How to Find a Job You Love in 10 Steps

1. Apply. Include well-tailored resume on fancy paper with no smudges or coffee stains.
2. After about a week, call back to touch base, or to remind them that you exist.
3. Arrange interview at an inconvenient time, for example: mid-shift at your current job, where your bosses are unaware of your attempt to jump ship.
4. Put on most uncomfortable professional outfit and smile. Promise to work at a modest (if not downright embarrassing) wage.
5. Put in your two week notice.
6. Send a thank you note instead of one that says “Seriously, hire me. I really need this job.”
7. Eat wasabi peas by the telephone while you wait for the coup de grace.
8. Pretend not to be upset when you are informed you have lost out on this job to someone “more qualified.” Imagine a stunning grad student with perfect teeth and a bright future.
9. Tell yourself you didn’t want this job anyway. Mumble incoherently. Use expletives.
10. Withdraw your two weeks’ notice. Head back to the drawing board.


Unfortunately, this is the way most of my job searches go. While I’ve an impressive array of skills and abilities, I haven’t had the opportunity to showcase them in a professional manner. Where in your resume do you list that you are a leader, after telemarketer or college drop-out?

Lack of professional experience and my age are enough to get me pushed right out of the rodeo doors of the corporate world. As a single mother at the age of twenty-one, I’ve got more skills with crib sheets than spreadsheets.

If I want to make this whole career thing work out for myself, I’m going to need all the help I can get. Enter Citigal Charm School. This is a chance to put myself out there for the world to see. Alright, fine, maybe just Milwaukee for now, but a gal’s got to start somewhere.

I have some experience, just nothing that wows. I’m working to fix that by serving as an Americorps member in the Public Allies program. I’ve been placed at the American Red Cross, but my ten month placement is halfway over. Then it’s back to my foolproof job hunting method in addition to juggling parenting and community service.

Why not kill two birds with one stone? If I’m able to hone my skills under the guidance of an experienced female mentor, it’s win-win. I get a great opportunity, the mentor gets to pass on her knowledge to someone up and coming, and the non-profits receive innovative fund-raising assistance. And hey, that thousand dollars doesn’t sound too bad, either.

So what do you say Citigal? I think I’m the one for this position. I can even send you a resume on fancy paper. Don’t be scared, I won’t disappoint. I’ll be next to the phone with the wasabi peas.