Onward to the other 19

Close but no cigar. I got a call today. "It was a really difficult decision. Everyone loved your presentation and class demo. We appreciate all the effort you went to to come out here. But we've decided to go with one of the other candidates."

Sigh.

I didn't really want to live in the desert. And I was somewhat concerned that they weren't going to be able to pay me what I'm worth. But I had been hoping that it would be my decision to make.

Still, it was good practice. I feel like I did everything as well as I could. That's just how these things go.

Fingers Crossed

Definitely over thinking was not required.

Time to stop over thinking

Today I had an "interview" at Fitchburg State (in northern Massachusetts). I put it in quotes because we're still working through the bureaucracy, but they anticipate sending me a contract in a couple of weeks. Anything could happen, of course, but it was less "prove to us you can teach" and more "this is your classroom, and here's who to talk to if you ever have computer problems." They were all lovely and welcoming. Answered my questions about the class and what to expect and what they expect from me. There are three sections of the class. I'm teaching 2 and the woman who developed the class is teaching the third. She sent me her syllabus. That takes a lot of pressure off me for reinventing the wheel. She wasn't there today, but I'll catch up with her the next time I'm around.

First Campus Interview

Well this is exciting and scary. I just got my first invitation for an on campus interview. I may be asking people to help me practice again. I got my preferred date. And also have confirmation that I'll only see them on the one day, which takes some pressure off on the whole shopping thing. I'm taking the red eye back so that I can have the whole day there on Tuesday. I think I might meet with a realtor. Not that I necessarily want to buy as soon as I get out there, but it would be a good way to learn the area and also get a sense of the cost of living.

Also my first rejection

I got my first rejection today. It was for a job that was the longest of long shots, teaching in New Zealand. They've got to have people that they don't need to relocate from quite so far away. So I don't mind it at all and it's kind of good to get the first one of those out of the way. This is a process. This will not be my last rejection. And ultimately I only need one of them to say yes.

And closer yet

I had my first academic job interview. To be honest, it wasn't all that different from other job interviews I've had (or conducted) in my life. I'll jump to the end. I rocked it!!!

My future self is one step closer

So far on my Academic Job Hunt spreadsheet (yes it's color coded and organized by due date), there are 15 jobs. By the end of the season I might get up to 20. I don't know if we've peaked yet. I'm too new to the process.