Correspondence course

People must wonder why I've been so ineffectual at securing a job (of any kind). I wish I had a definitive answer (I probably wouldn't be writing this if I did). Are there higher forces at work here, conspiring against me, forcing me to pay some karmic debt? Maybe. Take a look at this recent job-related correspondence, and judge for yourself.
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From: [Me]
To: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
Date: Mar 15, 2006 3:37 PM
Subject: Legal Assistant position

To whom it may concern:

I am writing to you in response to your posting on Craigslist advertising an opening for a part-time legal assistant at your law office.

I am a recent college graduate, with a bachelor's degree in English. I am seriously considering applying to law school and am interested in gaining some work experience in the field.

I've held numerous office jobs in the past, and I like to think that I pick up new skills fairly quickly, so I'm sure that I would be able to efficiently complete any task that might be set before me at your law office. I am a good independent worker, I'm very easy-going, and I think I would be a good fit for the position as you've outlined it.

I have attached my resume to his email, formatted as a Microsoft Word document. Please let me know if you are unable to access this file, or if I can provide you with any additional information about my background and qualifications.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Me]
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From: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
To: [Me]
Date: Mar 15, 2006 4:30 PM
Subject: Re: Legal Assistant position

Dear [Me]:
Stamford is a bit of a hike for a p-t job, but if you're still interested, can we meet Tuesday, march 22 in the AM?
[unnamed lawyer]
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From: [Me]
To: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
Date: Mar 16, 2006 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: Re: Legal Assistant position

Ms. [Lawyer]-

Thank you for getting back to me. I would very much like to come in to meet with you, and any time during the morning of Tuesday the 22nd would be fine with me.

I did consider the distance between New Haven and Stamford, but my primary concern at this particular moment is finding a job that's a good fit. Plus, I've got a very sturdy vehicle.

Is there a particular time that works best for you on Tuesday?

[Me]
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From: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
To: [Me]
Date: Mar 16, 2006 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Legal Assistant position

[Me],
10 AM is good for me.
Take exit XX off the Merritt and I'm about X miles up on the right hand side.
[lawyer]
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From: [Me]
To: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
Date: Mar 16, 2006 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Legal Assistant position

I look forward to meeting you at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Thanks,

[Me]
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From: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
To: [Me]
Date: Mar 16, 2006 1:05 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Legal Assistant position

[Me]:
If you have any last minute complications, just let me know. Likewise, I'll do the same.
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From: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
To: [Me]
Date: Mar 16, 2006 3:52 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Legal Assistant position

Dear [Me]:
Since I was planning to close down the office in the next few months, I have decided to do so at the end of this month, so I regret that I will not be hiring anyone.
I am moving to New Haven in the near future and will start the transition process at the end of the month.
Sorry about the timing, but best of luck in your search for something appropriate to your very excellent credentials.

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From: [Me]
To: LegalAssistantJob@craigslist.org
Date: Mar 17, 2006 9:27 AM
SubjectL Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Legal Assistant position

[Lawyer]-

Thanks for letting me know. Best of luck in your transition to New Haven.

[Me]
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I guess I'm posting this sequence because I think it's emblematic of the overwhelming absurdity of my job search. Expectations are raised and hopes are dashed. The tide comes in and the tide goes out. So I beat on, a boat against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.