Happy Thanksgiving!

The Time Monster

Ok, overdue for musings and self-pity-ing on this blog.

I have come to the conclusion that closing dates are insidious things. How long after a closing date should one conclude "They have chosen someone else, move on!"?

Several positions I really was interested in closed Monday, November 10. Friday was the 14th. If I was not contacted by then should I conclude "lost cause" or keep hope a few more days, since Tuesday was a holiday?

On the other hand, several positions I've applied for closed on Friday, How long into next week should I sit by the phone?

Oh, sometimes I wish I could pick up the phone and call (or email) the HR department and say "wasssup with the position?" But that's the 'kiss of death', I've heard.

Other positions are now closing in DECEMBER. Or listed as "open until filled".

Another aggrivation is the notices "that position was filled internally. Thank you for applying. Good luck in your job search". If the position was advertised with the intention of being filled internally all along, it would have been nice to know. I've come across a few postings like this that DID say "internal applicants only".

This week makes two months without work (since mid-September) and I'm starting to get worried. Thus, the Time Monster (Season 9, 3rd Doctor, story-arc 64). My wife is really getting serious about my applying at Toys "R" Us for seasonal help. I quake in my TARDIS at that thought!

Well, there is an Educational/Librarian job fair coming up in early December.* The problem there is it's mostly geared towards schools looking for TEACHERS, not Media Specialists or counties looking for Librarians.

I'm really hoping some one will call me in for an interview this week. Otherwise, it's going to be a skimpy Christmas for the Time Kids.

"The Director" (former)

*Felgercarb! I just found out that the career expo has been cancelled and may be rescheduled for the spring semester!

Wish me luck

Several positions are 'closing' this week, a few on Monday the 10th and more on Friday the 14th!

Fingers crossed!

Another disappointing email

This was from a University near me, wouldn't have meant I have to move:

Thank you for your interest in our position. I regret to inform you that due to the current budget situation, we are not going to proceed with filling the position at this time.

Oh well. I've so far received three rejection letters out of about 18+ applications. Most I haven't heard a peep from, and three I've gotten cards or emails or even actual letters letting me know they've received my ap packet and will let me know (see previous post). Some of the aps are online applications, and so you get immediate feedback such as 'you've successfully applied for X job'.

nice letter from HR dept

Here is the slightly edited text of a letter I received today:

"Dear Mr _______,

Thank you for your interest in employment with X. We recently received your application/resume for our Librarian position in X Library. As the search process continues, you will be notified if any further action on your part is necessary. All candidates will be notified at the conclusion of the search."

They then invited me to visit their website for more information about the library facilities and the town.

I opened it expecting a rejection notice, so was pleasantly surprised! I thought it a very nice letter.

'The Director'

Economy prompts increased Library Use!

The full story is here:
Library use rises as economy falls

in part,

Haverhill assistant library director Susan Katzenstein said the city's public library is usually "an incredibly busy place." But nowadays, "our usage is through the roof."

The Haverhill library is not alone. Across the region, local public libraries are reporting a surge in use, a trend officials tie directly to the economic hardship many are facing.

"People don't have as much disposable income, so the library provides an easier resource for books," [NOBLE executive director Ronald Gagnon] said, noting other materials, such as DVDs and CDs, that libraries offer. "It just flies in the face of people who say, 'Who needs libraries anymore?' "

... some librarians express concerns about their ability to accommodate growing numbers of patrons as their own budgets become tighter.

"We hope people realize that in tough times, it's important to keep the library service going so people have a place to come," [library director Deborah] Abraham said.

Blackmore's Night 'Secret Voyage'

Ok, so I'm not searching for jobs all the time. I needed a break, and heard that Blackmore's Night had a new album out. So when I opened my email and found a 40% off all CDs coupon from Borders Rewards, I thought it would be a good diversion.

Frankly, it is their best album yet. The group is maturing, and has added some interesting orchestration to their music. It's not just the 'renaissance folk rock' sound. Oh, that's still there, the recorders, the flute, the acoustic and electric guitar of Ritchie Blackmore, the vocals of Candice Night, the period instruments. and the usual moderinizing of traditional renaissance dance tunes. But they've added an interesting and needed dimension to the music with this album (which is also available on vinyl, by the way!).

(Interesting note: the opening tune, "God save the keg", was used as the Bridal March for Candice when she and Ritchie married earlier this month.)

If you've not heard them yet, or have heard them but just not in a while, I recommend this album.