Q: Do you think it’s a bad idea to explore the Asian American Journalists Association job fair, knowing that recruiters from your own paper will also be there? I’m not planning to leave my paper, however, I am curious about other possible opportunities and would like to talk to a few recruiters. What’s your advice?
L.L.
A: I can’t assess the politics of your newsroom, but I think I would take this approach:
Tell the editors that you’ll be at the convention and that you’d like to offer your assistance in recruiting. Also tell them not to worry, that you don’t plan to leave the paper, but that you will likely see some of your old mentors at the job fair and will want to catch up with them. Then, reassure them that such meetings don’t mean that you want to leave the paper and you certainly aren’t trying to alarm them.
If it seems that the editors would be bothered by seeing you at the job fair, then call the recruiters you want to see (most will be in the convention hotel) and set up a more private meeting.
It is a tricky thing. You don’t want to be job-looking on the company dime, but you also don’t want to feel you’re cloistered or indentured just because you took a job. You also don’t want a catchup talk or career conversation to put you into hot water. My approach would be to be very upfront — especially because you’re saying you have no plans to leave right now.
