Letters of rejections

The Space Telescope Science Institute sent me a rejection letter. They said I was impressive. I guess I just wasn't impressive enough, eh? Why is it that there aren't more potential employers sending out formal rejection letters? It seems a tad rude. Is it costly? I received a post-card from the NewsJournal upon rejection and maybe a few email rejections. But seriously, if I took the time to craft a well thought out cover letter for you...can't you cook up a nice rejection letter for me? Dang, ya know I'd just rather be accepted than rejected. This positive thoughts. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

willingness to relocate

My email of the week comes from half way across the country. They're advertising my dream job or interface designer. Perhaps it is my dream position but it is sadly not in my dream or realistic geographical region. And it goes a little something like this:
"I'm a recruiter with Epic Systems Corporation and I came upon your resume on CareerBuilder. It looks like your background and interests could be a match for our User Interface Design position. Epic is a healthcare software company based in Madison, WI, and we're currently looking for someone who is looking to use their artistic and technical skills to design more efficient and attractive software.

As a User Interface Designer you'll play a vital role in our development process by steering interface design, creating prototypes, researching the user experience, and collaborating with teams of software developers to promote user-centered design. Candidates should have a degree or substantial coursework in Human Computer Interaction, Interaction Design or have demonstrated experience designing usable interfaces. In addition, we look for a minimum of a bachelor's degree, a history of academic and professional success and a willingness to relocate to Madison, WI.

For more information, or to apply, please visit: http://www.epicsystems.com/jobs"

Yeah so about that

Wednesday's interview was in the Wanamaker Building on the Augustine Cut Off. All in all the experience was fruitful and easy to find. It included 3 interviewers and 3 interviewees (like me). The other candidates in the meeting were surprisingly varied and older than I expected. The 8 people were quite a mix of black, white, young, old, but mostly short as I was the youngest, skinniest, and tallest. Perhaps older programmers need to hit the gym more often to get the circulation going. Hmmm.

Anyhow, there was a quick info session (aka death by power point) and then alot of sitting around making small talk while waiting one's turn for an interviewer. The presentation was short but the interview was candid and short. The time passed more quickly once I actually got to ask specific questions of the interviewer and they asked questions of me. The offer includes 4-weeks of grunt level training with a language for SAP called ABAP at minimum wage and then a nearly expected offer of a real programming job. It's hard to pass up an opportunity that pays me just as much as if I was joining the State Police. Programming is so much safer, ya know?

Switching gears, on Friday I interviewed with the BaltimoreSun.com and it was a bust. For sure it was my worst interview. I've been reassured that we all have them. Unfortunately the roofer's called me about my parents house/roof thrice in total on Friday; once while I was on my way out the door to my interview and then while I was in my interview and again after I hastily switched my phone to silent. I realize it's my fault but interview was pretty much ruined by that point. They were "just calling to double check and make sure that" I got their previous message. I was so embarassed when my phone rang in the middle of the interview. How unprofessional! Why didn't I leave my phone in the car? or put it on silent before? Arrrrrgh! I really wanted that job but it looks like my focus may now shift from Baltimore to more like the Philly area. Hello PANMA!!