The 'Not So' Thrill of the Hunt

I'm on a job hunting mission....its time has come.  According to the national and local news - it's particularly bad timing.  That's why I limit the amount of time that I watch the news.

Now that I'm mostly physically settled in San Diego (I'm still working on the psychological/emotional part) I want to get out and get connected.  It's proving difficult to have too much time on my hands as I worry and lose trust in myself.

Job hunting is a very different process than in "the old days" as almost every application is done electronically.  Company websites have their online applications. 

Businesses advertising on Craigslist want cover letters and resumes to be emailed to them.....no phone calls please.  It's unsettling and difficult to stand out when you're initially just an email address.

My resume includes my first major job of 8+ years with General Mills (1975-1983).  It was an amazing time of learning and growth for me and I like to include it in my work history. 

However - it doesn't take much for an HR person to "do the math" and figure out that I'm in my mid 50's.  So my application could potentially go... - as Eddie Izzard would say - "...in the Bin!" 

I don't know if it's a good idea or not - but I resorted to putting a small picture of me in the corner of my resume.  They will see that I like to smile - and still have all my teeth.  I figure they will at least have a visual connection of my name and face.   ;o}

After years of office jobs - I would be content to work at Trader Joe's.  There is a fun and relaxed atmosphere there that I find appealing.  Problem is - so does everyone else. 

But - I got my application in and stop by regularly (per their suggestion) to let them know I'm still interested in being part of the Crew. 

It could happen.....