Doors opening and closing (and all of that business)
So I didn’t get the Vancouver job, which I sort of had guessed by Friday. I had my official day of mourning on Saturday, which is a new tradition. Basically I have the habit of immediately trying to see the best in every situation, which is not a bad thing, but sometimes it gets in the way of actually feeling bad about something and giving it the proper respect it deserves. It’s also an excuse to sit around in my robe watching bad television and eating brownies. I decided a day was good enough for a job and got sort of bored of mourning by 6pm or so, so I moved on to the other jobs I’ve applied for/am interviewing for in the next few weeks.
Vancouver was indeed a dreamy library and the staff was fantastic, but it was also a reference heavy position with little to no kid interaction or programming. If I had been honest with myself (instead of being so excited about a job in the Portland area and my first interview post-grad school) I would have admitted that I didn’t give 100% in the interview because I wasn’t talking about the things that really excite me. However, it was nice to hear from the hiring lady this morning – she said it was a very tough decision, that she would have liked to have hired all five of us, and that she would like me work there as a sub/fill-in librarian. The fact that only five of us were chosen for interviewing out of the stack of applicants that must have applied makes me feel good, as does the offer for temporary work. I told her I’d love to do some sub work, if only to keep me in shape as far as reference goes – I haven’t worked at a desk since January and I’m starting to feel rusty!
Next up is an interivew I’m really excited about in a town I’m not as excited about. You can all uncross your fingers now, I’ll just carry your good wishes for the last interview into this one as well.
strangevictory
April 17, 2006…Dying of curiosity. What town? Somewhere in California, perhaps?
jane_q_public
April 17, 2006Sorry you didn’t get the job. I’ll still keep my fingers crossed for the next interview.
luzclarita
April 17, 2006That’s too bad. I looked at that job and it seemed wonderful but I didn’t apply because I’ve only just been accepted into an MLS degree program so I was sure that other people with degrees would snatch the position. Best of luck with your continuing search. Where the less desirable position? I’ve recently found several things that I am qualified for and am in the process of applying now.
Jen
April 17, 2006It’s a Childrens/YA librarian position in Corvallis. I really like the library and the staff there (met them at a PAIL meeting a month or so ago) but I was hoping to live in Portland. Also I think it’s not full-time, which, in the face of student loans, is less than ideal.
I applied to Vancouver and Corvallis when I was in the middle of writing my final papers and only had spare moments for such things. Now that finding a job is my #1 priority I think I’ll just go wild and apply for everything and anything for which I am even remotely qualified.
strangevictory
April 17, 2006That’s pretty much what I am doing. If you apply for everything, there are a lot more opportunities. And while some places are far more desirable than others, I bet we can be happy anywhere.
Except Florida.
And Dallas.
And Mississippi.
Well, shoot.
luzclarita
April 18, 2006I know one staff member from Sherwood that you’ll be competing against. And it isn’t actually me!
Jen
April 18, 2006I’m excited about this interview because we get to present stuff, like a storytime and a YA booktalk. I do better with things like that than just answering someone else’s questions.
Nice Magritte!
PS – Any luck that this staff member of yours has a terrible, debilitating lisp? Or perhaps a fear of talking in front of others?
luzclarita
April 18, 2006LOL! I don’t know her very well, but she seems (unfortunately for you) pretty darn normal.
clear_all
April 18, 2006For what it’s worth, I really really liked corvallis for the week or so I was there.
Good luck!
illustrated_lib
April 19, 2006Not getting that job just means it wasn’t meant to be. I know you’ll find something wonderful, and you will BE wonderful doing it!!
And hey! I know reference isn’t your first choice, but don’t worry about your skills. You are a fantastic ref librarian!!!
I miss you a lot.
brokenchinadol
April 20, 2006Now I read it. Sorry, monkey.