In which I apparently read the wrong websites

Also somewhat early on in my job search, I had applied for a job in the programming department of a majorly awesome cable network. One of my favorites. And then I actually GOT A CALL FROM THEM ABOUT IT. Now, I must tell you, this never, ever happens to me ever. I am constantly sending my resume to every television network along with about 8000 other people a day, so naturally I never expect it to actually lead to anything. So when I got a REAL call from a REAL person at the network asking if I was available for a REAL phone interview, I was super, super excited.

"So you'll be interviewing with [X] - he's the head of program development and you'd basically be his right-hand person," the HR lady said. "I'll have him call you at 2:00 tomorrow."

"Great! Great! I'm really looking forward to it! Ok! Good! Excellent! Thank you!" It's probably a good thing she hung up at this point because I was on my way to offering her my first-born child.

Omgomgomgomg. Must start researching! By the end of the night I knew the entire history of the network and every single show and all of their programming decisions and all of the talent and how they were weathering the economy and [X]'s entire life history, including the mascot of his high school. But I wasn't going to mention that! Haa I'm not a psycho! How...haaa...how silly! Haa!

Anyway, my phone rings at precisely 2:00 p.m. the next day and I have had 3 cups of coffee so I am READY. WHEE!

"Hi, [K]? This is [X]. Great to speak with you. You know, I used to work with a [K] at another network. That's funny, you both have the exact same name."

"HAHAHAHAHA! OH WOW, THAT IS A HILARIOUS COINCIDENCE! HAHAHA!" Oh good gravy I need to calm down.

Which I did, and the first half of the interview was totally fine. Blah blah production experience, blah blah media experience, blah blah hardworking detail-oriented blah television yay.

[X]: "Great. Now, what do you watch on television?"

[K]: "Haha, well, of course I watch [major cable network], haha!"

[X]: Silence.

[K]: "Erm...yes, and besides all of those fine quality shows, let's see, I watch LOST, The Office, 30 Rock, Project Runway. Those are probably my favorites. I also watch the news a lot, as I really like to keep up with everything that's happening, especially in politics."

[X]: "The news...I see."

[K]: "Uh...well, you know, because I worked in news, so...it's hard to...to break the habit, haha!"

[X]: Silence.

[K]: Quietly panicking.

[X]: "Now, what are your main websites? Where do you go every day to find out what's happening?"

[K]: "Oh! Well, MSNBC is my home page. I think it's really one of the best news websites. And I check the Drudge Report for breaking news. I generally read the New York Times online and most of the Washington Post online, depending on time. There are so many others, but those are kind of my mainstays."

[X]: "Hmm."

[K]: "Ye...yes?"

[X]: "You don't read Perez Hilton?"

NOTE: I read Perez Hilton EVERY DAY. 5000 TIMES A DAY. Along with People, Gawker, TMZ, the Daily Mail, DListed (thank you S!) and every single other gossip website that everyone reads but generally does not mention DURING A JOB INTERVIEW.

[K]: "Oh gosh, wow, well yes, I do - I...ha...I just didn't think I was supposed to mention that during an interview, ha, and- "

[X]: "Because I read Perez all day. I check him every 10-15 minutes, really."

[K]: "Me too! I mean, I do as well! I- "

[X]: "I find the internet very inspiring. The creativity really helps inspire me, and that's what I'm looking for in this department. I get really inspired by album cover art too. Really. Some of it is just genius."

[K]: "I...I know! There's so much creativity out there, you- "

[X]: "Perez is great."

[K]: "He IS great! He sometimes links to Wonkette, which is another favorite of mine. I also like TMZ a lot, they've always got the funniest stories."

[X]: Silence.

[K]: Nervous silence.

[X]: "TMZ is a little trashy, [K]."

[K]: "Erm." What?

[X]: "What I really need here in this department is someone who really knows what's out there, you know? Someone who is really aware of what's happening in the world, not just in the...'news'."

[K]: "I...yes, I completely agree, I- "

[X]: "We'll be in touch. Thanks."

Dial tone.

Well, in a panic and convinced that I had blown this interview - although unclear as to how, exactly - I tried to email [X] a lovely thank you. When I called the HR lady to ask for his email, she was all, "oh, you can just send it to me. I'll make sure he sees it. Mmm-hmm ok great thanks bye."

Needless to say...I never heard from them again.

In conclusion, here is a typical posting from Perez.

But TMZ? That's TRASHY.