Sometimes the hardest part of finding a job is figuring out what kind of job you want. But it's an important step: if you don't know where you want to go, you'll have a hard time figuring out how to get there! Approaching prospective employers with a "here I am , what have you got for me?" approach doesn't work. You have to convince them that you have the skills they want. This takes time and effort. But you'll find that if you are looking for a specific type of work, your search will be more productive than if you're just looking for "a job".

Start by assessing your skills and interests, the kinds of things you enjoy doing and do well. What kind of work do you want to do? The "I'll do anything" approach usually doesn't cut it. You must have chosen history as a major for some reason. What was the reason? Many large companies hire liberal arts majors for entry level positions because they are often articulate, intelligent and quick learners. If you chose your major because you had to major in "something", it's even more important that you find out what you are good at and enjoy.Talk to the people you know about the kind of work they do and where they do it. Ask them for referals. The career books call this "networking". Begin to develop a list of companies/organizations that you think you would like to work for and go after them. This is a lot more effective than posting your resume (I'm assuming you have one-if not, put one together) to a web site and waiting for responses.

As for the "absolutely three years experience" don't take it literally. But you do have to know how to talk about the things you've done and part-time jobs, summer jobs volunteer work, activities all count ---even the dishwashing!

It also sounds like you've placed some geographic restrictions on your job search. Sure, it would be nice to work 10 minutes from home but is that realistic? A longer commute may be necessary. (I know plenty of people in large metropolitan areas who would love to cut their commute to 40 minutes!)

A job search is hard work, but if you go about it the right way you can make it easier. And don't hold out for the perfect job. Chances are you're not going to find it this early in the game. Good luck!

Dan