top of page
type-pencil

The Lone Prairie Blog

These posts include posts found on the Substack blog as well as other content. Some posts are only available to paid members and themed accordingly. Creating a free membership account allows you to leave comments. If you are logged in, you'll automatically be able to see the posts your membership allows you to see. If you have no membership, you will still be able to read Public posts.

The non-job application and the unusual resume you didn't ask for.

Julie R. Neidlinger

So the whole work thing isn’t working out.


Well, whatever.


I’ve gotten fairly exhausted filling out applications for advertised jobs, writing and submitting cover letters and resumes for those jobs, and getting rejected (most of the time without being notified). After being told so many times that I didn’t know the correct software (Adobe stuff), that I just wouldn’t fit in their organization, I’ve adopted the sad mindset that I am a walking list of things I can’t do, rather than what I can.


Why do they only point out what I can’t do? Everything else says I work hard and I get things done. I ship. I make things happen. I can, not I can’t.


Last week, on a whim, I decided to take all the usual resume and cover letter rules and tips and all the self-help “find the perfect job with these five tips” and throw them out the window.


Enter the Non-Cover Letter and the Non-Resume for the Non-Advertised Job.

Accepting and instigating entrance into the world of multiple negatives is born out of pure exasperation, frustration, and desperation. All of the -ation’s.


My non-resume, in size 75 red lowercase Myriad Pro, said one main thing in the middle: i make art. Below it, in small gray writing, I noted that “you may need some sometime. contact me.” 


In my non cover letter, I ever so briefly explained, in size 23 lowercase right-justified Arial font, that I “wasn’t applying for a job you didn’t advertise, not listing what I’ve done, do, or use (software), instead, i’m merely saying ‘hi’, if your company ever needs an artist, perhaps i’ll come to mind.” I included a few samples of work that were all over the board, in a folder that had a “Hello my name is” sticker announcing my name was Freelance Artist.


Everything about it, according to tradition and accepted practice, was non, not, no, and never. Since I am the mayor of all four of those even when trying to follow and play by the accepted rules, it seemed appropriate.


I look at it as, at worst, a sum zero effort. No job was advertised, no position or work available, so by not applying for that  job, I’m bound to be not disappointed. Not hearing back would be expected, and desired, since there is nothing to hear back about not now.


No harm done. The non-purveyors of the job can do with it as they wish.


Warning: If you don’t post a job, I may apply.

  • Youtube
  • X
  • Instagram
  • Telegram
  • Black Facebook Icon
  • LinkedIn
  • Amazon

© 1998 - 2025 by Julie R. Neidlinger, Lone Prairie Creative LLC, DBA Lone Prairie Art Works. Powered and secured by Wix

I am not a licensed medical professional, or a financial or legal expert. The information provided is for general purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified specialist for specific medical, financial, or legal concerns. 

bottom of page