I'm drowning in free loot from recruiters. But in my head, I'm desperately trying to figure out a way to sabotage my performance in my last required classes so I don't have to graduate in December. That way I could stop this job hunting madness.
I think they must have to bribe us to apply for jobs because it's such a stinky process. It takes a lot of effort and time, and most of the work/applications you complete won't mean anything when it's all over. You spend a lot of time researching companies and positions, but it's very difficult to actually get a feel for what you're signing up for when you take a salaried position. . . you can easily gauge if you like the recruiter or not, but what does that have to do with anything?
Interviews are like first dates. Both parties have showed at least nominal interest and passed baseline compatibility requirements. Then, you try to impress each other--sometimes by showing more interest than actually exists. Both parties posture endlessly because they want to "hook" the other one, so they can possess the higher ground in the relationship.
The goal of the first date (I mean, interview) is to lead to a second date. And the goal of a second date is to lead to a fly-back (meeting the family) or an offer (this term applies in dating too). This continues until either party decides they're not interested anymore. When that happens, either by direct notification or by tacit silence, one party might feel hurt, misled even. But they have to understand that accepting a job that isn't a good fit won't benefit anyone involved.
Unlike dating, at least interviews go through this emotional rollercoaster within a time period of a few weeks--if you're going to rip off a band-aid, do it quick. If you're going to "make an offer" just do it so both of you can move on.
One last thought: not only is job hunting a pain, it's a time-intensive pain. It takes me away from school, from cute boy, from work and from many other activities that are worth my time. The crazy thing is, when considering the amount of happiness/effect on my life that these various activities have, the priorities are clear. Said cute boy is without a doubt the most important, because he will have the greatest impact on my life and my happiness in the future. Job hunting comes next. School and work come last. (Who's going to remember bombing one measly midterm during my last semester?) However, those priorities are not always accurately represented in the way I spend my time.
Sigh. I think I'll go relax by estimating the cost-benefit analysis using my external ten-key so thoughtfully donated by the accounting firm mentioned above.
