The major reason I hate the whole resume/cover letter process is because the last several jobs I have had have fallen into my lap through unconventional means. Wait, let me think; there is the possibility I have *never* gotten a job through the "1)Submit resume & cover letter to anonymous hiring manager 2)Have interview(s) with other anonymous people at the company."

Current - Temping. Granted, I had to give the temp agency resume and so on, but I skipped the grueling submit/wait for interview process, since temp agencies process people extremely fast. I didn't have to interview at all actually.

Dentist - I did send in resume/cover letter, but I did not apply for a job - I was applying for a six-week unpaid internship that was required by the medical assisting school. (She hired me post-internship.) I was basically applying to any small medical practice I thought I could talk my way into, although when I saw the ad on Craigslist I *knew* I had to apply for it. It's also the only position I've magicked for specifically, AND the only one I got fired from. Huh.

Bridal Shop - the owner got my name from a networking mailing list. I did have to interview.

Grocery - this was stocking shelves. I didn't need a resume, just to submit an application.

Westport - same chain as Dress Barn. Got the job because I had previously worked at Dress Barn.

AJ Wright - hiring on the spot to open a store. This was a hellhole of a job.

Bank - I don't remember if I needed a resume for this one; it's entirely possible I just used an online application.

Dress Barn - had previously worked with the assistant manager. (Hi Laurel!)

Danskin - another opening-the-store, needed-to-hire-people-quickly deal. No resume, just application + interview same day.

Claire's - retail application usual junk. Blech.

McDonald's - see above.


So why am I bothering with combing job listings? Obviously I should be out finding the correct people to pester, instead. If anyone would like to point me in their direction...