Too good to be true

This will be one of those posts where I don't really say anything, I just copy and paste a piece of noteworthy correspondence and allow it to speak for itself. Without further ado, this email appeared in my inbox approximately an hour ago.

I heard from [so-and-so], with whom I share office
space, that you have recently been looking for a
position as an assistant at a literary agency. As you
may already know, she has filled the position at her
agency, however, I'm looking for a new assistant for a
regular full time position as an assistant at my
literary agency.

Duties for this position include answering the phone,
reading manuscripts, drafting letters to send out
(rejections, updates, submissions, etc.), filing,
preparing checks for clients. I'm looking for someone
who is reliable and eager to learn the agency side of
the business. You can learn more about my agency on my
company’s website...

I’m looking to fill this position very quickly as my
current assistant is leaving soon. If you would like
to come in for an interview, please feel free to
contact me. If you are no longer looking for a
position, please disregard this email.

Cordially,

XXX
XXX Agency

Good God. Is that the sound of a door opening? Is this the first step toward the career that I think I want? And did it just fall into my lap? (Incidentally, I have no recollection of the so-and-so to whom the agent refers. Maybe I've become notorious among NYC publishers and literary agents. Haha. Doubtful.)

As usual, my first instinct is that this is a joke/hoax. No second chances if you're behind this one, Clickito.

Fortunately, I've got a backup plan. I've got an interview lined up for Monday. Yesterday I submitted a cover letter and resume to a "trade magazine" that operates out of the Connecticut town of Monroe (a few towns west of New Haven and a little inland). Within two hours of emailing my materials, I got a call from the HR person asking me to come in for an interview. The trade covered by the mag is, apparently, dental equipment. Sounds mundane, to be sure. But the job description makes it sound like I'd be doing a lot of layout and design and copyediting--legit editorial assistant-type stuff. The kind of stuff that stoked my fire at the Herald.

Both of these operations seem like they're eager to make a hire. Looks like I'm in the right place at the right time twice over. What could go wrong?

I'm trying not to get too cosmic about all of this stuff, but quite honestly it seems miraculous that I've got TWO decent prospects lined up within a week of starting to look again. Good thing I'm a *lapsed* Catholic. Otherwise I'd probably be getting my rosary out.

Needless to say, I've got qualms about both of these gigs. (Surprise, surprise.) Nothing serious. I'd probably classify them as butterflies in the stomach. Perhaps the biggest qualm of all is that just when it looks like I'm on the verge of landing a decent job (knock on wood), I get a tip on a casting call for a reality show about unmotivated schmucks who watch television all day and drink all night. Figures.