Who knew that filling out a job application would be so difficult and time consuming? I can't even remember the last time that I did this since my last job was accepted through a Myspace email, and the two before that consisted of working with family... no applications, resumes or cover letters involved. Is the fact that I have been a student waaay too long showing much? Well if not, the fact that I have not updated my resume since August 2006 should definitely be proof of my professional student status. After giving my current financial situation some long thought and working extremely hard to convince myself that despite the fact that my potential future wage is 3 bucks less than my previous job, I guess there would be a few benefits to having an on-campus job if I were offered the position. I would spend less money on gas by taking the bus up to campus (which I do 90% of the time), I would have guaranteed flexibility that would allow my work schedule to fit with my class schedule and I would get back a little of my security in knowing that I will have earned income coming in. I am starting to see how these pros just might outweigh the wage con.

Going back to the actual job application, its not just an application, its more like an application packet. This, I am NOT use to. I am use to picking up a one to two page application, filling it out and then returning it along with my resume and waiting to be contacted for an interview. This time, the application is 3 1/2 pages and I must also provide my resume, a reference letter and a cover letter, which I have never ever written before. I have heard the term "cover letter", but written one... nope, because again, remember my most recent jobs have not required this. Welcome to the real world Ms. Bar B. I started getting anxiety just thinking about having to first find out what the heck a cover letter even really was and then writing one, so I decided to start with my resume. It should be pretty easy to just update my resume right? I mean, I have only had one job since then so just go in, add it and that's it. WRONG. As I looked over my past job experience, my objective and just the entire look of the resume I felt that it needed more than just an update, it needed an extreme makeover. I quickly opened up my web browser and hurried over to SASSY to look at an old post that offered tips on producing a good resume. I realized that I really don't have as much experience as I thought. I have been "working" since the age of 15, but these positions just constitute as a certain kind of experience in a certain area, they did not allow me the opportunity to really contribute to the company. So much so, that I also realized that I have never really developed a concrete employment goal and why would I since my major job search would not be coming until after I had my degree. This led me to look at another post from SASSY that talked about the importance of cover letters and what your objective should NOT say.

After learning that I should not be say that "I am looking to gain experience" I wondered what I should be saying. I have been stating that line since I first learned how to create a resume. I have limited experience in areas so doesn't letting the employer know that I am looking to gain more experience covey the message that I am willing and able to fully apply myself if given the position? WRONG. According to Monster.com, the point of the objective is to sell yourself as an asset to the company that you are applying to. But how can I sell what I don't have?? I thought. After spending a good 30 minutes trying to answer that question, I realized that I had already answered it just by considering applying for this position. I have spent the last 18 months working as a part time Marketing Department Manager (I use the term "manager" because I was the only member of the Marketing Department) distributing marketing materials to over 1200 companies, maintaining the company's database and other clerical and administrative duties. Now I can sell that! Since I am applying for the position of Production Assistant I played up the fact that I would be mainly producing and distributing in this position. As my objective I said, "experienced mass distribution manager pursuing the position of Production Assistant and eager to contribute to the University of California, Berkeley". What do you think? Did I truly sell myself here for this particular position or have I sold myself short?

With a more contemporary look to my resume and a customized fit to the position that I am applying for I am left to complete the cover letter, where the real selling happens. I am suppose to really get down to the nitty gritty of why they should hire me for the position. I think I will be able to do that now that I see what I DO have and that it IS indeed valuable. Just in case you are as I was: HAVING NO IDEA WHAT A COVER LETTER LOOKS LIKE, Monster.com broke it down for me paragraph by paragraph and they even give some examples too. I will keep you posted on if I am contacted for an interview.