Yet Another Rant About the Job Market

I can remember, two years ago, at almost this exact time of year, searching the classifieds in no less than four newspapers, and having to rifle through page after page of ads.  Now, in the major publication of RI, the only available employment options fit into one tiny column, most of which were in the medical field, subsequently leaving most of Rhode Islanders unqualified.  

Thankfully, craigslist has come to the rescue, in a manner of speaking, giving the whopping 10% a glimmer of hope.  The only catch is that at least half of these postings are part-time, a quarter of the remaining opportunities are bogus "review ads for money" jobs or upon sending an email attached with a resume, you're directed to postyourresumehere.com.  No, I'm not kidding, it does exist, and when you try to actually post your resume there, you are redirected (again) to monster.com.  Is it one big gigantic commercial ploy from monster?  Who knows.  Is it incredibly frustrating and annoying to those wishing to actually find gainful employment?  Absolutely.

I recently applied to a local vineyard for an office job, something I've essentially been doing for the past three years (so glad that English degree is coming in handy).  When I called a few days later to make sure they received my resume, they told me they're received over 200 resumes and would call in a couple days to schedule interviews.  The next day, I received an email stating the amount of resumes they were sifting through and while they appreciate my interest, they felt my employment background didn't suit their needs.  Really?  It's an office job.  They stated the requirements were to answer phones, manage mailings, organize files, update lists, and be well-versed and proficient in standard computer office programs.  I have done all those things and have been doing them, as previously stated, for nearly the past three years.  How does this background not suit their needs?  I'm curious.  Someone please tell me.  

In order to keep myself from going insane, I maintain a positive attitude, that each day is going to be better.  Tomorrow will bring an opportunity.  My first real job out of college didn't come until February of the following year.  I applied, on a whim, in October and heard nothing until the end of January, and ended up working there for six months.  So, while this recent disappointing showing of job offerings is a bit frustrating, I sigh heavily to release the tension, smile, and tell myself that next week is going to be my week.  Next week.