“In the past few months, I’ve submitted dozens of resumes, custom cover letters and samples of my work. Most potential employers are so overwhelmed with applicants they don’t even bother to respond.  That’s discouraging. But what are even worse are the companies that capitalize on the desperation of the unemployed.  Because they have so many applications, they feel empowered to subject applicants to one test after another. In other words, looking for a job has devolved to jumping through hoops.

“I’m a college educated writer and editor, with experience at multiple major publications. I realize the importance of showing my work, discussing my experience and demonstrating the depth of my knowledge. But treating experienced employees like entry-level applicants—and then declining to hire them because they’re overqualified—is demoralizing.

“I’ve donated my skill and time to attend events, complete reports and fill-in for absent staff members—all as ‘part of the interview process.’ I’ve also been asked to complete the strangest tasks, ranging from bizarre personality assessments to esoteric questions, not during an actual conversation in an interview but online, as follow-up to an application.

“One company asked how I would spend the money if I hit the jackpot in the lottery. How should someone answer that: honestly, as in I’d pay off my debts and invest it so I wouldn’t have to subject myself to indignities like this questionnaire, or unrealistically altruistic, as I might if I were a candidate for Miss America? I’m old enough to know that even a mega-jackpot would not eradicate worldwide hunger.

“Another company asked me to explain what I wanted to be when I was a child. Well, that’s tricky, too. For a while, I thought I wanted to be a flight attendant, but only because the uniforms were more appealing to a 12-year-old than the suits I saw people wear to offices. I abandoned the idea after someone told me to read a book called Coffee, Tea or Me.

“Careers of choice in my childhood were largely shaped by Halloween costumes. From possibilities including a witch, a maid and a devil, it’s understandable that I’d settle on a nurse. But I changed my mind when I realized nurses were surrounded by death and dying.

“I opted for writing at the suggesting of a ninth grade English teacher, who suggested I had a knack for it. Little did I know it would ultimately prove far more depressing to be surrounded by dead and dying media outlets, as one newsroom after another fell victim to the economy. But what does any of this have to do with getting a job?

“And don’t get me started on all the social networks, which the twentysomethings in charge of screening applications—or even conducting interviews—consider essential. Facebook and LinkedIn have a purpose, but they also allow a potential employer to determine things like race, family status and possibly age. Didn’t we create laws in this country to prohibit hiring decisions because of such factors? Now we have no way of knowing when they’re deciding factors.

“I’m tired and frustrated. In this mood, it’s becoming harder and harder to project enthusiasm or desire. So the cycle continues. I keep following orders to Sit, Stand and Jump. But I still don’t have a job.”