Dear Jobless,

Are you no longer speaking to people who are employed (or wishing you could avoid communication with them)?  Or, when you do dare to speak to those who are employed-be them friends, family or strangers-do you find that their upbeat advice and positive attitude about what you feel is an endless job-hunt really irritates you?  Are you a constant list-maker who now has to write "nothing" on those lists?  Do you find that your computer's history consists only of job-hunting websites?  Does the thought of editing your resume make you want to take an Advil and lie down?  And finally, do conversations which seemed friendly and harmless, suddenly turn to an awkward, embarrassing mess when they switch to the subject of employment?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, take heart, you're in very good company.  Read the paper, watch the news or simply try some job searches and you'll see how tricky it is now for anyone, but graduates too, to find work.  Even jobs in retail prove difficult to get; I've had four years of university education and I can't even find a job folding sweaters, that's a very low point.  I've had several interviews including call backs for a second interview.   Most of these interviews were successful and promising until...dum dum dum...I got the "no thank you" in either a call or email form.  I've been "lucky," some people don't even get a response at all.  Hearing "no thank you" frequently coupled with the financial pressures some job-hunters face (remember, not everyone can work for free to get that much needed work experience!) can make you feel depressed, but you just can't throw in the towel...

So, this isn't a blog to complain about being unemployed (although, I've spent my share of time doing that with my friends, family and boyfriend).  This blog entry's purpose is to *hopefully* inspire you to continue your time as job-hunter, a career seeker, an employment pursuer (insert whatever name makes you feel good here).  Treat this blog as a go-to for a pick-me-up when you need it, for those inevitable days when you get the "no thank you"-in whatever form-and you need something to help you cheer up (other than Ben & Jerry's, because that's a no-brainer).  I've included a short list of songs (feel free to suggest your favorites too!) to motivate you and make you giggle and a list of dos and don'ts to guide you during your search.  Help me out with any tips you think I should add to the blog too...

 Job-hunter survival tips

DO---Spend time with good friends-even if you only email or chat on the phone in place of meeting up (budgets can be tight when you're unemployed!) they will do you the world of good.  Even if you do end up breaking your "I don't talk to the employed" rule, they'll keep you sane and smiling.

DO---Have a bad day.  Eat junk food, cry if need be, stay in bed and watch really bad movies or TV, because sometimes, it just helps.

DO---watch movies like Legally Blonde.  Silly movies that make you laugh and inspire you to do something, even things you thought you couldn't, will give you the boost you need to continue hunting.

Don't---Have too many sad days.  Allow some time to be upset about a promising job that turned out to be a "no thank you" but remember that dwelling on it will probably make things worse.  Instead follow Emily Dickinson, "dwell in possibility."

Don't---Forget that you never know what will be in your inbox tomorrow...as my boyfriend keeps reminding me!

DO---Read, read, read!!!  Books will provide an escape.  Try Jennifer Lancaster's Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office.  Her struggles and humor will make your situation seem bearable and keep you busy in some of your free non-job-hunting time (because you can't search 24-7!).  Or, for something more serious but inspiring, Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie.  This book brings you back to the little things that are really important in life.  It also inspires you to keep on keeping on with quotes like: "So many people walk around with a meaningless life.  They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important.  This is because they're chasing the wrong thing.  The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning"

DO---Watch shows like "Judge Judy" or the like.  Suddenly, your life seems like a bed of roses...

DO---Revise your resume!!!  Remember that even if you're still unemployed and you may not have anything to add to your CV, you are still growing and learning each day.  It's important to revisit this document and tweak it to suit the you that you are today.  Do remember that usually the best resumes (and the ones which will help you get a job--trust me, I've had good response with mine!) are the ones which stand out.  Make your resume express YOU and make sure that your writing leaves an employer wowed by you!  I say, the more unique and original, the better!

DO---Take ADVICE!!!!!  Friends, family and any acquaintances you might have (or that dude who helps you at your local job center) can be very beneficial...even if you think you know best and are sick of taking advice (I've been there too but going it alone isn't good for anyone-remember that 2 heads are better than one!).  Recruiters do their job to earn a living, so generally, they know what they're talking about-their advice could land you in the employed category.

DO---Read like it's saving your life.  Especially for those in media but for any area of employment, knowing what is happening in the news (both in the world and in your specific local area) and in the industry you want to work in is a solid foundation for getting you that job.  Know what is going on in technology and social media--it might make you the winning applicant!

DO--Use Google.  Search for and read lists describing inspirational quotes.  Watch clips about success/perseverance/motivation.  Corny as they may seem, they'll just might put the bounce back in your step.

Songs to keep you happy (well, at least keep you upbeat!)

*Yes, I know, some of these are VERY cheesy, but good pick-me-ups!*

Here Comes the Sun-The Beatles
Let it Be--The Beatles
We Can--LeAnn Rimes
My Wish--Rascal Flatts
Tubthumping--Chumbawamba
I hope you Dance--Lee Ann Womack
Little Wonders--Rob Thomas
Clarity--John Mayer
Bigger than my body--John Mayer
Good Day--Luce
Smile---Charlie Chaplin (I like the Nat King Cole version)
Move Along--The All American Rejects
Go- Boys Like Girls
Theme From Rocky (Gona fly now)--Bill Conti, Carol Connors, Ayn Robbins
The World's Greatest--R Kelly
The Climb--Miley Cyrus
If today were your last day-Nickelback
Dare you to move--Switchfoot
The Remedy (I won't worry)--Jason Mraz
Life is Wonderful--Jason Mraz
Perfect Day--Hoku
Everybody's free to wear sunscreen--Baz Luhrman

During this time (the unclear, job-hunting period) you have to remember to keep the faith.  Keep hunting until you're successful because let's face it, you're awesome and it's only a matter of time before some lucky employer sees that and snaps you up. :)

"The most treacherous roads lead to the best destinations"