Job hunting takes persistence

Looking for a job these days can be a frustrating task. It's about like being a door-to-door salesman. Nobody really wants to talk to you and you have to endure rejection so many times before you finally get the opportunity to try and sell yourself as the right candidate for the job.

I know, not because I'm out looking for more work, but because two of my daughters, 23 - and yes, they are twins - have come to live with us and look for work in northwest Arkansas. Their goal is to work, take and pass their practical nursing test here and then work as LPNs and pursue becoming registered nurses or more. At least that’s what I think it is; it could change.

Anyway, they've been out job hunting and have been filling out applications on paper and online. They've been reading the classified ads and perusing job bulletins. Perhaps by the time this column is published, they'll have found a job and be working; but for now, job hunting is their job.

It's a little hard for me to understand becauseI've almost always had a job. On the few occasions when I found it necessary to leave one job, I had another waiting for me or found another within a day or two. I suppose having a CDL and truck driving experience didn’t hurt because it seemed I could always fall back on that training and experience.

Of course, if employers knew my girls like I do, they'd know they're hard workers and aren't afraid of any task. But they don't and I understand.

My daughters' job search has made me more aware of how difficult it must be for others in similar situations. Having a college degree or technical training is no guarantee of a job these days. And sometimes having a degree or specialized training can make it more difficult to be hired in more general positions because employers don't wish to hire and train employees who are determined to better themselves and one day move on into that specialized field for which they have studied and trained hard.

One thing I admire in mygirls is that they haven't given up. Perhaps it's because they motivate and encourage each other that they're cheerfully continuing their job search and filling out more and more applications. That in itself is a sign of success. I know that sooner or later - and probably sooner than I think - they'll be working and pursuing their plans and dreams.

Yes, the job market is tough these days but there are jobs for those willing to work and give it their all. Those jobs may not be dream jobs, but they're jobs and can help pay the bills. They can also be stepping stones toward better jobs and careers.

It doesn't do any good to sit back and lament over the ailing economy and high unemployment rate. Giving up because there were no call backs on the first few submitted applications won't get a person a job anywhere. But persistence, patience and a willingness to keep working at it will pay off.

Hang in there, girls! Your dad is proud of you.

(Note: A day after this was written, they both found part-time jobs and have worked every day since.)

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be reached by email at rmoll@ nwaonline.com.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 01/25/2012