Apparently, “Persistent” Is My Most Marketable Skill

If you have been job hunting long enough, you develop skills nobody thinks to put in the job description.

Password recovery. Résumé uploading. Résumé uploading again because the system apparently ate the first one.

And explaining your professional experience in a little box that gives you approximately enough room to order a sandwich.

At this point, “persistent” belongs near the top of my résumé.

Possibly in bold.

The Application Process Is Its Own Part-Time Job

There is something impressive about a system that asks you to upload your résumé, then immediately asks you to type everything on that résumé into separate boxes.

You already have the document.

It is right there.

We were introduced three screens ago.

Then comes the personality assessment, where you must decide whether you “strongly agree” that you enjoy working with people.

Yes. Generally.

Would these people happen to be responsible for this application software? Because that could affect my answer.

Still, I keep applying.

I am looking for paid work where I can contribute, solve problems, and put my experience to use. A paycheck would also be a lovely addition to my collection of transferable skills.

Experience Travels With You

My background includes IT, customer service, caregiving, and legislative advocacy. That may look like a winding road on paper, but the skills connect.

I know how to troubleshoot a problem, ask useful questions, research an answer, and explain complicated information in ordinary language.

I have learned to adapt when plans change and follow through when something matters.

Caregiving required organization, patience, and decisions under pressure. Advocacy sharpened my research and communication skills. Customer service taught me to listen carefully. IT taught me that sometimes the solution really is restarting the thing.

Occasionally, I wish that worked on the hiring process.

Those experiences remain valuable while I am looking for the right place to use them.

There Are Things Worth Appreciating Along the Way

I appreciate the people who send a job lead because they actually thought about whether it fits.

The ones who make an introduction, answer a question honestly, or remember that I am still looking.

And the people who ask, “How are you doing?” and leave enough room for an actual answer.

Those gestures can give a difficult week a little momentum.

I am also learning to give myself credit for continuing. Some days, progress is a promising conversation. Other days, it is submitting one solid application and closing the laptop before frustration starts writing the cover letters.

That counts, too.

Bringing Something to the Table

This Monday, I am giving myself permission to approach the search with a little more confidence.

I have useful experience. I can learn. I can contribute. I have handled enough unexpected situations to know I can work through another one.

If you are job hunting, I hope you can give yourself that same credit.

Finding the right opportunity can take longer than any of us would like. While we keep looking, we can recognize the skills, effort, and humor helping us get through it.

Now, if someone would like to hire a persistent problem-solver with research skills and a functioning sense of humor, I am available.

I may even remember my password.