Into the Wild...Let the Hunt Begin #15

Keeping Those Connections

I'm still in limbo, but the light is at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. The institution called me to keep me updated. The last thing is a signature from the President so I can get my official offer letter and such. So even though I'm in limbo, it was the appropriate time to begin withdrawing my names from other schools. That was probably the most difficult thing I've done since when I was selecting my graduate school.

While my job search timeline is by no means the typical, and it moved much quicker than I was expecting, I am sure that the experience will resonate with many of you who may be ready to receive offers as well. You get to meet people from all of these great institutions that you've applied to and for many of them, you may have enjoyed the interview process. But you can only choose one place right? So I just realized that that there are least 3 schools that I had to withdraw from that I enjoyed so much that the act of withdrawing was actually really difficult for me.

I asked my advisor how to gracefully handle this situation. I talked about how for these 3 schools, it was hard for me because who knows what might have happened if the circumstances were different and their timeline was quicker than what it actually is now. I liked what I saw! It's just too bad I wasn't able to pursue them more. But I made a great decision and so they deserve to know that they can focus on other candidates. My advisor suggested writing an honest email about what I enjoyed in their interviews and about the school, to keep bridging those connections. So when I wrote them, I was sure to include how difficult of decision it was for me but I appreciated their time, consideration, and really admire what they have going on.

The responses that I got back were overwhelmingly positive and flattering. They each told me they were happy to see I found a good fit, but were sad to lose one of their stronger candidates for the position. They also told me to keep in touch and look at their institutions in the future.

Bottom line: it's great if you can keep these connections. Even if these schools that you are applying to do not have that dream job now, they might in the future. So if you make a good impression, they'll remember you when the time comes along that they will have your dream job and you apply for it. Although I'm going to be working at a great school for my first job, in a few years when I eventually do all I can there and need to grow and move on...perhaps one of these other institutions that already know me will have something available. It's just not meant to be right now, but maybe we'll cross paths down the road. In such a small field, keeping those bridges and networks will help. So focus on the present and your first job, but keep your options open for the future!