10 Questions with ... John Matthews

NAME:John Matthews LAST WITH:WMAL-A/Washington, DC PHONE:(202) 276-2400 EMAIL:john@johnmatthews... WEB:www.johnmatthewsnews.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

I spent my entire 25-year career with ABC Heritage News/Talker WMAL/Washington, D.C., starting as an intern and front desk receptionist, before moving into the newsroom, working up to on-air reporter and eventually News Director. Highlights include several national news awards, including a National Edward R. Murrow award for Overall Excellence for WMAL's coverage of the September 11th attacks.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Within a week of losing my job, I launched a blog named, fittingly, "Life On The Beach," which I have been updating daily as a way to maintain some work discipline and to provide a much-needed creative outlet.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Aside from my blog, I've created two websites -- a professional site to host my resume and audio, as well as a hobby site ... an alumni page for the people I sang in college choir with. I've been honing my web skills and enjoying online reunions as well!

3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.

The more I look at public relations jobs and marketing careers, the more I realize the thing I am, by far, the most qualified for is a radio job.

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

You're looking at it ... 4 1/2 months

5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

I've found many opportunities right here at All Access, but also at journalismjobs.com, as well as major job search sites.

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

I have received two rejection letters in the mail ... both of which came as a shock. Unfortunately, I have not heard yeas or nays from virtually any other employer, and I have applied for probably a hundred jobs by now.

7) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

I have enjoyed taking a break, and my kids liked having me home. But my wife is a school teacher, and over the summer, she starting to climb the walls having me in the house during the day!

8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

I regret not spending more time pondering my next move. I wish I had been more prepared to look for work, and had an undated resume and audio file ready to go.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

I have been in this exact scenario, and I said no. We all have to make concessions when we are out of work, but you can't sell yourself too short, either, or you'll never get back to where you once were salary-wise.

10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

I will never again take it for granted that I have a job "for life." I have discovered that spending 25 years at one station can very well make you more vulnerable to losing your job, NOT more secure.

My favorite new diversion is...

Facebook and Linkedin. There's no doubt ... If you're not social networking, you're missing out on a great opportunity to expand your potential of getting hired. Plus, it's fun!