GoudaBrew

Thanks for all the advice. I'll find a way to release some nervous energy (jogging) and remember that that I don't HAVE to land this job.

Does anyone have any advice on how to calm pre-interview anxiety? I used to perform pretty well in interviews, but since my most recent search has netted me three interviews, but no job offers, my confidence is a little shaken. I usually try to study and prepare for things as much as I can going into an interview so I'll feel confident in my answers, but for my last interview I felt a lot of anxiety about 30 minutes before and it really affected my performance. I said "uh" and "umm" about a dozen times and then I started thinking, STOP SAYING UMM and it just went all down hill from there. I think part of the problem was that I showed up about 40 minutes early and had to wait in my car until it was appropriate to go inside. I'm interviewing for a job next week that I would absolutely love to get, but I feel like I'm probably a fringe candidate and will really have to interview well to get it.

I'll throw my 2 cents in because, while I'm lucky enough to be employed in my field, I've been trying to find a new position closer to home for over a year now, and it's pretty frustrating. This advice basically comes from my own regrets of wishing I had done more at my current position. From what I've gathered about you from this thread is that you have the desire and education background to become a park ranger. But a lack of experience combined with a lousy job market hasn't netted you that dream job yet. But you have your foot in the door, albeit working in maintenance isn't ideal, you are working at a ranger stations of some sort. I would try to be more pro-active at your current job. When you have your sit-down with your boss, be honest. Tell them your heart isn't in it right now, but you have an idea on how to change it. Tell him/her that you'd like to volunteer maybe 10 hours per week by job-shadowing a park ranger at your office. Tell him/her that doing more relevant work will make you happier and you'll take more pride in your job. Sounds like you work some nights, so maybe you can fit an extra 5-10 hours of work into your week while finding out more about the dream job your after. This will look great to potential employers - that you took a crappy maintenance job just to gain a little more experience in your field of interest. Plus, working side-by-side with another ranger might earn you a great reference letter!

Thanks for the input DOA!

I have a few questions regarding the job application process and I'm reading some contradicting things on the web (surprise!) so I thought I'd see if anyone here has any advice. The job I am applying for requires that an application be filled out and a résumé may be included as well. 1. They give the option of mailing, faxing or emailing the application. Is it safe to assume that email is the preferred way to receive applications these days? I've filled out the application using Adobe Acrobat. I'm definitely going to include my resume and write a cover letter too. Should I convert the cover letter and résumé to a PDF and send them 1 file (the cover letter, followed by the application, followed by my resume)? Or should the cover letter be written in the email with the application and resume attached as a PDF? 2. It's unclear to me whom I should be addressing in the cover letter. The application is to be sent to HR. I'm not writing to HR, right? The job description says the successful candidate will report to the "Program Manager", but there are two Program Managers in the office. Is, "Dear Program Manager" appropriate? 3. Is it OK to include personal information in the cover letter? I live in Illinois, but the job is in Wisconsin. I was thinking it would make sense to mention that my fiancée and I are originally from Wisconsin and are looking at moving back to be closer to our families. That way they have no qualms about interviewing an out-of-stater. 4. References. When I got my current job 5 years ago my references were my academic adviser (I had just graduated), a boss I had at an internship one year prior and a family friend. I would like to continue to use my academic adviser and two co-workers who are in supervisory positions slightly above me. Is it acceptable to just put, "references available upon request"? I don't want my current employers contacted as they do not know I'm job hunting. They don't ask for references on the required job application, but I usually put them on my résumé. Sorry, these questions all seem kind of basic, but I'm a firm believer in making the best first impression I can. Thanks!