Instant, er, Gratification

Well, there's nothing gratifying about my most recent job application experience, but it was certainly efficient.  I have completed a lot of online applications, and for the most part, I prefer them.  I can still upload a cover letter and resume, but there is just something comforting about filling in fields.  Well, that just sounds weird, doesn't it?  Anyway, most online application systems are intuitive and quick.  The one I used today was no different, but it had one glaringly annoying feature: Unnecessary steps. 

About halfway through the application, there are supplemental questions regarding the specific position for which I'm applying.  I answer them and move on to filling out education and work history and references and this and that and the other thing.  I certify my honesty, hit the next button, and get a confirmation number, positioned on the screen above an instant rejection.  Based on my responses to the supplemental questions, I am unqualified.  Fine, that's fair.  I'm not hurt.  But why wasn't this pointed out before the, ultimately, gratuitous information I input after the questions?  There is a bit of a design flaw there.

Well, I shadowed this position on my Excel spreadsheet, where there are others now dimmed indicating rejection.  The numbers have picked up from the two I received in January.  In two cases, the position couldn't be filled due to a lack of funding.  I feel more sorry for the institution than myself in those cases.  Anyway, the first quarter of 2011 isn't exactly showing well for the job hunt, but that just means I have to reconsider my approach.  Or find something else to do.  I recently edited a family oral history project.  That was a lot of fun.

So It Begins...

I received my first job rejection of 2011 today.  This institution didn't let any grass grow under its feet.  Within a few days of submitting my application online, I received a letter in the mail acknowledging receipt.  Two days later, I received another letter stating that I am no longer in consideration.  I have to tell you, it's hard to imagine careful consideration was given in less than a week, but with so many applicants (as they indicated in the letter), sometimes a cursory glance is all that can be given.  It's okay.  It's what happens.

There was a twinge of regret, but mostly, I'm over it.  I think this numbers game may have more going for it than I thought.  Sure, the more resumes I send out, the more rejections I'll get, but the less involved I am in the possibilities.  My heart doesn't have room for all of these opportunities, and so it won't get bruised, battered, or broken when I hear the regrettable, "Thanks, but no thanks."  With mass applying, they are all just jobs, and not potential life-changing events.  That's so much easier on my psyche.

So it begins.  The pile of "no's" is small, but it's certain to grow.  I wonder if I should make them all into some crafty art piece?