Q. About a week ago, I was contacted by a competing newspaper about a reporting position that would pay much better and provide better benefits. It was a pre-screening phone interview with an associate editor.
I've got 25 years of experience, and the interview seemed to go well.
The editor said they are looking for aggressive, experienced reporters like me. There are three positions. The editor said they had more than 100 applicants and had narrowed it down to 15 candidates. The editor told me to let him know in a couple of days if I was interested.
I told him a couple of days later that I was and asked about the next step. The editor told me the hiring team was considering a number of applicants. The editor said he would contact me when he knew which direction the paper was going.
I'm wondering if I should e-mail the editor again and express my interest and qualifications. I want to be persistent but don't want to be a pest. I'm not sure what the hiring team is doing and the uncertainty is nerve wracking.
I'm sure you have had this question before but would appreciate your advice.
Now I'm InterestedA. An e-mail is warranted. All you are asking for is an update. Let's hope they remember that they set this whole chain of events into motion when they contacted you. They should be responsive to questions.
If the editor and hiring team liked you for your aggressiveness, they should not be surprised by something as mild as an inquiry.
In your e-mail, say, "The more I think about this opportunity, the more interested I am. Please let me know what steps you would like me to take next or where you are in your process."
That is being persistent, not being a pest.
What's your question? What job-related opportunities or strategies do you wonder about?
E-mail a question to Joe.
Coming Thursday: A busy 40-year-old wants to get a degree in journalism and wonders if the convenience of online studying makes that the smart way to go.
