Ask the Recruiter

Q: Last week I had an amazing and inspiring interview with an editor who found my résumé online. The interview went so well that we actually lost track of time and had to break so she could get some things done. She handed me all of the corporate applications and background check forms, and I went for a drug test. I even went out that evening with several of the reporters and immediately connected with them. As I was leaving the next day, I told the managing editor that even if things didn't work out, I was leaving with three new friends.

The position they were interviewing me for is literally my dream job -- one no one gets right out of college. While the salary numbers they threw around were quite low, the cost of living in the area is cheap enough that I could live without too much difficulty. I left with the feeling that if they made an offer, I would immediately accept because I wanted to work with them so badly.

Turns out, they felt the same way -- except two days after the interview, their parent company froze all open positions.

I talked with the editor this afternoon, and she said they were trying to appeal the freeze so they could make me an offer, but she didn't know how long things would take -- or even if it would work. She said they had a strong case, but she just couldn't be sure, and she didn't want to get my hopes up.

Meanwhile, I need a job. I want to say I'm willing to wait for the parent company to get their act together and release the position, but I have no idea how long that will take. The editor knows I have other applications out there and another interview pending, and she asked me to keep her updated -- and to give her a call in a few days to see how the appeal was progressing, in case she didn't call me first.

I know journalism hiring generally moves at a glacial pace. I've only sent out a few applications, but I've had numerous responses, several interviews and even turned down a job offer because I just didn't feel inspired by the place.

Out of all of the opportunities I've had, this job (if it even exists) just feels like the perfect fit. I literally felt like the editor was reading my mind during the interview, and I know we will work very well together. Moreover, I know I will have friends in the newsroom and love my beat -- if I ever get the job, that is.

Should I wait it out or send out another batch of applications? How likely is it that the parent company will approve an appeal like this? How long should I wait?

Not sure if I'm desperate yet

A: This is a sad sign of the times. A little more advice from the editor might help, but my sense is that you're best off to pursue other opportunities. There are a lot of variables that are not on your side. One is the freeze, of course. The other is that the length of the freeze will not be determined by the people who really like you.

You also have to consider that, when a freeze is lifted, the job you want may not be the one they want to fill first. It is not a stretch to think that they could, in this freeze, have someone leave who will just have to be replaced when the thaw comes. And, sad to say, the freeze hit right when you were really hot. You might not seem as interesting to them six months down the road.

So, I would look for other good opportunities while keeping in touch with this newspaper. We can't tell which will come first: the opening at this paper or at another.