Censors and Nonsense
I ought to post in here more often, I know. I'm afraid my blog, along with the rest of my writing, suffers from my terror of actually putting words down. "What if I write it and it's not good?" protests my personal Censor. "That's too boring; that's too personal; that's too depressing. What will your readers think of you if you write that?" Censors are at times very useful things to have in your head, but mine is out of all control.
Job-hunting is a horrible occupation. I have tried and failed to explain to my father why I hate it so much, so I shall try again here, in hopes of understanding it myself. For I never know what I think about anything until I write it down and then read what I wrote. The entire thing, from the writing of a resume to the way you're supposed to "present" yourself in an interview, strikes me as vaguely insincere and manipulative, though I recognize that there is nothing objectively unethical about it. I think it has to do with the purpose of words. A word is not just a signifier; it is a gift the speaker gives the listener. One should give someone a gift because it is something they want, something that will give them joy, or because it is something they need, even if it will make them sad. A word which is spoken merely to make the listener do something, because that something will be good for the speaker, is a false gift. Gifts must come without strings - not that a gift should demand nothing from us, for the greatest gift is that which demands everything from us, and no true word leaves the listener unchanged. But a true gift demands of us the very thing it gives us. The word must be spoken for the sake of the listener, not for the sake of the speaker.
Of course, I realize that the people to whom I send resumes and applications do in fact want them, because they need to find someone to do a particular job. Yet, is it for their sake that the job-hunting books advise you so carefully on how to avoid betraying anything negative about yourself? What kind of gift is it to festoon one's cover letter and resume with perky adjectives - "great," "excellent," "excited," "strong"? Words are meant for better things than such games. Since people must be hired, however, how is the thing to be done so that the words give rather than take? Or am I just overly squeamish?
Well, this isn't terribly coherent, but I shall post it anyway. Take that, Censor!
Job-hunting is a horrible occupation. I have tried and failed to explain to my father why I hate it so much, so I shall try again here, in hopes of understanding it myself. For I never know what I think about anything until I write it down and then read what I wrote. The entire thing, from the writing of a resume to the way you're supposed to "present" yourself in an interview, strikes me as vaguely insincere and manipulative, though I recognize that there is nothing objectively unethical about it. I think it has to do with the purpose of words. A word is not just a signifier; it is a gift the speaker gives the listener. One should give someone a gift because it is something they want, something that will give them joy, or because it is something they need, even if it will make them sad. A word which is spoken merely to make the listener do something, because that something will be good for the speaker, is a false gift. Gifts must come without strings - not that a gift should demand nothing from us, for the greatest gift is that which demands everything from us, and no true word leaves the listener unchanged. But a true gift demands of us the very thing it gives us. The word must be spoken for the sake of the listener, not for the sake of the speaker.
Of course, I realize that the people to whom I send resumes and applications do in fact want them, because they need to find someone to do a particular job. Yet, is it for their sake that the job-hunting books advise you so carefully on how to avoid betraying anything negative about yourself? What kind of gift is it to festoon one's cover letter and resume with perky adjectives - "great," "excellent," "excited," "strong"? Words are meant for better things than such games. Since people must be hired, however, how is the thing to be done so that the words give rather than take? Or am I just overly squeamish?
Well, this isn't terribly coherent, but I shall post it anyway. Take that, Censor!
posted by Deborah | 4:22 PM
4 Comments:
Well, job-hunting is also extremely vulnerable. You're putting yourself out there for approval or disapproval - or at least, that's what it feels like.
May I suggest tutoring? You can make good money that way.
Thank you, Sarah; you are always so practical. :-) I looked at this post this morning and thought, "My goodness, what was I on when I wrote that?"
I like what you wrote: "One should give someone a gift because it is something they want, something that will give them joy, or because it is something they need..." You can use words as this kind of gift, even in a resume or interview. Be confident in how God created you and how He has gifted you (I know you are), and present that with sincerity. You will be a gift and a service to whomever your employer ends up being, and they will appreciate your forthrightness, confidence, and sincerity.
That said, I never liked writing resumes either. It always sounded like bragging. Getting a savvy friend (or in my case, older sister) helps.
You would make an excellent tutor or teacher.
I strongly dislike resumes and job hunts too. It's times like that I become very grateful for God's sovereignty.
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