79 Job Applications

Seventy-nine job applications. That's how many I have documented since February when I began the hunt. This doesn't include applications that must be completed on different company websites. This doesn't include the school teaching jobs I've applied for. (Those would bring the total to over a hundred.) It certainly doesn't include the hundreds more that I have read and discarded, or read, researched, and then discarded.

Employers today expect each cover letter and resume to be tailored to match the job posting. If you apply for a few positions that are quite similar, this makes the process less time consuming. When you are trying to diversify and cover different bases, each one can take an hour or two to customize and polish.

I'm also learning through my reading and research that different employers expect specific styles of resumes for specific job-types. Advice from insiders in one sector may not apply at all to another sector.

Tip #1 - Do your research about what is expected, and get as much information as you can from people in that sector.

The concept of "transferable skills" discussed by jaded employees in staffrooms across the nation seems to be just another urban legend. Employers today appear to be looking for very specific training that matches job descriptions exactly, along with years of experience.

The current economic uncertainty in North America appears to have made job opportunities scarce, and employers don't seem to be looking for anyone whose background isn't aligned exactly with the job description. It's too bad, really. There are some talented, creative people out there who could bring new life, ideas and energy to organizations that need revitalization.

So, if you are still reading, you might wonder what types of jobs and careers have been in my sights. My strengths, expertise and experience are in three areas: Education, Music and Technology. I have discovered that my choices are limited by the lack of a Masters degree. Universities and Colleges expect lecturers and professors to have a Masters or Doctorate, and it is very unusual for a sessional instructor to be hired with only a Bachelors degree. The business world likes its leaders to have a Masters degree related to their field, or an MBA.

Tip #2 - Plan to get a Masters degree as part of your career plan. Many more job and career opportunities will be open to you in the worlds of Education and Business.

I have been looking at all sorts of different ways of putting my skill set to work. In the field of Education I have established a solid reputation as a teacher, a leader in the area of Educational Technology, and as a presenter at conferences and workshops. In the field of Music I have established my reputation as a composer of choral music. As a result, I have been exploring a number of possibilities:

EDUCATION - teaching non-credit courses, ESL to adults, training sessions for business, etc.
MUSIC - local music scene, Music Nova Scotia, local music store, composing for film & TV, etc.
PUBLISHING/EDITING/WRITING - editing for book and magazine publishers, technical writing for software/hardware companies
RESEARCH - a couple of research assistant positions connected with local Universities
TECHNOLOGY - various tech. firms have advertised positions that don't require a degree in computer science (however, these are the exception to the rule)
GOVERNMENT - somebody has to deal with all that paperwork, don't they? I've applied for positions in departments ranging from Tourism to Education to the Department of Justice!
NON-PROFIT/CHARITABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS - I would rather be in a position of responsibility to help people and the environment than just trying to make more profits for another big company.
ENTREPRENEURIAL - We started the Bed & Breakfast, and now we've started the website design company. Our first few clients have been very pleased with the results....
MEDIA/MULTIMEDIA - exploring possibilities with CBC, multimedia software, educational productions, etc
BIG BUSINESS - Yes, I have even applied for positions at some big stores
ADMINISTRATIVE - I have good computer skills, customer service skills, have done budgeting and scheduling, and have supervised others...

Some critics might say that I lack focus. I prefer to say that I am exploring all my options.

Tip #3 - If you have a pretty good idea of what you want to do in life, get the best education you can to match your goal. Keep in mind that many types of jobs change over time, so be prepared to keep learning as you go.

Where does this leave me? Still looking for the right match. Still looking for an employer who is looking for an intelligent, creative mind....