News Director's Thoughts

[anyonesguess]

Here's my situation: I applied for a recent job and thought I would email the news director to see how their search was progressing. I am going to be in town and told the news director this. I got this response:

"I am getting close to making a decision, but regardless of how that turns out, I would like to meet with you when you come out. Can you come by for a visit?"

I have been very persistent with this news director for over a year now (was rejected for a previous job) ... are they finally giving in to see me just to get me off their back?
Or can I assume I am a finalist for the position? Is there the possibility this is just a "meet and greet"?

Any thoughs would be greatly appreciated!

[John M.]

Originally posted by anyonesguess:

Can I assume I am a finalist for the position?
No. You may not be a finalist (and probably aren't if my reading of it is correct). But you should approach the meeting as if you are.

The ND has obviously seen something he likes or he wouldn't waste the time to meet with you. Have another tape of more recent work ready. Have another resume ready. In case the newsroom cat clawed apart the first one.

Most important: Have something to say for yourself about why the station should hire you. Something that addresses the station's needs, not yours.

[Gil]

Good news directors are always interviewing, because the openings are frequent and it is great to have a candidate in the pipeline.

You may or may not be up for this job, but obviously the ND has a high enough regard for what you've shown so far to warrant a face to face meeting.

Take advantage of the opportunity.

[adam & doctor drew]

there's no way you're a finalist when the ND hasn't even interviewed you.

but the fact that he invited you in is a good sign.

[ May 23, 2007, 11:04 PM: Message edited by: adam & doctor drew ]

[Roy Hobbs]

Originally posted by Gil:
Good news directors are always interviewing, because the openings are frequent and it is great to have a candidate in the pipeline.

You may or may not be up for this job, but obviously the ND has a high enough regard for what you've shown so far to warrant a face to face meeting.

Take advantage of the opportunity.And he might even buy you lunch if he's a cool guy. graemlins/eusa_whistle.gif ;)

[Steve Scott]

I once had breakfast with Roy, and I'm nowhere near cool. Lukewarm, maybe...but not cool.

As for the original poster...I agree with the others on this thread. Even if you do not turn out to be a finalist for this job, treat your visit though you are. Give the ND a reason to hire you!

Good luck!

[thenewsleader12345]

he made it clear he already has finalists in mind for the current opening. If you were one of them..he would have called weeks ago, after seeing your previous work.

he is offering to meet with you, to maybe consider you for future openings. Its good..cause it means he see's something in you.. but its just a meet and greet.

So maybe if there is an opening 6 months to a year from now, when he thinks you are more ready...he may call.

[New and improved...No Talent Hack]

Stranger things have happened...my current job, I contacted the ND the day he was going to offer someone my job. When I called to follow up on my resume that I sent (saying that I'd be in town in a couple days) he said he was ready to "pull the trigger" on a deal...but was willing to meet with me.

I came in, blew him away...was offered the job two days later.

Like I said, stranger things have happened in a meet-n-greet. Take trip - it's worth the risk.

[The Mockingbird]

He probably recognizes that your persistence might give you a decent shot of being a good reporter.

[facts]

or you're really cute.

[Clever Login Name]

Originally posted by New and improved...No Talent Hack:
Stranger things have happened...my current job, I contacted the ND the day he was going to offer someone my job. When I called to follow up on my resume that I sent (saying that I'd be in town in a couple days) he said he was ready to "pull the trigger" on a deal...but was willing to meet with me.

I came in, blew him away...was offered the job two days later.
Did you beat the murder rap?

[gdiamante]

There may not be a job for you at the moment, but there is interest. So treat it as if it is an interview.

[Obewon]

It's more than just "future" openings. He definitely has something in mind. He's probably planning on getting rid of somebody and sees something in you
that might fit.

[stpeterdontyacallme]

Good luck to you. I hope it works out. Just be prepared to be offered an opportunity to be an associate producer working overnights because, "It's a great way to get your foot in the door here."