Back to the beginning, sort of.

Those of you who've been reading from the start may remember the reason why I got stuck in this job-hunting predicament: the lack of openings at the wonderful company where I'd interned and been basically promised a job. It's been exactly two months since I got that blow of bad news, and it seems fitting that today is the day I go back for an interview.

Oh no, it's not exactly what you'd expect.

See, nobody helped me score this interview--I did it on my own. I've used none of my HR strings, as HR had nothing to do with hiring for this job. It's proof of one thing I've learned about myself--I like knowing that I am getting what I want for the right reason. I didn't want to play up my minority status applying to college because I wanted to be accepted for me and not my ethnicity. Similarly, getting snubbed for jobs that first time has let me figure out what I'm worth on my own accord. It's a valuable lesson and I've been happy to learn it.

So, that interview.

Let's put it this way: I've been a subscriber to nearly all of this company's magazines at some point or another. But there are three whose issues I've never been able to toss. Consequently, I lug a big box of magazines from one apartment to the next whenever I move, and someone (usually the person carrying the box) gives me grief about it. But I can't help it--I can't part from these issues, I love them too much! They're too filled with useful information! They're so pretty to look at!

And so I have a strange relationship with my favorite magazines. And some people laugh at me. And others--their editors--invite me for interviews.

Wish me luck!

Passion-ate About Cupcakes...

My apologies for keeping you loyal readers on baited breath so late into the evening...

It's just that with big interviews, you need to do major studying. It pays off when you learn all the nitty gritty details about a mag, and I'm glad to say that it did today! To celebrate a successful interview, I grabbed a reliable pal and made my way to Bryant Park.

I've mentioned my sweet tooth on the blog before, and I guess most of you have realized my lack of control when it comes to cupcakes after my post on Sweet Revenge. That's why you shouldn't be surprised about what happened next.

Peeking into the tiny (and packed!) Crumbs location in the Grace building, I spotted something I'd never seen before. It wasn't the raspberry cupcake in the corner--I knew those are special for the summer, but being a regular I'd had them many times around this time of year. No, it was something even more exciting--it was yellow with matching sprinkles around its rim and a dollop of something delicious plopped right in the middle.


The sign read: Passion Fruit Pineapple.

What I haven't revealed on this blog is my love for all things passion fruit. The cupcake had my name written on it just like the job I'd interviewed for did. I ate a raspberry cupcake in the park, but my special yellow friend came home with me. All so that I could share it with you.

tempted by the dark side

I've had high standards for my job hunt, I won't lie.

I know what I want: I want to work for a magazine.

I know what jobs will help me get there: fact-checking, copyediting, copywriting, online work, and so on.

And I know what I refuse to do: waitress, bartend, retail, slave labor, etc.

It might seem silly, but it's about my dignity and my own happiness. I won't work for anyone or anything that isn't going to benefit me in the long run or propel me into a better position. I won't take a job for the sake of taking a job. I'll find other ways to pay the rent. Thank goodness for steady freelance work.

Despite being so stubborn, I've lowered the bar from top publishing companies to independent magazines to celebrity rags. I'll work for anything that can be in some way, shape, or form, be considered a magazine, whether it be 3x3 inches large or a national glossy. I don't care. Just give me some edit work and an opportunity to write every now and then.

But how far can I keep stretching the possibilities before things become too abstract, too unrelated? What about jobs in PR or advertising? They sound fun, and they're interested in me, and they'll use my writing skills. My head wants the stability; my heart wants glossy paper. For now, I'll let them keep debating.

And interviewing, and sending resumes, and pitching stories. And keeping my fingers crossed.

things are not always what they seem...

This week's lesson (aside from that of confidence=money) is that informational interviews are never entirely informational.

Of two "informational" interviews this week, both have now offered potential opportunities for freelance work. Just because they're not hiring full-time doesn't mean that you can't work for 'em!

So today's interview was with the craft-themed magazine I'd mentioned on Monday. The woman I interviewed with was possibly the coolest editor I've met with to date, and we connected really well. I told her about the craft scene in Fes, Morocco, where I was just traveling, and about how artisan methods haven't changed there in over 800 years. Her interest perked, and I told her I had plenty of artisan contacts within reach. Her interest perked some more. It's a pitch in the making!

That, combined with the fact that I scored three separate interviews for next week earlier today, left me feeling a bit festive. As I walked through Soho on my way home, sale signs caught my eye and what happened next was the most dangerous thing that can ever happen to an unemployed girl--I went shopping. With so many interviews, I have an excuse, right?

the price is right, but technology is not.

Having set apart my morning to do freelance work, I didn't expect to be posting until later this afternoon. But when technology rebels, it's a little hard to get work done. So while my online database gets reset, I'm here, watching Price is Right and reporting to you.

The latest on the job hunt, live from New York:
I'm meeting with a boutique restaurant PR company today that I worked with while serving as Food Editor of my school's paper. Apparently they're expanding the firm, so it's a semi-informational interview with possibilities around the corner. It's not a magazine job, nor is it editorial, but I'm keeping my mind open.
And after stumbling on a great guest blog on Design*Sponge this week, I decided to make some cold calls to editors at craft magazines, landing another informational on Friday. Not bad, eh?

Side note: it's so painful when people spin the wheel on Price is Right and hit the 100 on their second try! My heart goes out to you, contestant-whose-name-I-did-not-see.