Difficult task

[vvvexation]

I'm applying for a job I'd really like, but although I'm confident that I can do it and do it well, it seems very likely that my lack of credentials and other such official endorsements will keep me from even being considered.

Right now I'm composing a letter to enclose with my application, explaining why I think I can do this job despite how thin the application is, because on the strength of the application alone I don't think I'll be asked to come in for an interview. If the letter does get me interviewed, I'm a bit more confident of my ability to sell myself, but first I have to sell myself in the letter, and that's damn hard because the odds are looming over me and my confidence is flagging. I need to stop thinking that I'm begging them to give me a chance and get into more of a "they should damn well want me and all I need to do is inform them of that" mindset. Easier said than done.

It doesn't help that I'm badly in need of a job and this is one of the few that might actually make me enough money while letting me work decent hours, never mind that it's also one of the few I could get any kind of enjoyment out of. Being very invested in this makes it much harder not to freak out about it, and freaking out precludes getting anything done.

Comments

[cyan-blue.livejournal.com]

I like the extra care you are taking to explain why they should look your way! Good luck.

[stollman.livejournal.com]

So who are you sending the letter to? Whatever you do, don't send it to the advertised address for the job, because the minimum wage resume screening people just throw away the letter, and probably throw out your resume without looking at more than the first couple of lines anyway.

If you are sending it to the actual hiring manager, that has a chance of success. But if you are that invested in getting the job, why not go over to the office and deliver the letter in person, directly to the hiring manager? That's something that will help you sell yourself.

Good luck!

[vvvexation.livejournal.com]

I did deliver it in person, not directly to the hiring manager, but she is the one who's going to see it, and I've already spoken with her briefly and she's already got my resume.