on the (interview) road again

last week - in between my defense and turning in my dissertation (blog entry to come!), i went out to the southwest for a job interview. i have been incredibly lucky to get 3 different interviews, and have enjoyed each of them - although they have each been unique experiences.

the first one, in the midwest, was a great interview. i really clicked with the other staff and i knew my research aligned perfectly with the research they were conducting. but i had hardly slept, had a headache, cramps, and was on the first day of a two-week cold - i felt terrible!

the second nearly made me sick with nerves, and although everything went well, i didn't feel like i had "wowed" anyone. (i hadn't).

this third one was fun because i got to see a new city. on the flight out there, i was sitting in front of a young girl and boy - they were probably about three and four. and they were, of course, asking a lot of questions.

little girl: "dad, why are there paper bags in our seats?"
dad: "well, the bags are there just in case someone feels sick. then they can use the bag."
girl: "what happens if everyone on the whole plane uses their bags?"
me: "let's hope it doesn't come to that"

okay, i didn't say that, but i definitely thought it. the dad, wisely, came back with, "well, i'm sure the flight attendants have extra bags." i'm just hoping i'm never on a flight where every passenger needs their barf bag!

after arriving at my destination, i was picked up at the airport by a car service (the driver was holding a sign with my name and everything!), which was great, and the driver was nice enough to point out some of the local sites as we drove to the hotel. but he did make a couple of comments that i wasn't really sure how to respond to. when he said, "there's a gun store over on that corner, if you're into guns," i kind of just sat quietly. but when he said (completely out of nowhere), "no matter what they say, never believe an indian. they drink QUITE a bit"  i had no idea what to say. would "okay, bigoted gun enthusiast. thanks for the advice" work? i chose silence.

the chatty driver was really the only thing outrageous to happen during my visit. the interview went well, i really enjoyed meeting other staff and hearing about their work. everyone was incredibly warm and inviting. i'm hoping for a job offer, but not sure how it will work out...