Only The Person Doing The Hiring Knows ...

It is easy to remember applying for programming jobs and waiting for the phone to ring. My way of handling the anxiety was to eat what I called my lucky breakfast every day until I got word on a decision.

Recently I had a conversation with a Program Director with a job looking for a new opportunity. For obvious reasons I can't tell you who it is, where he is, or where he's trying to go.

PD: I’m ready to get out of here and program somewhere else.

Coach: What's the problem?

PD: I'm just burnt out.

Coach: How's your station doing?

PD: We're positioned well and making money. But that's not the problem. It's me, I need a new challenge. I keep hearing this is not the time to look. But over the years I've always heard that. I see people losing jobs, but I still see people getting jobs too.

Coach: We think alike when it comes to employment in this industry. It's about patience and keeping your ears open. The only thing you need to remember is that adjustments in thinking are necessary with today's marketplace. The opportunities are all around us at places that never existed before. Your radio skill set would work at any audio platform.

PD: Last weekend I flew in to be interviewed for a job. I know Covid is calming down but getting on a plane did make me nervous. When I got there the GM and I talked for over four hours. That included an hour long Zoom call with the VP of Programing and the GM's Boss, the President of the Division. I didn't stay the night; he took me back to the airport. He said he'd get back to me by the following Wednesday. For two weeks I heard nothing. So, I shot him an e-mail and he answered back letting me know it was between me and one other person.

Coach: I tell everyone to never treat call back deadlines as absolutes. Things happen, who knows, maybe there was a problem with billing for the cluster or some family emergency.

PD: I've got a buddy that works there at one of the other stations in the cluster. He told me that he heard somebody from Cumulus was coming to take the job. He said he was told that I was a close second. I am tired of being a close second. I'm not being cocky, but I’m a good programmer. My stations are all solid. I'm winning here.

Coach: Winning is not always the sole criteria. Many a skilled PD has done a great job and gotten beat out for jobs. Never take not getting hired personally. From experience, I can tell you that it's a matter of percentages, it just takes one person to say yes. Keep pitching discreetly.

PD: Agreed. I know, and yes, I'm being discreet, in fact, please don't print the name of my station or my name. I can't believe I'm second to this guy from Cumulus. When I was there the GM made it sound like I was the guy. What do you think happened?

Coach: It sounds like it's still a tossup. But you've only heard a rumor, nothing's official. Remember, everything is heresy outside of the actual individuals involved. If you don’t get it, the only way to know why is to ask the GM.

PD: But it's taking so long for them to make a decision.

Coach: It's the norm these days for companies to take their time before hiring.

PD: It's hard waiting.

Coach: You're preaching to the choir. The best thing I heard you say was that you're getting interviews. Take that as a positive.

PD: Any advice?