would be looking to start "an internship"? Not the internship with them, simply an internship.
The professor who introduced me to this opportunity believes that the editor is delaying make a decision for some reason. In answering the editor's latest email, I decided to be forthright without asking directly whether I have the job. With only around twelve weeks left in the semester (not including finals week) and a twelve week internship on the line, I replied this morning that I would like to start "an" internship as soon as possible and to let me know as soon as he has made a decision. I finished the email politely and now am playing the waiting game again. It shouldn't be too much longer and I am upbeat that I am still in the running for the position.
February 3, 2010
Another Email
Feb 3: 9:30am
You know how get those job descriptions that are just so "officially" worded that you can't really understand what they even mean? That was sort of like the email I got today. I heard back from the editor of the web magazine where I am trying to get an internship. The email started like this:
"You sound great. Let me tell you about our internship."
Following this were more specific details surrounding the hours and duties required as well as to remind me again that it is a telecommuting internship, although I think that's been covered a few times already. At the end, the editor asked "Do you have any questions?"
I wasn't sure what kind of a response to make. Yes, I do have questions. Do I have the job? What more will it take to convince you to pick me?
After discussion with the professor who's been helping me with my internship search, I'm more convinced than ever that this editor must be dealing with a lot of responses. However, I'm still in the running and apparently in positive favor, so this is good news. As the professor pointed out, I'm aware of the communication issues surrounding the emails between the editor and myself, so I'm at least putting my education to some use. Time for my response.
You know how get those job descriptions that are just so "officially" worded that you can't really understand what they even mean? That was sort of like the email I got today. I heard back from the editor of the web magazine where I am trying to get an internship. The email started like this:
"You sound great. Let me tell you about our internship."
Following this were more specific details surrounding the hours and duties required as well as to remind me again that it is a telecommuting internship, although I think that's been covered a few times already. At the end, the editor asked "Do you have any questions?"
I wasn't sure what kind of a response to make. Yes, I do have questions. Do I have the job? What more will it take to convince you to pick me?
After discussion with the professor who's been helping me with my internship search, I'm more convinced than ever that this editor must be dealing with a lot of responses. However, I'm still in the running and apparently in positive favor, so this is good news. As the professor pointed out, I'm aware of the communication issues surrounding the emails between the editor and myself, so I'm at least putting my education to some use. Time for my response.
Kickoff and Catch-up
Ok, so this is the beginning. Or, at least the beginning of the blog. Allow me to introduce myself. I am a twenty-six year old college student graduating in May 2010 with degrees in English and Communication Studies. I thought it would be an interesting project to highlight the different steps my job search takes. Since I am behind already, let me update.
Jan 27: 11am-12pm
I attended a Job Fair Prep Party. This "taught" me how to research a company (which I've done already for interviews past) and allowed me to learn how to dress appropriately (or conform- however you want to look at it). I also practiced my introduction with a real employer (talk louder) and had my resume reviewed by a different real employer (use better action verbs to more accurately describe duties). By going through all four stations, I saved $5 on the admission fee to a job fair in Minneapolis. All in all, a beneficial event.
Jan 27: 11pm
I finished composing my cover letter and resume and decided to send three writing samples along with them for a chance at an unpaid telecommuting internship with a web magazine. While I recognize this doesn't exactly fit the 'out of college' job search part, getting a fantastic internship would be great experience and definitely a new challenge. I'm a little nervous since I haven't really submitted writing samples for anything before.
Jan 29: 1pm
I received an email from the editor of the website where I applied. Very basic, hard to know how to respond. What is he looking for?
Jan 29: 10:30pm
Quick to respond, I finish a paragraph acknowledging the position and its lack of pay. I explain my interest briefly and conclude. Email sent.
Feb 1: 8am
Another email received from the editor of the website. This one has five probing interview-like questions. Didn't I already explain the answers to these questions in my previous emails? My husband believes there must be many applicants and this is to narrow the field. "Answer them diligently" he messages me. Diligently, eh? That will take some time.
Feb 1: 1pm
Somewhat hesitatingly, I turned in the form and admission fee for the job fair in Minneapolis. With over 100 employers, the fair is highly recommended. Two problems: 1. Not a lot of employers/positions for English/Comm. Studies majors. 2. I haven't owned a suit since high school (and this requirement has been heavily emphasized). However, spending the time and money to have a chance to talk to multiple employers seemed worth it. The ladies at the reception desk where I turned in my form encourage me to purchase something called a job padfolio so I can hold business cards, take notes, and store resumes. It looks professional and is "on sale" for $10 instead of $15.... but I just dropped $10 to register for the fair. How much is all this gonna cost me?
Feb 2: 10am-11am
Left completely to my own writing skills, I fashion descriptive answers to the questions thrown at me in the email from yesterday morning. How can I avoid redundancy? How can I make myself sound professional and employable? What is the time frame for this internship anyhow... that still hasn't been answered.
Feb 2: 5pm-7pm
Suit-hunting. Two stores, lots of jackets, pants, and shirts. Two hours later, one winner. For around $80, I came away with a black jacket, black pants, and a red shirt that only works with one of them. I guess I'm pretty close to done, style-wise. Step one to conforming to societal standards complete. But a suit never goes out of style, right? Just out of size...
Jan 27: 11am-12pm
I attended a Job Fair Prep Party. This "taught" me how to research a company (which I've done already for interviews past) and allowed me to learn how to dress appropriately (or conform- however you want to look at it). I also practiced my introduction with a real employer (talk louder) and had my resume reviewed by a different real employer (use better action verbs to more accurately describe duties). By going through all four stations, I saved $5 on the admission fee to a job fair in Minneapolis. All in all, a beneficial event.
Jan 27: 11pm
I finished composing my cover letter and resume and decided to send three writing samples along with them for a chance at an unpaid telecommuting internship with a web magazine. While I recognize this doesn't exactly fit the 'out of college' job search part, getting a fantastic internship would be great experience and definitely a new challenge. I'm a little nervous since I haven't really submitted writing samples for anything before.
Jan 29: 1pm
I received an email from the editor of the website where I applied. Very basic, hard to know how to respond. What is he looking for?
Jan 29: 10:30pm
Quick to respond, I finish a paragraph acknowledging the position and its lack of pay. I explain my interest briefly and conclude. Email sent.
Feb 1: 8am
Another email received from the editor of the website. This one has five probing interview-like questions. Didn't I already explain the answers to these questions in my previous emails? My husband believes there must be many applicants and this is to narrow the field. "Answer them diligently" he messages me. Diligently, eh? That will take some time.
Feb 1: 1pm
Somewhat hesitatingly, I turned in the form and admission fee for the job fair in Minneapolis. With over 100 employers, the fair is highly recommended. Two problems: 1. Not a lot of employers/positions for English/Comm. Studies majors. 2. I haven't owned a suit since high school (and this requirement has been heavily emphasized). However, spending the time and money to have a chance to talk to multiple employers seemed worth it. The ladies at the reception desk where I turned in my form encourage me to purchase something called a job padfolio so I can hold business cards, take notes, and store resumes. It looks professional and is "on sale" for $10 instead of $15.... but I just dropped $10 to register for the fair. How much is all this gonna cost me?
Feb 2: 10am-11am
Left completely to my own writing skills, I fashion descriptive answers to the questions thrown at me in the email from yesterday morning. How can I avoid redundancy? How can I make myself sound professional and employable? What is the time frame for this internship anyhow... that still hasn't been answered.
Feb 2: 5pm-7pm
Suit-hunting. Two stores, lots of jackets, pants, and shirts. Two hours later, one winner. For around $80, I came away with a black jacket, black pants, and a red shirt that only works with one of them. I guess I'm pretty close to done, style-wise. Step one to conforming to societal standards complete. But a suit never goes out of style, right? Just out of size...
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