Is this another sign of a recovering economy? I’ve had more conversations this spring with job candidates being wooed by out-of-town employers than in the past two years combined. My informal observation falls short of a scientific poll, but it means a lot in my small world.
It’s fun for me to provide guidance for being courted by a distant employer. As you might imagine, it’s a different ballgame when the employer is chasing you, rather than vice versa.
If you’re interested in being courted, you’ll have to make yourself findable. Start by increasing your online visibility: on LinkedIn, in chat groups for your profession, in your own work-related blog, etc. Attending national conferences also helps.
Another step for attracting the attention of distant employers is to answer their ads.
Let’s assume you’ve caught someone’s eye and they want to bring you in for a conversation. Assuming you’ve gotten past the first stages of screening, here are some tips to help you navigate the gratifying experience of being wined and dined by a potential employer.
1. Befriend the meeting coordinator. In most cases, the logistics of your interview process will be coordinated by someone other than the interviewer. This may include overnight accommodations, train or air travel, rental cars or airport pickups, etc., as well as on-site meetings.
Make sure you have the coordinator’s contact information, then cultivate a friendly relationship. This lets you create a buffer between you and the interviewers, and avoid pestering them with myriad preparation details.
You should also ask the coordinator for your interviewers’ names, titles and contact information.
2. Don’t use your own credit card. If you’re driving to the meeting, this one’s a little awkward. Depending on the situation, I’m likely to advise you to accept this as a “pay to play” expense.
Driving aside, there’s little else that can’t be prepaid by the company, including airfare, airport shuttle, hotel, etc. Let them make the arrangements and you will minimize both your financial risk and awkward negotiations related to expenses.
3. Assume you’re “on” the moment you arrive. If it’s a small town, you can bet everyone knows you’re a visitor; assume that some of them know why. Even if it’s a metropolis, remember that you’re staying at the hotel chosen by your potential employer.
For the same reason, limit your socializing. Even if you have friends nearby, keep things low-key.
4. Enjoy your dinner meeting — but not too much. There’s a lot written on this subject, so here are a few of my best tips. First, get the name of the restaurant in advance and preview the menu for a mid-priced meal that you can eat without drama.
For evening meals, call the restaurant to ask how most diners dress. If it’s quite a fancy place, don’t break out a tux or gown; go with something slightly business-y, but with a softer touch.
Don’t drink much, if at all. If asked to order first, say “I’ll start with a club soda with a twist of lime.” Then follow your host’s lead and accept a glass of wine with dinner if that’s what others are doing.
Finally, keep the conversation light. For the most part, dinner meetings aren’t about exchanging job information. Ask your hosts about their hobbies and what they like best about the area and be prepared to share similar information. A small notebook tucked into a pocket or evening bag will let you jot notes in the restroom while things are still fresh.
That covers some of the logistics — what about the offer itself? Next week, I’ll write about shaping the job and negotiating an offer when you’re the one being courted.
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