Game is on

Bringing the A-game. Stepping up the game. Putting the game face on. Those are just few of the statements continuously made on the camera by the idiot contestants in fake overly  enthusiastic manner that would be so totally inappropriate anywhere outside the American reality TV.

Yet, I find myself in need of a similar approach. I'm still out of work. Still without interviews. I'm running out of money and strategies. So, perhaps those island survivors and fat campers are as good mentors as any..?

Yes, job hunt is every bit as hard work as the fox hunt. Both suckers are equally elusive. Though apparently the appropriate attire for the former is not tweed- it's PJs. What a bore... But it seems to be time to bring out the big guns, nonetheless.

It's been a week since the application closing date for that dream job as a campaign assistant at my favourite NGO. The woman in charge of the recruitment process is someone whom I've sent an open application before and she said she was impressed. I've volunteered for this organization for years. I've done research and written articles on issues relevant to them for free. Lately I've started asking people I know there about jobs-you know, to let them know I'm interested (my very wobbly attempt at networking). I've signed up for a 2-day course on campaign planning and lobbying. In a bid to prove that "social media is a natural working environment" for me I've even  opened a Twitter account. Though without a smart phone with internet connection that too is pretty pointless... (my previous one out-smarted me).

And I still haven't heard anything. I don't know what more to do to make a more desirable candidate. My Job Centre hasn't been much help either. The branch that I deal with is specialized in academically trained unemployed. They should be able to help me find a job that is suitable for my qualifications and previous experience. So far they've offered me one job: as Santa's secretary. Yep, true story. This is what they think I'm good for. Christ. 

And the thing with NGO jobs is that the circles are so small. Even my own country is full of people who speak 5 languages, have the right qualifications, contacts and experience from years of volunteering and internships from places like UN. And we're all battling for the same jobs. Even for this particular job I'm fairly certain at least 3 people I know have applied for the job. Two of them are currently doing some kind of an internship there and so have one foot in through the door already.

I need a job. I want that job.