Today I drove out to Richland City- one hour and forty-five minutes to the west of Madison. This wasn't a whim- it was a job interview. Actually it was my second one and this one went as well as the first. My first one was with MATC (Madison Area Technical College). Both are two year colleges that filter students into UW-Madison, all their classes transfering with them.

I looked forward to the interviews as interesting ways to meet new people and discuss the job that I enjoy greatly- teaching. It is the best way to see if a position is a good match for you. Comparing the two interviews, there were some interesting differences. At MATC I was interviewed by two gentleman asking more direct questions about qualifications- one the head of the department and one in charge of hiring staff. It was an hour long interview that went very well.

At Richland Center, I was interviewed by the Dean and Associate Dean first. They asked more general questions about teaching- and I was glad I reviewed my educational phsychology class notes before I came. I couldn't really bring up much information about the technical aspects of computer science because they did not have any direct experience. Half way through the interview, I talked with the head of the computer science/physics/astrology department and discussed the more technical aspects of the field. Everyone I met was very nice and thoughtful.

Overall it seems that interviewing is a game- a game of words and image. How you present yourself (black suit, hair up, ...) is very important. Looking people in the eyes is very important. Probly the most important was having good references and I am very fortuante to have three really wonderful references from my time at UW-Madison. The process was a bit stressful, but exciting as well. Perhaps all of my years of teaching have dulled my nerves because I didn't even get a fast heart beat.

Well, I was offered the job at Richland Center at the end of the interview. My first offer after college! They said I was their top pick- I was rather shocked, and while I think I was composed the entire interview, once I heard this I babbled for a bit trying to find words to say more than "Wow" and "thanks," finally getting to "when do I need to let you know my answer."

Right now I am not sure what to do. While the drive out there was beautiful, I am not sure it is possible in winter under two and a half hours (there an back). That is an awfully long time on the road and the classes they want me to teach are every day of the week.