Hiring during November/December

[Reporter4]

I'm looking to move up to a larger market as a reporter. I'm wondering if this is a bad time to be sending out tapes. My contract expires early next year.

Do stations still hire during November/December, or do they usually prefer to wait until the new year?

Any advice about how to get News Directors' attention during sweeps/the holidays?

Thanks!

[FrontierMan]

This isn't the best time of the year to be looking.

[Obewon]

There's really nothing you can do to get the average ND's attention at this time of the year. They are going flat out with the sweeps and after that it is pure exhaustion until after the first of the year when they start working on sweeps again.

There's nothing wrong with sending a tape, but don't expect any phone calls, much less an interview.

[Gail sirens]

Send the tapes.
If you catch the attention, they'll call you, no matter what's going on.

[Omega Man]

A good manager is always looking for new talent. Send the tape.

[DoneThatToo]

Agree. It is not going to hurt you to send the tape. But if there are open positions they are likly to remain open until next year. November / December openings are excellent ways to help end the year closer to the budget!

[Sir Dropham Pants]

There are openings year round. Send the tape. Send me a pm if you want some specific info.

[Jane Craig]

Send the tape. You never know, and because people think there is less chance that time of year, the ND's stack may be a little shorter and when there's some December downtime, he or she just may take a look.

Often hires aren't made until after the new year for financial reasons, as others have mentioned. But interviews may take place. Never wait until a "better time." The best time is always now.

[rootboyslim]

Sending a tape won't hurt, but I always found August to be prime hiring time.

[A M Anchor]

Send the tape. If the ND really needs someone in the position, they will make filling it a priority.