A few months ago I got a message from a friend about a writing gig that paid upwards of $250,000. If you’re not a writer, that may seem fine, but anyone who pays their rent via their words knows it’s – well – wow.

It was an executive writer job at a yogurt company, Chobani, that had made the rounds on social media. We chuckled about it, and I did throw my application into the ring because why not? A few weeks later, of course, I received a “no thanks” email and that was that. My dreams of entering the cultured world of yogurt were finished.

Or so I thought.

But then a recruiting agency I work with sent out a blast about an executive writing gig that seemed to really fit my competencies and talents. And the salary, upwards again of $250k, was enticing. I sent a resume, heard back immediately about next steps, and learned that it was for the same seemingly ridiculous job to write for Chobani.

I cackled.

But now, one measly step closer in the hiring process, I really wanted it.

It wasn’t a job to write about yogurt. It was writing speeches, thought leadership, and other higher level content for the company’s CEO. He’s a cool guy, according to my research, so I was even more motivated.

The recruiter generously worked with me to shuffle some things on my resume and prepared me for the interview.

I sat in my apartment, a Google Doc of notes opened, ready for discussion. The phone rang, the talent acquisition manager kicked things off, and by the end, I felt mostly good about the prospect of a career in the dairy industry.

Plus, I really do love Greek yogurt.

I won’t leave you in suspense. I didn’t get the job the second time around – my management skills were not up to snuff, though I’d argue otherwise – but the experience did teach me a few things about this whole job hunt lifestyle I’m leading.

Second chances do exist. A lot of us are right for the jobs we apply for, but we can’t always connect with the right people to make that clear or obvious. My connection with the recruiter who took a second to get to know me before putting me forward for the job made the whole difference between a rejection and a first interview.

I also am more than ever convinced that working with recruiters is a powerful, if not essential way for non-traditional candidates like myself to get hired. Most people looking for a full-time job haven’t worked in the range of industries I have, from college professor and tour guide to agency copywriter and journalist. I can’t expect anyone in HR to understand my value when they are sifting through hundreds of applications.

It’s like trying to push the Cliffs Notes of Anna Karenina. You know it’s a good story, but it might just be easier to pick up an old Goosebumps instead.

Finally, I’ve learned that keeping expectations low continues to be a fantastic approach in this endeavor. I know I am qualified. I know I deserve a new challenge. I know I can command a salary that will let me work one job. But so do a lot of other people, and we’re all racing for the same trophy. These little glimpses into the possibility of landing a dream job keep me motivated to run forward. Stopping isn’t an option.

Plus, you never know when Fage might need a new writer to join their team…

That Time I Interviewed for a Viral $250,000 Writing Job

After Rejection: The Masochism of Requesting Feedback

On Leveraging College Teaching as Management Skills