I am and have been knee deep in the most frustrating race I’ve encountered thus far in my 23 years of breathing: the job search. While I know I’m stuck in a rut just like many other recent grads, my anxiety is growing with the next wave of new graduates looming on the horizon. However, unlike many other grads and soon-to-be grads I have the fortune of having no student debt hanging over my head dictating all my future decisions. My lack of student debt allows me to have endless freedom for my future and yet I’m still here working my restaurant job in the meantime until I find something, (almost) anything, that pays a wage I think worthy of a University graduate. Is that selfish of me? Possibly. Does this put me into the category of that “self-entitled 20 something who has no right to be choosy for their first post-graduate job?” I don’t think so because as I said previously I’m currently working in a restaurant so obviously I’m taking any position.
Résumés are funny because to all the people who are not in hiring positions, they look exemplary. To all the people you’re sending your résumé to, you don’t fulfill the credentials they’re looking for. What are they looking for? I think my résumé possibly lacks “professional” experience but definitely not experience. The thing listed on my résumé that worries me most is my inclusion on a LGBT committee while I was in school. I choose to list it because I believe my position in that organization truly helped mould me into the person I am today. The other day I asked a few people if listing a LGBTQ organization on my résumé was a mistake and I did not hear the answers I was hoping to. All of them essentially said that leaving it on there could possibly hinder me from obtaining a position with a company. If shattering hearts were an audible sound I think the entire neighborhood would’ve heard mine.
It’s inexplicably frustrating knowing that wherever I go in my future that my sexuality could be a factor in determining whether or not I achieve something. I shouldn’t be too upset I know, because I would certainly not want to even consider a company that has issues with sexuality and gender identity. However, it is always in the back of my mind whether or not I get denied because of the inclusion of a LGBT organization written on paper. If I get to the interview portion, the worry then transfers from my sexuality to my race as I am not white. While we can all live in a fantasy land pretending that prejudice does not exist, the sad truth is that it does and is practiced silently by numerous companies and organizations.
Although it was recommended that I take my position on the LGBT education board off my résumé, I don’t think I will. I’d rather remain jobless I suppose than have to lie about the things I’m passionate for and what I was involved with. I can only have faith that the right eyes or company will come across my presence in the world. Until then I’ll keep on marching along with the rest of the unemployed graduates who may not have my same fears and concerns, but comprehend how defeating the search is; especially when your inbox is filled with at least 3 emails stating “we’re sorry but we cannot consider you for a position” a day.
P.S. if anyone does have any leads to LGBT positions or companies that would appreciate the diversity and perspective, let me know!
The Lyrical Lesbian 
Recent Comments