Job hunting

Back in my fifties when I was online dating, I discovered there was a “code” one had to learn so you could safely navigate the waters. It involved things as innocent as knowing what to say to sound fun but not a drunk, or confident but not self-absorbed, to recognising various slang terms or euphemisms for certain aspects of/types of sex. Sadly it was rarely as easy as just blocking all those idiots who thought naming themselves something like Cunning Linguist was oh so clever🙄

But now I’m job hunting. Clearly I’m picking through job descriptions for key words, phrases and aspects which I can use in tweaking my CV and cover letter, but I’ve also found myself reacting – positively viscerally on a few occasions – so have added reading between the lines of what’s being said for what’s actually meant.

Initially, I wondered whether I was feeling unready to return to work, or perhaps was considering jobs I’m qualified for but don’t want to do. Except I am ready (I’m fidgety and feeling the need for a new routine) and there’s no discernable pattern to the type of job which makes me react. I even briefly considered compiling a list of words and phrases, but that feels like adding a whole new layer of complexity to the job hunting process, so have decided to rely on my gut as it seems to be reliably ringing bells.

The easy to discard ones are those where there’s a clear underlying message of the “you’ll be doing the work of three while earning minimum wage” and “the boss is impossible to please” type. But I pulled out one line to see what you all thought of it – we’re looking for a problem‑solver who can anticipate needs. Now, I don’t know if I was feeling especially cynical (or grumpy) because what I read was “we’ll expect you to do all the stuff we’ve forgotten to do because we can’t organise our way out of a paper bag, oh and to get it done before it’s due”. I’d welcome feedback on whether my reaction sounds reasonable or not 🙂

‘Cos there was a time that was me. No false humility here, I was bloody brilliant. Balls were not dropped, everything got done, I had the memory of an elephant and the uncomplaining work ethic of one, while being as speedy as Usain Bolt. I recall one colleague telling me they never bothered to write anything properly as it didn’t matter because I could (and did) write it better than they could anyway. I was briefly peeved, except for the knowledge I was being paid really very well indeed because my skills were valued. All of which led me to the realisation the salary quoted on the recent ad demonstrated those skills aren’t properly valued, which was why I decided not to bother writing a sparkling CV simply to have the opportunity of working my butt off to make someone else look good.

It’s been 25 years since I last job hunted, and it’s been an experience. I don’t know if it’s helping or hindering that I’m not looking to match the level I previously worked at, rather that I’m seeking to work part-time (or working from home/hybrid if full-time). While I do expect to earn a fair (rather than high) salary for the job, I just want to use my skills somewhere the people are enjoyable to be around and where the business is either worthwhile or interesting. So far, much like internet dating, what’s clear is there’s a whole heap of dross out there.

I have an interview next week, and while it doesn’t meet my previously mentioned requirements, the make-up of it looks interesting enough for me to give it a go. But I’m still spending my mornings in my office – job hunting. I’d far rather be at a gallery or in a bookshop…

Apart from the whole “am I being too cynical or grumpy” question above, please do share any code words or phrases you’ve come across which may prove useful.

© Debs Carey, 2026