Tick Tock: My Employment Clock is Ticking

2 Hours! Did I hear right? The person on the other end of the phone (who I'll call Bob) called me to say he received my email application for a job I was interested in, and that he was sorry to inform me that two hours before he received my application he had hired someone else. He was in a hurry to fill the job. He apologized because he felt that I had many of the qualifications the job required. We chatted for awhile and I ended the call telling him to keep me in mind should that or another position become available in the future.

Wow! Did I really miss out on a job interview and possibly an offer just because I was two hours too late? Possibly. Bob's phone call let me know that the search for jobs right now is more competitive than I thought. If I thought this was going to be a walk in the park, I had better think again.

Bob's phone call taught me that that from here on out when I find out about a job opening I must apply immediately. No more printing out the job announcement and setting it aside until the next day. I'm going to need to be more aggressive. Time apparently is not on my side.

Last month I graduated with a B.A. in Communications. A diploma that I hope will make this job hunt shorter and more prosperous than my last job hunt in 2004. We shall see about that. There are some obvious differences in the job hunt of 2004 and the one now. For starters, I'm finding fewer jobs. Secondly, in 2004 I received more unsolicited calls from head hunters/recruiters who viewed my profile on Monster.com or HotJobs.com. Third, more companies are using job application software that require the applicant to upload personal information to a website and then respond to a variety of questions. If you you're phobic about having your personal information on the internet, you're in trouble. And finally, if you're not computer savvy you're screwed.

So what am I going to do in order to avoid missing out on future opportunities?

1. Act more quickly when I come across job postings.
2. Use a structured approach to checking employer websites. For instance, check IBM's website every Tuesday.
3. Read and respond to alerts that are emailed to me informing me of new job openings.

I knew I had my work cut out for me with this job hunt. Today's phone conversation with a Bob made the point painfully clear. My goal is to find a job in thirty days or less. I've already used up five days. I'd be interested in hearing what's worked for you and what hasn't.

My Scorecard

Jobs Applied For: 20
Rejections Received: 2
Interviews Granted: 0
Offers: 0