Multiple interviews

[TV Reporting]

Hi!

I have several interviews lined up in the next couple weeks, all at solid shops in markets where I'd like to work (2 are in the same market). When an interviewer asks who else I'm talking to, how much should I tell them? I don't have a favorite yet, I'm just looking for the best opportunity.

Also does it reflect poorly if I ask them not to contact my current employer? My boss doesn't know about these interviews. If none of these jobs work out I would be willing to re-sign at my current station, so I don't want him to find out and make him mad.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[Obewon]

Hi!

I have several interviews lined up in the next couple weeks, all at solid shops in markets where I'd like to work (2 are in the same market). When an interviewer asks who else I'm talking to, how much should I tell them? I don't have a favorite yet, I'm just looking for the best opportunity.

Also does it reflect poorly if I ask them not to contact my current employer? My boss doesn't know about these interviews. If none of these jobs work out I would be willing to re-sign at my current station, so I don't want him to find out and make him mad.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

One thing you should know now about TV. It is full of nosy and evil people who would delight in screwing you up by calling your current station and telling them you were there for an interview.

Therefore my policy was always to tactfully tell my boss that I wasn't really hunting but I was in "contact" with a station and would like to see it out even though I'm not really that excited about it. Never make it a bargaining chip. If they want to keep you they will.

First of all you will deflate any attempt by anyone to squeal on you. You will also empower the news director who will love being the benevolent manager and also be appreciative of the first person in the shop who was honest with him. It will also give him a warning that he might have to replace you soon.
Nobody likes being cold-cocked.

You will also find out how much they think of you.

It will be a lot less stressful on you as well...the nights of staying awake worrying that some ass hole turned you in and they probably did because it's such a small industry.

Also, never call in sick and go on interviews. That is bad ju-ju if caught

[Newzie52]

Obewon is absolutely right. This is an extremely small business and word gets around very quickly. The ND at our shop has been out of the office on a couple of occasions recently and it took no time at all for one of the reporters to hear he had been spotted interviewing in a large market station far from here. While we were all praying it would work out (this guy is the reason the term "Peter Principle" exists) everyone knew it hadn't within a day or two. Dang.

There are NO secrets in this business.

[wxcookie]

First of all you are very lucky to have several interviews. Good luck on both of them. Make sure you specify that they can only contact your current employer if an offer is made. Also, mention to your boss that you are ready to spread your wings a little and I am sure he will understand, I am sure he did it a time or to in order to become "the boss."

[adam & doctor drew]

it's none of their business who you're talking to.
(they're probably asking to get a handle on what salary demands you might have.... or more likely, how cheaply they can get you.)

would they want you telling other stations about them?

if you want an easy way out, just say something generic like "No one right now but I'm always willing to listen."

[Pinkie]

Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I say you should tell them you're talking to other stations. It gives you leverage, and the possibility to ask for more money when you decide which station is the best fit for you.

[Charlie Brown]

five interviews in desirable markets in the near future? good lord...spread the luck around

[The Mockingbird]

If an interviewer asks, be honest, but not specific: you are "looking around" for a good opportunity. Don't tell them you've applied at station WSUX, even if it's their competitor.

Your employer shouldn't ask. If your employer asks, tell him you're not comfortable talking about the subject.

If he fires you for looking for another job, that's bad cause, unless you were doing it on company time or abusing company resources. (editing a resume tape after hours is not abusing company resources, unless you're stealing the tape.)

[adam & doctor drew]

your employer should have no problem with you looking around.

after all, THEY accept tapes and resumes from prospective employees every day.