flying out for interview

[WX GUY]

Hey Guys.. Would like some advice from those of you who have done this before.

I`m being flown out for an interview this week- this would be a potential position for my second job. I`ve never been flown out before, and although very excited about where I may get a chance to work, i`m understandably nervous.
Any interview advice? What can I expect? They`ve booked the flight and put me up in a nice hotel as well.

Also- I know flying out for an interview dosen't mean you`ve landed the job, but its obviously a good sign, right?

Thanks for the advice in advance.

[Newsbiatch]

I was flown out for an interview once...didn't get the job.

But then the next time it happened, I got hired. It's a roll of the die. Just be confident. If you act like you "belong" there, it seems to work.

[adam & doctor drew]

Originally posted by Newsbiatch:
I was flown out for an interview once...didn't get the job.

But then the next time it happened, I got hired. It's a roll of the die. Just be confident. If you act like you "belong" there, it seems to work.what she said... anytime you go into these NOT desperately needing the job, they go better.

look at it this way: you're interviewing THEM as much as they're interviewing you.... it's very possible you may see or hear something that makes you NOT want to work there.

so relax and just go into it thinking it's a free trip and a fact-finding tour.... nothing more.

[WX GUY]

*if* they are interested, do they usually discuss whether YOU are, and discuss contracts (without signing there of course), or do they usually end the trip with "well, we`ll call you..."

[Down The Highway]

Obviously you aren't a photographer if you are being flown out.

[live.local.latebroken]

The other poster was right, being flown out to a station doesn't mean you've nailed the job.

Years ago, for my second job, a station flew me in. The ND was helping me put my luggage in his hatchback when I shut the thing on his head. OUCH! To my surprise, I landed the job.

The last station to fly me in was in New Orleans---boy am I glad that job didn't pan out.

[WX GUY]

but its obviously a good sign though,. right?

how does it usually end? I mean- when you're ready to go home from it, does the Nd say anything? do you have to wait weeks for any response?

[ September 18, 2005, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: WX GUY ]

[LMS]

Yes, it's a good sign. Don't overthink it.

If you are on-air, and I'll guess from your moniker that you are, they are flying you out to see how you interact in person with the people you're sharing the desk with. The more your job requires you to be on the desk the more likely it is they will fly you out.

Now, I'm going to break the cardinal rule, and say that what you should have done by this point is ask how much they're thinking of paying you. For future reference, you should do this before you hang up the phone with them on the call when they say they want to fly you in. It should never be the first thing you ask on the phone, but it should be near the end. You both need to know if you and they are in the right ballpark. Thee is nothing wore than getting there, talking money, and finding out you're world's apart. Better to know right now and not get the fly in.

What I've found is that most people at your stage of the game are scared to talk about money. It's the elephant in the room, because you are desperate for the job. So my one piece of advice for you is this - if you know what you are worth, everything is negotiable. They are interested in you, so relax, you've cleared a major hurdle. That means you have at least a little hand. Use it. Don't ask for the moon, but just keep it in mind that you now have, for just about the only time in the process, a little power. Use it to get what you think you deserve for the skills you bring to the table.

Other than that, don't get all googley eyed at the site of a larger newsroom. Be polite to the staff but don't suck up. Read the local papers before you get there. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Know a little about local politics. Know who they station's ownership group is. Be wearing a tie at least when you get off the plane, preferably a suit. Just be prepared and you'll do fine.

God luck.

[Pro]

Yes, it is a good sign, especially these days. It used to be the stations routinely flew 4-5 people in for all management and on-air jobs. Not anymore. If they fly anyone in at all, it's usually only the top 2 (maybe 3) candidates.

But nothing in s guaranteed until you have an offer in hand. And that is almost NEVER made at the interview (although I was offered a AND job during an interview once, but that was almost 15 years ago).

At the end, tell the ND (if you still want the job) something like "I've been very impressed with what I have seen and the people I've met. I'd like to pursue this further. Let's stay in touch!" Make sure to get his/her business card. Then, ASAP, send a follow-up "thank you" letter or e-mail. Tell him/her that you've been doing a lot of thinking about the position, and you are ready to "hit the ground running".

The rest is up to them.

It happens that sometimes stations fly you in, give you the royal treatment, then all you get back is a form rejection letter. Don't take it personally, it happens to the best. Just regard it as a learning experience, paid for by someone else.

[a shooter]

Originally posted by Spoony Luv:
Obviously you aren't a photographer if you are being flown out.i'm a photographer and have been flown out for an interview - got the job, too.

[ September 18, 2005, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: a shooter ]

[Reporter2999]

The one thing I have learned during the interview process is, don't believe a thing they tell you, until you have an actual offer. The whole thing is a game - if you overplay your hand, you've lost.

Someone mentioned this previously and I can't emphasize this enough: you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Always think, is this a station I want to work at? Talk to the people in the newsroom. Are they miserable? Do they hang their heads low? Are they pumped up and do they speak glowingly of the place? I once had an interview and one of the reporters whispered to me, "Do yourself a favor. Run as quickly as you can."

Needless to say, I didn't take the job.

[Lucille]

I was flown out once to a station in Little Rock. They put me up in a fine room at a beautiful hotel. They invited me to dinner with the ND, AND, and Assignment Editor. I was working in a small market at the time as a weekend anchor. This position would be a morning anchor. I did an on set audition with the male morning anchor. I will be brutally (and embarrassingly) honest here. I was a small town girl, barely a year's experience and I was scared to death. I think I tried to act cool and "big market worthy" during the interview. I believe that hurt me. I'm normally a sweet, soft spoken little lady, but I thought they would like me better if I was all confident and agressive. I guess they didn't dig my act because I didn't get the job. But I also didn't get a rejection letter, a phone call, not even an email saying we don't want you. That was very rude in my opinion.

I guess my advice to you is to be yourself. That's so stinking hard to say and even more difficult to do, but try your best.

Good luck!!

[Reporter2999]

Originally posted by Lucille:
But I also didn't get a rejection letter, a phone call, not even an email saying we don't want you. That was very rude in my opinion.Amen, Lucille. I have experienced much of the same thing during my career. In fact, I have found that it's always been very rare to hear back after an interview. I hate to categorize news directors with a stereotype, but they don't have reputations as the most considerate, touchy-feely people in the world, as a whole. It's all about them and what's best for the station. All about the bottom line. If you're not the one, you're basically discarded, in their eyes. You're quickly forgotten.

On the other hand, I have had some terrific discussions with news directors in situations where I wasn't the one chosen. One even offered to suggest me for an opening in another market that might be a better fit for me. Some are super cool. Some are classic jerks. Like life, you will find both during your career.

[triumph]

I was in a similar situation, salary was discussed before the flight and a job offer was not made when I left...even though I got the job. Hope that helps, good luck and most of all - have fun!

triupmph

[LMS]

The previous poster makes an imortant point. You will most likely not get a job offer while you are there. This is not a bad sign or a good sign. But really, if the do offer you a job while you are there, don't take it yet. Get a copy of the contract, have lawyer look it over, and treat it as the jumping off point for a negotiation.

Good luck!

[adam & doctor drew]

here's one more thing: if it ever DOES get to the point where they make an offer, try to talk to a few people who work there, or a few who used to work there...

more importantly, try to track down the person who HAS your job, or most recently had it.

they'll give you invaluable insight to what you may be getting yourself into.

I've turned down a few jobs based on honest, real assessments of the job and the station I got... and believe me, you won't get THOSE from the ND or GM.

[Delicious Bass]

Originally posted by adam & doctor drew:
here's one more thing: if it ever DOES get to the point where they make an offer, try to talk to a few people who work there, or a few who used to work there...

more importantly, try to track down the person who HAS your job, or most recently had it.

they'll give you invaluable insight to what you may be getting yourself into.

I've turned down a few jobs based on honest, real assessments of the job and the station I got... and believe me, you won't get THOSE from the ND or GM.Very true. Make the most of your time there and talk to as MANY people in the newsroom as possible. Don't ever rely on one person's view of the place - he or she may have a personal vendetta or be clouded by their particular situation. Talk to lots of people and you should get a realistic consensus of what type of place it is.

[Sultanosurf]

Wow, sorry A&DrD, but contacting whoever you could be replacing is a bad idea. For a ton of reasons.

WXGUY and anybody else, if you're being flown in you're among 3 candidates, and maybe somebody else in-house. Be yourself, be professional, and stay focused. You'll run the gauntlet with EPs, Asst NDs, etc, but remember the most important impressions are those of the GM and ND.

Also consider people are checking you out to see what personality you bring to the newsroom as much as on-air, so try to avoid politics and weird stuff from your past.

Be clear up front on your expenses. Some of the biggest corporations are getting screwier on reimbursing, or even asking you to pay for portions of your trip. Pay as little as possible out-of-pocket and don't be surprised if it takes weeks or more to cycle back your expenses.

Most of all, be prepared for rejection. Unlike baseball, where hitting .250 means a paycheck, if you're 1 of 4 up for the gig the odds aren't in your favor. Be gracious, be considerate, and know that any number of factors affect who they hire instead of you. Somebody from their group could get the job, even if they aren't as sharp. But that contact you made could still mean another shot somewhere down the road.

Good luck.

[Roy Hobbs]

This time I got the job without flying in (thank you Bob Hillman of Career Videos)...and boy was I glad--all that flying makes my arms tired. :-P

[adam & doctor drew]

Originally posted by Sultanosurf:
Wow, sorry A&DrD, but contacting whoever you could be replacing is a bad idea. For a ton of reasons.
sultan, I should've clarified.

I'm talking, of course, about contacting a person who's leaving or already left voluntarily.
obviously if someone's job is posted and they don't know it, you don't contact em.

but I'm curious, why do you think it's a bad idea to thoroughly research something before you sign up?

[ September 19, 2005, 01:29 AM: Message edited by: adam & doctor drew ]

[Deconstruction Inc.]

WX GUY, congrats! I agree with what many have said already. A very good sign BUT not a lock on the job. I was flown in for my second job. Got it. Flown in for third job, got it... BUT I was one of at least a few that were flown in. It easily could've gone to someone else.

Also, be confident but don't be cocky.
We had a guy flown in here a few years ago. He walked around the station acting like he had already signed the contract. Was in the newsroom asking about apartments and banks to open accounts and being very loud and obvious about it. He didn't get the job.

Don't be that guy. ;)
Keep it cool and good luck!

[ September 19, 2005, 01:28 AM: Message edited by: Deconstruction ]

[WX GUY]

thanks for the advice guys...
I`m looking forward, although I am pretty nervous.. this is my first time so its not like I`m walking in there knowing what to expect. I will just play it cool, act myself and be personable and hopefully things will work out!!

[facts]

that's exactly right. it's yours to lose, basically.

be yourself.. have fun, wear a new suit.. and you'll be fine.

[Sultanosurf]

A&DrD, It's a good idea to research a station, mgmt, and the ownership group. It's a bad idea to contact who you're replacing, which was part of what you suggested. You get the drift.

[WX GUY]

what can you expect whe it comes to meals? i know youre there to make an impression, but is it uncomfortable when youre eating with the nd or whomever? how does that usually go?
haha I know I`m getting into details, but like I said - first time, I`m confident but nervous at the same time

[WeatherSlave]

I HATE the meals. Here's where you have to be Mr./Ms. Manners. Of course, the best thing to is order something small, and something that doesn't require the use of hands. They always seem to ask you important questions when your mouth is full - obviously, NDs and GMs are trained to do this by the wait staff!!!

But, what I was gonna say, from a different perspective - If they are flying you out, the job is yours to lose!!!

[WX GUY]

ok.. I probably sound really dumb.. but "the job is yours to lose".. what exactly does that mean?

does it basically mean that I have a great chance, but its up to me to F` it up if i do?

[facts]

yes, pretty much.

basically, when I was in a hiring capacity, if I flew you out, it meant that your experience matched my requirements, I liked your presentation on tape, and possibly I called my local affilate in town and asked about you.
(your competitor will always be honest about you.. if you're good, they want you to leave. if you're lousy, they'd love for you to stick around).

So by the time you got on an airplane, you'd passed all my requirements. The face to face was just to double check you.. how you fit in to the whole team. A first date, sort of.

Assuming you don't undo any of the initial impressions I had from the tape, you get the job.

So yours to lose.

Now, the other important function of going out and visiting is to make sure THEY fit in with what YOU want. So they're on display too. As a hiring manager I always thought this an important function - I want you to be happy with your new job - happy people are hard workers - so if I didn't fly you out and you just showed up to work and hated the city and didn't like the set and etc etc.. I didn't make a very good hiring decision, because now I have someone who is not happy.

So keep that in mind.. you're interviewing them too. Benefits, physical plant, ratings, etc.

[StormGod]

Ya thats basically what it means. Use the old NASA prayer here.... "Please God, Don't Let Us Screw Up!"

[facts]

Funny story..

I once worked as executive producer and the ND flew a guy out to anchor my show. I met them at the restaurant, but I was early. I met them at the door.

So when they show up, the guy thought I was the maitre d'.

Yours to lose smile.gif

(he got the job, by the way)

[WX GUY]

so i guess its all about the impression that you make..
we`ll see what happens..
i go out thursday.. wish me luck!

any last minute advice - let me know!

[Sultanosurf]

On meals, it's just like any first date. No finger food, no spaghetti. No booze. (OK, so that part's not like a first date)

And no, the job is not your's to lose. It's theirs' to give. And you are usually among 3 or 4 candidates.

Be yourself and don't try too hard. It's the same kind of advice I give to people for their demo reel. Don't make it so perfect you can't back it up with the real you.

Be sure to keep your receipts from all other meals, btw. Anything associated from when you leave your door until you arrive back should be reimbursable.

Now relax and enjoy the show!

[s'news]

Check your fly.

[Delicious Bass]

Originally posted by Sultanosurf:
And no, the job is not your's to lose. It's theirs' to give. And you are usually among 3 or 4 candidates.This is very true. Chances are, if they're flying you out, they're pretty interested. But in all honesty, you may simply be their "backup" plan. They have to have those too, in case their top choice doesn't pan out. If they say things like, "you're our leading candidate", take it with a grain of salt. Maybe you are and maybe you're not.

[Mom]

A meal is usually included in the interview process because, well, people get hungry at various times throughout the day. But, an employer will also be taking note of your table manners or lack thereof. Seriously. How many have ever sat down to eat with a co-worker or friend and watched them hold their fork like a two-year old would? Doesn't immediately change your impression of the person? If you're the interviewee I suggest the following etiquette in a restaurant during an interview:

1) Don't order the most expensive thing on the menu or something fatty or fried. Even if the person interviewing you orders up a big ol' bowl of pork rinds, order a salad ... or soup and salad or 1/2 sandwich and salad. If you're going for an on-air position they'll want you to at least appear that you're health and weight conscious.

2) Keep your elbows off the table.

3) Don't talk with food in your mouth but also don't wash down food with your drink.

4) put your fork down on the plate in between bites.

5) Keep your napkin on your lap and use it if you feel that you have food on your face in between bites. Dab, don't wipe.

6) If the person hosting you suggests that you try some dish that they're having but it's something you don't like, don't order it. Better to be honest than to go through a whole meal pretending to eat something that makes you want to gag.

7) Don't focus on the food. Focus on the person/people you're with. If you try really hard not to spill your glass of water, chances are you'll spill your glass of water. Don't think about it.

8) The potential employer will try his/her best to make you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down. It's great to be able to relax in that situation but never let your guard down completely. Yes, be more casual. Yes, converse on a variety of topics but don't get too familiar or tell your favorite bawdy joke, even if someone else does.

9) Use the meal as an opportunity to get to know the potential employer. Realize that you're interviewing the station's GM and/or ND just as much as they are you.

10) Don't order dessert unless everyone else is. Not because you'll look like a pig or greedy but because you'll be the only one eating and everyone else will be watching you eat. I don't know about you but I hate having people watch me eat.

[triumph]

There seems to be some debate about how many other canditates there are, I'd say that if it's a mid-market gig, there's a good chance that you're the only guy they are going to fly out for now. If they like you it's done, otherwise they'll start to seriously consider someone else. If it's big-time major market work, they probably are flying out 2-4 people just like you. Good luck and listen to Mom about the dinner. If you want dessert and a cocktail, have it after they drop you off at your hotel after dinner.

triumph

[WX GUY]

hahah.. thanks guys.. I don't care about the food itself, I was just worried how that goes. But thanks to everyone that gave input.. this is definitely a thread to check before I go again.

And by the way.. the last post claimed mid-market jobs maybe only fly 1-2 people out- what would you consider mid-market? I`m *thinking* that this place is that, although I`ve heard different things from different people.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

I once had a ND order three gin and tonics at dinner. I passed. On the drinks and the job.

Good thing too - the place was a trainwreck. Geee, I wonder why? Hmmmmmmmmm. I just goes to show that you are also interviewing the people you will work with. Choose carefully.

And photogs do get fly-in interviews. I've had three.

[RoyMcAvoy]

My first job came off a wild interview for a photog spot.

Small market in the Midwest. I each lunch with the ND on a Saturday at the local country club. Things are going well throughout. I seem qualified for this $6.50/hour job. ND jumps me off at the station to go along with crews. I spend the next seven hours helping out with VO/SOTs, watching the early newscast and meeting everyone.

Then we all go out.

ND meets me at a line-dancing bar, a former K-Mart on the main drag. He's buying drinks...I'm drinking drinks...so is my wife (fiancee at the time). ND hugs all of the women he knows in the joint. After three hours of drinking, dancing to country music and learning how to line-dance for the first time, we go back to the hotel and crash.

Forget lunch...let them take you line dancing! Even if it is so 1996.

[upandown]

Of course it's good. Not a lock...and they may fly others in, as well, but it's good. What have they told you, or what has your agent told you?

They're bringing you in because they want to see you in three dimensions. It speaks well them to fly you in. You shouldn't expect less.

They want to see how tall you are, how you dress, how you conduct yourself. They want to take you to dinner and see if you have table manners. They want to view, touch, and listen to their potential investment WITHOUT GLASS separating them.

Consider the trip a compliment.
Be yourself---and assuming you don't have horns, you'll be fine, either way.

[ September 19, 2005, 07:14 PM: Message edited by: upandown ]

[ewink]

Originally posted by a shooter:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Spoony Luv:
Obviously you aren't a photographer if you are being flown out.i'm a photographer and have been flown out for an interview - got the job, too.</font>[/QUOTE]Same here.

[Delicious Bass]

Originally posted by upandown:
They want to see how tall you areHuh?? What is this, an NFL scouting combine or a job interview? Heck, Tom Cruise is 5'5 or so and that hasn't stopped him.

[facts]

Originally posted by Sultanosurf:
On meals, it's just like any first date. No finger food, no spaghetti. No booze. (OK, so that part's not like a first date)
Also sex is probably unlikely.

[facts]

Originally posted by Delicious Bass:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by upandown:
They want to see how tall you areHuh?? What is this, an NFL scouting combine or a job interview? Heck, Tom Cruise is 5'5 or so and that hasn't stopped him.</font>[/QUOTE]Upanddown did not mean that literally. He was saying they want to see you in ways that they cannot see you on a tape. You can't tell how tall someone is on TV. It's just an example.

[upandown]

I meant that literally.

I know of one anchor who has been passed over because of his shorter stature in person.
Potential employers worried that, at public appearances, he might have less than a commanding presence.

[ September 20, 2005, 10:25 AM: Message edited by: upandown ]

[WX GUY]

a little bump action ? :rolleyes:

[Delicious Bass]

Originally posted by WX GUY:
im medium height so hopefully theyre not looking for a giant or a midget..

anyway, was wondering- last time i spoke to the Nd was last week.. he said we`ll talk before you leave- but I fly out this Thursday- when should I expect to hear from him, or should I call? I`m sure he`ll get back to me before my flight, right?

haha.. i know i`m panickingDepends. Some news directors turn everything over to their 'assistants' to form your schedule. When I interviewed in Seattle, the news director never even called to say he wanted to bring me up. His 'assistant' called and set the whole thing up and when the news director picked me up at the airport, it was the first time I had spoken to him.

[Sultanosurf]

C'mon, is this a fake post?

WXGuy, does your current boss call you up to see if you're going to work every day? The schedule's set, live your life and show up on time. And remember your prospective ND is dealing with a myriad of challenges every day, including the 2 or 3 other candidates.

You've gotten plenty of info here. Time to buck up and do the gig.

[Delicious Bass]

Originally posted by Sultanosurf:
C'mon, is this a fake post?

WXGuy, does your current boss call you up to see if you're going to work every day? The schedule's set, live your life and show up on time. And remember your prospective ND is dealing with a myriad of challenges every day, including the 2 or 3 other candidates.

You've gotten plenty of info here. Time to buck up and do the gig.It is a little suspicious, but methinks WXGuy is just a newbie and a bit scared of what's to follow. I know I was probably trembling during my first couple of interviews. If you're used to working at your tiny little station, walking into a bigger market can definitely be a bit intimidating. Who here can't relate to that?

Regardless of whether it's a fake post or not, it's brought up some good issues and I've enjoyed reading everyone's advice.

[ September 20, 2005, 08:56 PM: Message edited by: Delicious Bass ]

[WX GUY]

actually, its not a fake post- you can clearly see i`ve been a member for some time now.
I was just nervous- although I already have a job, this is my first real interview for one (current job was right out of college, so phone interview basically was the extent here)

I don't mean to continue asking the questions then- I got and appreciate all everyone has contributed.

But don't start saying its a fake post, just because someone is asking for some advice- isn't that what this board is for anyway?

[Jane Craig]

Good luck, and please keep us posted. Being flown out is, as others have said, a good sign but by no means a "gimme." Scope out the situation, see how the newsroom feels to you -- it truly is as much of a chance for you to get a sense of their shop as it is for them to interview you. In-person interviews aren't about skills -- they're a chemistry test.

[s'news]

Let's hope the hurricane doesn't cause a flight glitch for you.

(I just wanted to give you one more thing to worry about.)

[upandown]

You're on the verge of analysis paralysis.
You sound desperate, like a teenage girl worrying about her first date.

No more bumping.

This thread is finished until you report back with results.