On-Air Folks Working for Competitors After Layoffs

[FrontierMan]

I'm new to this layoff thing, and I'm certainly new to the whole concept of getting canned and moving to the station across the street.

I got laid off and will soon meet with a competing ND for an interview. I'm happy about it, but also a bit confused.

Any thoughts? And I'd also like a few tips on how to sell myself...how to tell these folks I want to be hired N-O-W without looking too desperate. I also want to convince them that despite the layoff, I'm still a good worker who's ready to rock and roll.

Discuss.

[kmfdmatt]

I would imagine that even though your work still has to sell you to the ND, your only special angle hopefully is market recognition. Viewers hate getting used to new people.

[newz2me]

If you've been in the market for awhile that helps a lot. The best recomendations will come from the other reporters, photographers, producers and such from the competition. Hopefully you've made some contacts or friendships with some of the staff at the other stations. If you did, I'm sure the ND has already asked around about your reputation. Of course he's also had plenty of opportunities to see your work.
Unfortunately they know you were laid off and of course you're looking for a job now so there's no way around that. Just treat it like any job interview the only difference is don't let on too much that you'd really like to stay in the market because if they think you're not willing to pack up and head out of town they will probably try to low ball you.
Good luck

[TVMattNYC]

I would imagine that even though your work still has to sell you to the ND, your only special angle hopefully is market recognition. Viewers hate getting used to new people.

Or so the consultants tell us.

[FrontierMan]

Thanks for the advice, but I forgot to mention my biggest concern...the opening has not been posted yet.

This station would be my number one choice, however, do you think I'd have to wait for all the EOE stuff, like a 30 day job posting and wait for them to inverview other candidates? I'm extremely concerned about my expensive apartment and don't have time to waste in terms of moving out.

I'd like for news directors and other people "in the know" on this stuff to chime in here....

Thanks again.

[Head Janitor]

Be upfront. The ND already knows you've been laid off. Go in and say, I can start tomorrow, I know this town better than anyone you're going to get tapes from. You don't have to pay moving costs for me. And I can bring more viewers over from KXXX or WXXX.

That being said, if you were laid off, you should get severence or at the very least unemployment. That should help with some of the wait time.

And above all else: good luck!

[John M.]

how to tell these folks I want to be hired N-O-W without looking too desperate.

The only way to look like you're not desperate is not to be desperate. It sounds from your subsequent post that it's too late for that. You may want to start immediately but the station will hire on its timetable, not yours.

The best you can do is to go into your interview confident in your ability and with some definite points in mind to make that express how you can be useful to the ND's cause. Your proximity certainly helps but make sure that's not all you have to offer.

Have a friend pepper you with questions the ND might ask. Make sure every answer demonstrates that you understand what the ND needs from you if hired and that you can deliver that.

Also, do NOT under any circumstances allow any bitterness about your departure from your former station surface during your interview. If asked your feelings, have that old cliche about doors closing/windows opening ready to go.

It saddens me to read stories about people who struggle to survive even brief spells without a paycheck. I wish more people made it a higher priority to protect themselves from the vagaries of this business (and many others too).

[FrontierMan]

If they hire me on their timetable, they might have to pay my moving expenses too! I'm living in an expensive joint and don't want to waste my severance on rent. I could live with my mama for free, her house is just 2,000 miles away. :-)

[adam & doctor drew]

I know it sounds like a cliche but all you can do is be yourself.

I assume the ND already knows you from the market... the fact that he/she called for an interview means he/she already likes you somewhat.

and don't sweat the "looking desperate" part.
it's too late for that.
they know you're out of work and will use that to their advantage if it ever gets to the point of a job offer.
they have all the leverage here, not you.

[itelltheweather]

Thanks for the advice, but I forgot to mention my biggest concern...the opening has not been posted yet.


This is normal. Often positions have already been filled before they are posted. Sometimes they have been filled before the other person knows they are being let go. Don't sweat that stuff. All you need to worry about is your Non-compete if you have one. That will be a concern of the ND as well.

[!]

I'm new to this layoff thing, and I'm certainly new to the whole concept of getting canned and moving to the station across the street.

I got laid off and will soon meet with a competing ND for an interview. I'm happy about it, but also a bit confused.

Any thoughts? And I'd also like a few tips on how to sell myself...how to tell these folks I want to be hired N-O-W without looking too desperate. I also want to convince them that despite the layoff, I'm still a good worker who's ready to rock and roll.

Discuss.If you were on-air and worked for the competition, the ND knows you're desperate and need a job NOW.

He or she also already knows if they want to hire you--they've been watching.

Just let them know you're available and see what happens.

[nywx10]

This is normal. Often positions have already been filled before they are posted. Sometimes they have been filled before the other person knows they are being let go. Don't sweat that stuff. All you need to worry about is your Non-compete if you have one. That will be a concern of the ND as well.

If you're let go the non-compete won't stand up if challenged by your previous employer.

[The Mockingbird]

Any ND even remotely good at what he or she does is watching the competition.

Your value to them is the same reason why Hollywood loves sequels: you are a known and tested commodity. Depending on how long you've been there, their consultants might already have market research on you.

It's the old adage, "A bird in the hand..."

[TAFKA wacowx]

If you're let go the non-compete won't stand up if challenged by your previous employer.

Possibly, but there may be a court case involved. I know some owners don't let go without a fight.

[FrontierMan]

Non-Compete is not an issue. The non-compete clause was scratched out when I got the boot.

Thanks for all the good advice, guys. Keep it coming!

[The Mockingbird]

Personally, were I ever in such a situation I would mention looking forward to scooping my former employers on a regular basis. :rockon:

[Clever Login Name]

What's the ratings relationship between your old station and your prospective new one? Are there corporate secrets you could reasonably be expected to bring with you in terms of strengths and weaknesses from the other side that can be exploited? The 'scoop your former employer' response got me thinking that ... you would know better than anyone where your old station has problems competing ... that should work to your advantage.

[markminn]

Yeah, the non-compete is a dead issue. If they didn't want you to work at the station across the street, they shouldn't have laid you off! That is why we need free agency in TV!! ;)

[adam & doctor drew]

totally agree.
I can see the non-compete existing to protect the station if YOU leave.
but if they get rid of you, you should be able to work wherever you want immediately.

[Backup QB]

If you were on-air and worked for the competition, the ND knows you're desperate and need a job NOW.

He or she also already knows if they want to hire you--they've been watching.

Just let them know you're available and see what happens.

Exactly! The ND should be fully aware of your situation. The fact that you've been invited in for an interview is a very positive sign. You weren't invited in for sympathy. The ND is seriously considering hiring you. Let them know you're available, you have a good knowledge of the market, and you're eager to make a contribution to their station. Leave it at that, and don't oversell.

Also, don't worry about the non-compete either. It's to prevent you from, on your own hook, jumping ship to go to a competitor. If your old station didn't want you to work there any longer, they can't be too concerned about you surfacing across the street.

Best of luck!

[Audacity]

It saddens me to read stories about people who struggle to survive even brief spells without a paycheck. I wish more people made it a higher priority to protect themselves from the vagaries of this business (and many others too).

This needs to be repeated again ... not to focus on you, Frontier, but everyone here who thinks their job is secure. How can it be? The news business itself is quaking with insecurity. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT live paycheck to paycheck. No matter your age, you must work really, really hard to have at least 6 months income tucked away for situations just like this.

I just finished a series of interviews with financial experts about the economy's downturn and the housing crisis. An economist from the Federal Reserve said that this country needs a major attitude adjustment when it comes to saving. It should, she said, be everyone's number one priority and no one is saving what they should. even those who are trying to save.

Add that to the comments made by my state's economist and it's a rather sobering picture of the future. He said gas prices will continue to rise. They will never, NEVER, EVER get cheaper than they are now. This, in turn, will raise the prices of everything we need money for. Groceries - Utilities - Clothing - Tuition - Travel. EVERYTHING. Again, these prices will never, NEVER EVER go down again. Unemployment will continue to rise. The only thing not going up is wages. This is a picture of today, tomorrow and the days after that. Get used to it. Then get prepared for it. If everyone finds themselves in the same boat, who's gonna rescue you?

[Another side]

Also, don't worry about the non-compete either. It's to prevent you from, on your own hook, jumping ship to go to a competitor. If your old station didn't want you to work there any longer, they can't be too concerned about you surfacing across the street.

Not necessarily so. It depends largely on what state you're in and what they gave you "of value" in your severance package that was in exchange for their right to enforce a non-compete clause in the contract.

I lost a court battle on that very premise. But again, it differs from state to state.

[s'news]

It also differs based on a station's willingness to do battle.

[markminn]

It also differs based on a station's willingness to do battle.

Some stations will talk big once you say you are leaving or if they find out you got another job in town. But, talk is cheap, and so are most tv stations. Unless you are the main anchor, and you are just leaving (you weren't fired) they most likely won't touch you.

Best thing to do is to get a good lawyer.

[TAFKA wacowx]

Non-Compete is not an issue. The non-compete clause was scratched out when I got the boot.

Just want to clear this up: They physically 'scratched out' the clause in your contract, or you are ASSUMING that because they got rid of you it is scratched out? Re-reading this, I am now not sure. I originally took it to mean they cleared you to work elsewhere explicitly. Like they literally scratched out the offending verbage. If that is not the case be wary.

I know of a few people who have been taken to court after non-renewals from one station to keep them from working at another. These cases usually get thrown out, but just in case, you will want to be sure you can afford a lawyer. This can end up costing you at least some money if they take you to court over the non-compete.

[FrontierMan]

[QUOTE=TAFKA wacowx;413271]Just want to clear this up: They physically 'scratched out' the clause in your contract, or you are ASSUMING that because they got rid of you it is scratched out? Re-reading this, I am now not sure.QUOTE]

It's specific in my severance agreement that I can work for competing stations.

[TAFKA wacowx]

[quote=TAFKA wacowx;413271]Just want to clear this up: They physically 'scratched out' the clause in your contract, or you are ASSUMING that because they got rid of you it is scratched out? Re-reading this, I am now not sure.QUOTE]

It's specific in my severance agreement that I can work for competing stations.

Cool...then I see no issue.:thumbsup: Just wanted to have the point clarified since so many were taking it to the point of the station going after you.