"Just keep swimming" - the job hunt continues

Last week, I found out I had an interview for a job at a university in the south of England.  The job was a research position, using all the skills I've learned throughout doing a PhD.  It required a PhD and reading through the 'essential' and 'desirable' skills on the candidate check list, I felt that I would be able to do the job well.

The interview was at the end of last week, and I felt it went well.  I arrived early, worked out where I needed to be (does any university have a sensible, logical system to the way its buildings and rooms are identified and numbered?!), checked my appearance, had some water, I was feeling quite calm.  At the start of the interview I had to give a five minute presentation about my research skills and experiences, and then they asked me questions.  A few standard questions (why do you think you're the best person for this job? Why would you like to work here?) and then more specific questions about the job itself, how my research skills relate to that, how I would overcome problems I might encounter.  Lots of nodding and smiling from the interviewers, and it was all done in about 25 minutes.

Sitting on the train on my way home, I was texting a few people about it, who had asked how it went.  I replied honestly, that I felt it had gone well, I don't think I could have answered the questions any better than how I did.  However, they asked questions about a specific type of research which I freely admit I don't have experience of - the research project is using several methods of collecting data, I am confident in using all of them except one, which I only know about theoretically.  I made it clear I was willing to learn, but I had a niggling feeling they would prefer someone who had practical experience - and I completely understand this, as an employer I'd probably want the same, too.

I found out yesterday that I hadn't got the job.  I wasn't terribly surprised, as I did have a feeling they wanted a more experienced candidate (this would be my first 'proper' job since finishing my PhD).  The email was perfectly pleasant, thanking me for my time, and explaining how it went to someone who had this specific research experience I lack.  I was sad, though.  It is very hard being rejected, whilst I know they obviously saw something in me (as they gave me an interview) it is frustrating that I didn't make it all the way, especially when I thought it had gone well.

So yesterday lunchtime I was feeling a bit sad.  Nothing a cup of tea, bowl of Heinz spaghetti and sausages and some crochet couldn't fix.

This cute little flower didn't take too long to do.  No idea what I'm going to do with it, but it did the job of cheering me up!  I'm not someone who is sad for long.  The next job application has already been sent off!  Someone will employ me before too long, I'm sure.

Fingers crossed!