It's a good thing I did not get that job at Macy's, because a much, much better opportunity has fallen into my lap!
A bit of background: Around the same time I applied to Macy's, my adviser at Cal Poly Pomona's student newspaper told me about a job opening at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune (he worked there for more than 20 years before retiring a couple of years ago). I applied for the job -- a position as an editorial assistant -- but didn't hear back for a few weeks, so after sending along a couple of other e-mails and calls, I figured the position was taken.
However, a few days ago, the managing editor of the paper e-mailed me back, apologizing for the delayed response, and told me that while the editorial assistant position was quickly filled, there was another opening that was more up my alley: A five-month stint as a full-time copy editor/page designer for their copy desk, which works on eight different newspapers. He wants me to come in Monday for an interview and to take their editing test.
So, I am pretty damn excited! I'm cracking the books in preparation, haha. Pretty sure that the Tribune works by the Associated Press stylebook, and while I know that like the back of my hand, it never hurts to give it another thorough read. Plus, I have to drill into my head all the common sense things to look for aside from grammar/style errors (obviously incorrect facts, biased headlines/leads, sloppy page design, etc.).
After a year with no work, I'm going to be honest and say I started to question the path I took, but with this opportunity, I can say I feel that fire again! I'm going to go in there and work my ass off to make sure I get that job.
