Into the Wild...Let The Hunt Begin #13

Can You Hand Me A Paper Bag, Please? I Think I'm Hyperventilating.

Okay, okay. I admit it. I am prone to doubting myself. I get emotional sometimes. I cry easily when I'm angry, upset, scared...or even when I'm watching a touching Pixar film. I'll admit it!! I work myself up and confuse myself. I'm only human...

You're probably wondering what's made me disclose such appealing traits of mine. Well, last night I went through a freak-out for about, oh, let's say an hour and a half. I called my mother (who really wished she was in bed sleeping) to talk out my momentary craziness. I knew she couldn't give me a "right" answer, but I just needed to talk until I calmed down. I had the "Oh my gosh have I made a huge mistake?!?!" moment.

Here's what triggered it... I received an email from one of the schools I interviewed with at the conference. Now, you may recall I was doing a national search. I realize now, in hindsight of course, that my freakout really came down to one thing: it is not as appealing to move 1.5 hours away from your hometown (born-and-raised-all-your-life-hometown) for your first job in the field when you've talked it up so big that you're doing this "NATIONAL" search. There is something less thrilling and exciting about "the school next door." To continue with the dating metaphors, it's like the school far away is the "mysterious stranger" with whom you want to ride off into the country on their Harley. With THAT school, you kind of have bragging rights (for lack of a better phrase) about how you're being adventurous.

So when I received this email asking me to participate in a phone interview and then hopefully come to campus after that...I freaked. "Could I belong at [school] instead, Mom?! Did I choose too soon?! Should I have rolled the dice?!" I went on for an hour and a half. My poor mother. She is the best thing I have in this world. No matter how many times we disagree and argue, I know I can call her in the middle of the night and freak out about whether or not "this is email is a sign" that's telling me I need to move 1,767 miles away. After a while of my non-linear thought patterns and babble, she challenged me: Well if you want to go to [school] so badly, then go!

That's when I caved. It wasn't that I wanted to go to this other school so badly. I don't even know if I'd get the position--there are two more steps in their process and decisions won't be made until May. So really, I was having this giant moment of doubt over an email asking for a PHONE interview! Seems irrational right? I mean the school seems really great--I've heard nothing but praise for the institution. But what was bothering me was that I wanted to go to somewhere NEW and DIFFERENT. She reminded me that even though I'm only going 1.5 hours away from my hometown, it is still new and different! She also told me to trust my gut because that's how I've made all my hard decisions in the past and it's gotten me this far with few regrets. She also tried to come up with an adage that she couldn't quite remember, and it came out like, "Don't they always say the fish that got away always looks bigger?" I've never heard of it but it makes sense. There's always going to be that "what if" in the back of my mind no matter where I end up. But I went for this offer for a reason and I should trust that. My mom also reminded me that it's a big step in my life but it's not the job for the REST of my life. I'll have plenty of years to move to different parts of the country if I really want to.

I suppose some people could take my mom's words to be cynical--you know, the fact that she's saying it's okay if you don't stay at your first job forever because you'll want better. But it's not cynical. It's honest and down-to-earth. So often we're told about the "dream job." Find your "dream job." But what if that journey takes years? What if you do not find it for your first entry-level position? Or...what if the "dream job" is not something you find, but something you create on your own? What is that quote? "Find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life." What if you find yourself in a position and realize it's not perfect (is any job really "perfect?"). I suppose if you still love what you do, the good will outweigh the bad. Who knows...

So I've calmed down, wiped my tears forged from panic, and came to my senses. Why was I upset? Because I wanted the thrill of moving somewhere foreign to me and completely new. I wanted the thrill of having the right to say, "Look at me, being adventurous, starting my 'big-girl' job!" But you know what I realized? Once this offer is formalized...I can still say those things. I don't have to be two connecting flights away to be adventurous. The first job experience overall is adventure itself... no matter where you are. And there are more important things that go into choosing your first job than the glamor associated with drastic changes in geographical location.

Real World: Job Search #12

After the Conference (The Waiting Game)

I’ve become wedded to my Blackberry as I wait for—something. An email. A phone call. I’d be happy with a text message. I know I’m being unreasonable because all of the schools I’ve interviewed with said that they would be contacting people for on-campus interviews beginning this week or next. So I’m not out of the realm of possibility by any means; but anxiety’s reigning, nonetheless.

I do have one on campus interview (so far), about which I’m really excited. It was one of those last minute applications that I did a few days before the conference. After interviewing twice with them at the conference, my curiosity is piqued. I think that this IS someplace I could see myself working, someplace I could be happy. They have a really strong commitment to professional development, which is something that I strongly value. This school has managed to sneak into my Top Three.

The other two schools: well, one is a little behind on their process. They just closed the applicant pool and I assume are going through the applications. But no interviews, phone or other, have been offered. My TOP TOP TOP choice is the absolutely perfect position. You remember how I talked about my foot metaphorically popping? My foot SO totally popped. The interviews (both of them, so far) have gone really well. And I’m hoping that translates into an on campus interview.

I did run into an interesting situation. I was offered a phone interview, and was asked to provide some available interview times. I immediately replied, but did not hear back from my interviewer. I sent a follow up email, but still have not heard anything back…and the days passed for which they asked for my availability. Is it me?

Oh well? I might just move on…

So for now, it’s just a waiting game. We are now forty days away from graduation. I keep surprising myself when I remember that there is still school work to do. I spent a lot of time this weekend catching up with some of the reading and papers and group projects that I’ve been neglecting. I have to do SOMETHING so that I’m not obsessively checking my email every five seconds…

Here’s to hoping I will soon have some exciting news to report!

Into the Wild...Let The Hunt Begin #12

::in David Bowe voice:: Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes!

So a lot has happened in the past week. I attended the national conference, thought day after day about this potential job offer (see Post #11), interviewed with three more schools, and learned a WHOLE lot. The past week has been hectic and crazy and amazing all rolled into one. The conference was amazing.

I do have some bad news though. My top school hired someone else :( I was on the phone with them during the conference to see if I could get information on where I stand. At that point, I hadn't heard a peep since my phone interview three weeks ago. I had a bad feeling, and my gut was right. When they broke the news to me, I had a mixture of emotions. I was relieved because it made the choice at hand a little easier. I was upset because I felt like it will be another few years until I can end up at that location, which I've idealized in my mind as the place I want to "settle down" in. I was embarrassed because I kept babbling on the phone, trying to pretend like I was okay. You know, it's like that "It's cool, it's cool" mantra that people repeat when they've been rejected by someone. I knew I was just repeating the same four phrases over and over to the person on the phone because I didn't know what else to say and I didn't know how to wrap up the conversation. "Thank you for letting me know. This information definitely helps me. I'm glad you were able to find someone that fits your office best. I hope our paths will cross in the near future." After everything the woman would say--the whole, "I'm glad we can give you information but I'm sorry it's not the best news"--I said those same four phrases over again. Haha, how embarrassing. You know she hung up and was like "aww, poor thing." But that's okay. It really DID help me.

My interviews at the conference went very well. The difficult thing about having an offer in your back pocket while interviewing is that you're constantly comparing. You also feel guilty--or at least I did. Like I was cheating on these interviewers with another school. I knew it was inappropriate for me to be like, "I HAVE AN OFFER" on the first interview. So when I got questions like, "Would you be available to come to campus?" I had to say yes, because technically I would be if I don't take the offer I have. I also felt bad after these interviews because I genuinely liked the people I met and I could tell they liked me. We vibed, you know? One job I knew I didn't want after we talked. It sounded too chaotic for me--I like chaos, but the responsibility seemed unmanageable. I ruled that one out, even though the person was a pleasure to speak with. The other two schools I really liked. When it came down to those positions/locations/schools, they were a little lacking compared to my offer. Although I wish I could have the experience to go visit these schools, I knew time was running out with this offer. I thought long and hard and came to a decision: I want to move forward with my offer.

I went back to the pros and cons list and made the same lists for the other two schools that I really liked from my interviews. The school with the offer had a longer pros list. I called them yesterday to tell them to put paperwork through for my background check. As long as there are no skeletons in my closet, I may have the formal "no-messing-around" deal soon.

I am nervous and excited... I have to figure out how to turn down these other schools now. They may be contacting me in the next few weeks for campus visits, so I suppose I have to contact them first. Man, it really is like the dating scene. I feel like I have to break up with these schools...

Real World: Job Search #11

At the Conference (Interview Marathon)

Going through interviews at the conference was absolutely one of the most exhausting experiences of my life. But it was also one of the coolest experiences, too.

The first part of the experience, which I highly recommend for those going through this in the future, is the orientation. It’s helpful to know where interviews will take place, where candidates wait for their interviews, and what resources are available to candidates as they wait. Also, every conference/placement does the messaging system between employers and candidates in a different way—it’s good to know how it works! I recommend that you ask questions if you have them. If you are wondering something, chances are, someone else is too!

A word about dress code: don’t ask what you should wear to an interview. You should know this. I know several people that were interviewing candidates at the conference and one of the biggest pieces of criticism I heard was about how candidates were dressed. Business professional. A suit. You can never go wrong with black, dark blue, or gray. At the very least, a dress shirt and pants/a skirt. Don’t wear a skirt that is too short, or a shirt that shows too much. Really tight clothing is not professional. Four-inch stiletto heels are also not incredibly professional (although I made the mistake of wearing them, too). Ties are not necessary, but are a nice touch. And for the sake of avoiding a fashion faux pas, wear a belt that matches your shoes!

Another word of caution: when scheduling your interviews, leave some time in between them. Interview slots are usually 30 minutes, so give your self one interview slot to be on the safe side. Some interviews may go longer than the thirty minutes and you don’t want to be late for next interview. Also, you just might need some time to yourself for a few minutes. Go to the bathroom. Get a drink. Write a thank you card. I am a huge extrovert, but smiling so much, being “on” all the time—well, it takes a lot out of you. I just needed time to decompress between interviews.

I was surprised at the tenseness in the candidate waiting area. When some of the coordinators of the placement came to see how everyone was doing, they were like “SMILE!” One candidate said it best: “We’re saving it for the interview.” That’s the thing about placement; you really do need to be on top of your game. And don’t talk about interviewers or anything negative anywhere someone might overhear you. This includes elevators. I was amazed at some candidates who trashed a school with whom they had interviewed while there were six conference attendees in the elevator. Student Affairs is a small profession. I can assure you that someone on that elevator knew someone she was talking about. If you need to vent, do it in the hotel room. Or really far away from the conference site.

Interviewing: there was a rhythm to the madness. I’d interview, go hide out in the bathroom for a little while, write a thank you note, fill up my water bottle, read over my notes for my next interview, and then go to my next interview. Rinse. Repeat.

After my first full day of interviewing, I was absolutely exhausted. I’ve never been so tired before in my life. I wound up going back to the hotel room, taking a shower, double-checking interview times for the following day, and then going to bed—at 8pm. Granted, I had spent a large portion of time that day walking around the city, seeing the sites, doing the touristy thing. But mostly, it was the interviewing that wiped me out—mentally.

The interview process, while grueling, was a great experience. Meeting people in person, rather than interviewing over the phone, gave you a better sense of the people at the institution. You could see their body language and their reactions to your responses. And things come out in the interviews that might not come out in a phone interview—which may make you question your desire to work at the institution.

It was educational. A few things I learned: if you’re gonna go site-seeing, bring sunscreen. Pack a pair of really really comfortable shoes. Try to see as many people as you can. When some of our superstars in the field of Student Affairs are giving a talk, go. Volunteer. Don’t forget to eat. And take some time out for self and just have fun.

That last one is important. We’re fortunate enough to work in a field that is fun. We get to work with students and work FOR students. That’s the most salient take-away from the conference. Have fun. And everything else is just kinda falling into place.

Real World: Job Search #10

Before the Conference [The Art of (Not Being) Subtle]

(This is the first in a series of three where I will reflect on my conference and Placement experience)

About a week out from the conference and from interviewing, I was a little nervous. I only had four interviews. While I acknowledge the fact that I was fortunate to have ANY interviews at all, especially since I know several who are still waiting for that first one to happen, I was wondering if I was wasting my time going to the conference for these four interviews. I could have done them over the phone, after all.

But I took a look at my “Maybe I’ll Apply Here If I Have Time” list and reevaluated some of these positions. I saw something in some of them that I hadn’t before. One school in particular had an entire section dedicated to professional development in their position description. This is something that I value very much. So many of my mentors have said that you need to use your first job to prepare for your last one. I sat down and asked myself where I wanted to end up…and the answer helped me decide to apply to some of these schools on the “maybe” list.

So, four days before the conference, in one day, I applied for six jobs. But this time, it was different. Every position to which I had previously applied, I would submit my application, resume, cover letter, references, etc through their HR website or directly to the person in charge of the search committee.

This time, I forgot the subtlety. I was a lot more direct. I submitted my materials with an accompanying email saying, basically, “Hey, I’m going to be at this conference and I’d really love to interview with you while I’m there.” I knew it was risky. It was a lot more forthright. Would they go for my direct, go-getter approach?

You bet they did. Before the day was over, I had three interview offers for the conference. The next day, I got a fourth offer. And I got emails from the other two schools saying that their schedules were filled up for the conference, but would I be interested in a phone interview? Um. Yes. Thanks.

So with six more interviews added to my schedule, I was feeling pretty good going into the conference. The addition of these interviews did stress me out slightly, because now I had six more schools to research. And hours before my flight, I still hadn’t packed.

And somewhere between packing and the airport, it hit me: this is it. I’m graduating in forty-something days. I’m finding a big girl job. I’m growing up.

Into the Wild...Let the Hunt Begin #11

I was SO not expecting this!

So let me ask a question. What happens when one job is moving at lightening speed while all the other jobs are moving at a jogger's pace? I am asking because I got an offer. Already. It's only mid-March, and I have a job offer.

I asked for some time to think about it because I have interviews with a few other schools in the next few days. But now I'm in this position where I can either a) accept the offer (and it's a good offer, too) or b) roll the dice and try to see if my other interviews will lead to offers. It's really made me re-assess my whole job search process and review my needs. Basically, I need to decide if this job is "the one."

Remember that campus interview I was talking about maybe two or three posts ago? The one where something was holding me back and it was the living situation. Yup, it's that school. Now this offer has me reassessing everything I said before. Again, I took my own advice and talked to people about it. Everyone is telling me that the offer sounds great, I just really need to think about whether or not I could live there. The salary they will give me changes everything because it allows me to move to a much nicer area, which will be safer for a single woman like myself. So let's see now... The job is great, it's exactly what I want. The people are great and really seem to care about helping me make the move to this new area if I decided to take the position. I can really tell they want me--from the first phone interview I could just tell they liked me. I'm not saying that to brag, it just says something about the environment. The people were very down-to-earth. They were responsive and easy to read throughout the whole process. That means a lot to me because I know now that I could work with these people. It's been one of my top choices. My other top choice, though, hasn't gotten in touch yet for a 2nd interview. So I now have to call them and ask where I stand. Even with this clarification, I'll still have a tough decision.

What if my other top choice says I made it to the 2nd round? That's great but it doesn't guarantee me the job. So what I really need to think about is compared to the offer I have, is my other top choice really good enough for me to take the risk and reject my offer? What is missing from this offer that I may get there, or vice versa? I have some decisions to make.

Part of me wants to be adventurous and roll the dice. But the more I compare jobs... the more I realize this offer really is great. Once I got past my fear of living in area I wasn't comfortable with, I was able to really analyze the pros and cons. Here are my pros for this offer:

- Close to my family. I could visit them on weekends and more often throughout the year without having to fly. Other locations I've applied to would only allow maybe 2 visits per year at most because I'd have to fly (which costs $$).
- Great staff structure. I'd like to work with people I met and the team environment of the office is really appealing.
- Medium-sized school. I've applied to a few large state schools, because that's where most of the jobs were at the time, but this school is a smaller size. I always felt like I would feel more comfortable on a smaller campus. My other top choice is a huge state school which makes me a little nervous...
- Student interaction. The job allows for a lot of student interaction and building relationships with students over time. I love that.
- The supervisor. The person who is in charge is amazingly kind. I feel as though I would really benefit from working with her.
- Great salary. I've never been easily seduced by money, but their offer really showed that they are putting their money where their mouth is and it does make a difference.

What about the cons? Hm.. the only things that I can think of are:
- The cost of living is a little high
- The crazy driving may take some getting used to
- The area may not be as green as I'd like (not many trees or much nature to admire, well at least directly near the school. If I move a little east I may get more nature and beaches even)

I'll keep ya'll posted. I'm off to a conference for the next few days and have interviews to do so I can still survey what else is out there, but I'm not sure what's going to come next. I'll either accept this position or roll the dice. It's scary to be in this position so soon! I was SO not expecting this!

Into the Wild...Let the Hunt Begin #10

Let's Talk Professional Development

Okay, I need to get something off of my chest. It is so discouraging to find that an institution, a department, an office, and so on, does not support professional development or does not even have that kind of opportunity on its radar. I was at a conference for the past few days learning and chatting with great people and came to find that some of those people really had no support from their places of business, whether it be financial or moral support. I actually think I've found my "fit" with a professional organization now and I want to continue to go to those conferences (either regional or national) because I got so much out of this one professionally, and personally (yay for new friends!). Now I'm starting to wonder about some of the jobs I've spoken to who appeared to be just "so-so" on the professional development front. While staff meetings can certainly be great ways to develop as a professional, and that's what they say they do, it is no substitution for the support to go to a conference or stay up-to-date on organizational materials/resources. In addition, I love to present (a shocker for an introvert I suppose) and I want to know that my future institution will help me in some way develop presentations for my functional area. I know money is tight everywhere, but where you put it matters and says something. Talking to people who work in offices where they spend the time and the small amount of money to listen to webinars (the entire staff!) was just admirable. I want that. I want an office culture that really values the research out there and the networking that can lead to a great sharing of ideas.

So this conference was a form of my own professional development, right? Let me share what I learned. Top advice from seasoned professionals about job searching:

1) If you have the opportunity at a conference to meet someone who knows a lot of people in your functional area, be sure to stay in touch. One of the people I met apparently remembers everyone he meets, and knows everyone in the functional area. Bet your bottom dollar that I emailed him right when I got home! Great person to have on your side when looking for jobs.

2) If a job interview agenda doesn't include something you'd really want to do, ask for it! As one professional told me, "If the school doesn't give you time to talk to students or see the campus, which does happen unfortunately in our functional area, ask them. As a person who hires entry-level professionals in this area all the time, I would LOVE to hear a candidate say, 'Could you help me set up a campus tour?' or 'How could I incorporate time to talk to some students?' That says a lot about you."

3) As I have heard time and time again, and the seasoned professionals reiterated: You're interviewing the school and much as they are interviewing you. If you ask to meet with students and they are opposed to it, or don't help you with that, well, that right there may be an answer for you as to whether or not that school is for you.

4) Give the people opportunities to get to know you. What I liked about this conference was that, while it was very professional, there was a calmness in the air. It was laid-back at the same time. The professionals got to take the time to know the graduate students attending and really took that stuffy "I must be on my guard all the time to impress you" vibe out of the conference. They said that we will always worry about being professional, and we should be! But there are candidates who are good interviewers...and they want to get past that "interview mode" with graduate students and see your personality and who you really are. If you have the chance to go to dinner with them for example, do so because you can't be on your guard all the time and they want to see that guard drop down.

5) As usual, be yourself. If you are not, then you are interviewing for that job for SOMEONE ELSE and if you accept that offer, YOU won't be happy.

Maybe advice you've all heard, maybe not. But I know this: I have always included questions about professional development opportunities in my interviews and will continue to do so, because conferences like the one I just went to are so valuable in my opinion and I know now that I want to continue my involvement.

Real World: Job Search #9

Spring Break…and preparing for interviews

It’s Spring Break and if you recall, I’m not going anywhere. Instead of spending money on a trip, I’m saving it all for hotel and airfare for conferences and interviews.

I may not have gone anywhere, but I am still enjoying break. I have time to do everything that I haven’t done all semester: reading for fun, watching TV, crafty projects, experimenting with recipes. My apartment has never been cleaner. I’m so incredibly relaxed and refreshed…this is exactly what I needed as the job search/interviewing phase kicks off in high gear!

I have a phone interview this week with one of my top three! Besides all of the fun stuff I’ve done, I’ve spent a pretty sizable portion of time researching the school: its mission, the departmental mission, the kinds of students who attend, the structure of student affairs, the President’s background, the surrounding city…and the list goes on. The more that I research, the more I am falling in love with it.

I’ve also started doing my research on the others with which I have interviews at the conference. I guess I’ve been pretty diverse with my choices of institutional size, location, and to some extent, even position descriptions. It’s important to go into interviews with a general idea of the institution, what it stands for, its goals and values, and the structure of the administration. Knowing all of this information helps me to figure out if the institution is a good “fit” for me personally. It also helps me to generate questions for the interview.

And I had an epiphany after my last post: apparently, I DID think that I needed to apply to more schools. On Saturday alone, I applied for six positions at five institutions. Individualized cover letters and all.

See? I’ve been productive. I’ve even done some homework. I think that sometimes, in the midst of the job search, the anticipation of the future, and all the duties and responsibilities of my assistantship, it’s been easy to forget that I’m still a student. At least for another fifty-something days. There are books to read, projects to complete, papers to write, and finals to take.

It has been so beautiful, weather-wise, that I’ve taken all of my work and just sat outside on campus for hours reading and writing. Campus has been so quiet, with most of the students gone. While I certainly miss them, I am enjoying the peace…and I’m enjoying the productivity.

I thought I’d be pretty miserable staying here (alone) in town, but I have to say…I really love this break!

Into the Wild...Let the Hunt Begin #9

Nervous...

So a lot has happened in just a week. I received a call from the school I had a phone interview with and they wanted to bring me to campus. We'll call them School A. They wanted me in quick--we scheduled for two days after the request. They apologized for the short notice, but really wanted to get the candidates in asap. It wasn't an all-day affair, which was a little disappointing because I had to give myself a tour around campus and didn't get the chance to talk to students about the school. But for two hours I sat through interviews with the search committee and the deans and VPs. Everyone was so nice and it seems like a great job. But I as hopped in my car, the pride that came from the feeling that I made a great impression began to fade. Driving away from campus, I couldn't put my finger on it, but I didn't feel like my search was now over. If the school were to call me and offer me the position, I didn't know if I would accept. That made me nervous. What was holding me back?

The position? Great! The people? Friendly! The campus? Beautiful! The administration? Well, I didn't get to meet many of them, but those who I met were great and spoke highly of the vision of the president. It seems like an exciting time to be a part of the community. So, again, what was holding me back?

As I drove the few hours back to my home, I kept reflecting. I thought about my Top 5 Needs--one of which is to live in an environment that is suburban and natural. Immediately my gut tightened and I realized that was it. The school is not located in a particularly safe area and the off-campus living environment does not match my interests and lifestyle. I arrived home and went straight to my office to talk to my coworkers and supervisor. They picked up on my hesitation and pulled things out of what I was saying. Ultimately, they helped me realize that my hesitation was due to the fact that, while I may love the job, I would not love living there. If I can't go home at night and feel comfortable and happy, then I won't enjoy the job. Going back to the advice a once new-time professional said: It's still your LIFE.

Another sign came when I was asked for a phone interview with a school that was one of my top choices when I was applying for jobs a month or two ago. We'll call them School B. The more research I do on the job, the school, and the staff, the more I fall in the love with it. On top of all that, it's in a location that, for years, I have said I would eventually love to settle down in. It's my kind of area, my kind of people, my kind of climate, my kind of lifestyle. When my supervisor heard this she put me to the test: "Don't think, just answer: If School A and School B have equally great positions and both want you, which would you choose?" My answer? Without hesitation, "School B."

When my supervisor asked why I thought I said School B so quickly, I began to beam as I talked about the school and the surrounding town. She looked to my coworker and said, "Look at her face. Can you see the difference?" My coworker laughed. Apparently I know what I want, but I just need other people to point it out for me.

That's the advice I have for you, readers. If you are confused or unsure, talk to someone about it--someone in the field who has counseling knowledge and can really hear what you're saying. For example, I can't talk to my mother about my confusion because she's so concerned that I just find a job that pays me well so I don't have to worry about my next meal. But student affairs professionals get it and will listen to you. So calm down, nerves. Don't let anyone convince you that you belong somewhere. Just talk it out and have them reflect the meaning of your words. Ultimately you need to go to the place where you feel comfortable. School B is where I would feel comfortable... I just hope I get the opportunity to visit campus.

I still check available jobs to see if anything lives up to School B, but it's a hard school to top. That, alone, speaks volumes and I need to listen to that.

Real World: Job Search #8

How Much Is Enough?

It is now March 1^st and I’ve been actively job searching and applying since the beginning of January. The free time I used to spend dawdling on Facebook is now reallocated to browsing job postings. I haven’t felt the need to apply for every position that I come across; instead, I’ve been focusing on the ones that piqued my interest. I had been doing pretty well; I’ve been applying for 3-4 jobs each week.

But this week, something happened. I found IT. I found the job that made my foot metaphorically pop (see Real World: Job Search #3). It’s perfect. Absolutely everything I want, except for the fact that it’s only an anticipated opening. And now, everything pales in comparison. This anticipated opening has been the only application I’ve submitted all week. After falling in love with position, I’m starting to ask myself: How much is enough?

How do I know when I’m done applying for jobs? Do you say to yourself, “Self, this is good enough. Let’s stop here” and sit and pray that you get a job out of those schools? Or do you keep looking because you never know what will pop up? Do you keep applying because what if you don’t get any of those jobs?

I know that there is no magic number when it comes to applying for jobs. Everyone is going to have his or her own goals. Everyone is looking for something different. And everyone has his or her own level of comfort in the job search process. Me? I’m sitting comfortably at about 15 applications. But I know people who have applied for 50! So how do you know how much is enough for you? How much is enough?

I posed this question to one of our faculty members and I’ve been assured that this is an age-old question. Every year, graduate students ask this question. And the answer is, there is no answer. You can apply for as many jobs as you want, but you only need one job.

Now, March is here…and it’s prime time for interviewing. Conference season is upon us. I’ve got several interviews lined up at the conference I’m attending and a few more phone interviews on the schedule, too.

So…do I stop? Or do I keep going? How much is enough?