Because some of you asked about the interview-that-won't-lead-to-an-offer, I thought I would share the crux of the mis-match:

Now that some firms are hiring again, the best way to approach the job market is by asking yourself: "Where do I want to be five to 10 years from now, and how do I get there?" - Paul Bernard
4 Tips for Getting Hired in the Improving Job Market

I always do this exercise prior to job interviews.  Unlike my husband, for example, who has a finely honed development skill that he applies to many different companies, products, types of software, I have a toolbox of different skill-sets that can be applied to a variety of job types. He tells me lovingly it makes me an excellent commodity in the job market. However, it does mean I have to define and manage my career with an eye towards the long term. Mere employ-ability does not a rewarding career make.

If I don't manage my positions carefully, I risk ending up doing work I am good at, but that does not excite me. Because I have experience and skills in many areas, choosing the wrong position means unhappy employers or clients, and more frequent job changes.  Because I am a people-person, I enjoy developing and maintaining relationships for the long term.

As I try to broaden my ability to be "A Consultant," at a minimum that means acquiring clients and providing excellent services.  That would be hard with a long-term, full-time job.  I suspect the two are mutually exclusive for me, since I really like my evenings and weekends. I believe it would be especially hard with a full time job because of the work style and culture.

During the interview I was asked to describe why the position was a good fit for my career path.
Uh-Oh. I had spent about a week, trying to answer this question.  And my answer had a lot of "IFs":

• IF it is only two years...
• IF it is just this one, interesting project...
• IF it allows me to be a part of a specific community...

You see, one reason I jumped at the position was because it was posted as a two-year contract.  A longer contract than I perhaps wanted, but a good, steady position with very interesting work.  So when they asked, I said it was a good match because:

• The work was interesting
• The goals were aligned with my values
• I Love UC (Alumna, after all)
• The contract is two years

I thought it would be seen as a BENEFIT to them, to find someone who really did want exactly what they were offering: A temporary position. BAD ASSUMPTION.
In reality, they clarified, they hope to make the position permanent.

So that is it.  I applied for a position that was explicitly two-years and project based...which is not what they actually want. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, because in all other ways, I am a Lego fit for their criteria (they can just snap me into every aspect of what they need to build) .