Update: My Job Search Part II

Things are going so crazy for me right now! When I thought things were going to be in place, now I've got an added situation on my hands. Here goes:



Tomorrow I find out if I landed the advertising gig at Telemundo, the second largest Hispanic television network in the U.S. I am positive that I will get the job. Well, today I get a phone call from guess who? I get a phone call from Univision - the #1 Hispanic television network in the U.S. I was very, very surprised to get the call b/c I have no advertising experience whatsoever. (I got the interview at Telemundo b/c I knew the sales manager). Here's the thing:



The advertising gig at Univision is for a new network they are launching in January 2002 called "Telefutura." Since it's going to be a completely new network, things could end up really good or really bad. Basically, the programming is the same as Univision. The difference is that they do soaps on one channel and movies on the other, and vice-versa.



I've been doing some reading on this new network. There are good sides and bad sides. The good side is that it is owned and affiliated w/the #1 Hispanic tv network in the US. The bad side is that we are going into a recession and this is seen as a "risk" to advertisers. It's a completely new network and the question remains, "Are my advertising dollars being used effectively?" Also, if I were an advertiser I would be telling myself, "Why would I advertise on two separate networks w/the same type of programming only it is being switched from one type of tv to another?" However, this could be a good thing too b/c it allows for more viewers to watch the programming w/more variety.



Ok, so let's get back to Telemundo. It is the 2nd largest tv network and the programming is a little weak. However, there has to be a reason why all of these high-profile companies such as Sony, Disney, AOL, and Viacom all want a stake in Telemundo. As we speak, there is a bidding war going on to get a piece of the Hispanic market by these companies. Another good thing about Telemundo is that I know the sales manager already and I have also met everyone there. I am very comfortable w/the staff already. Also, it is a solid network w/decent programming (being #2 is not so bad). Also, advertisers are willing to use their advertising dollars b/c it has been around so long unlike Univision's new network, Telefutura.



What do you think? The gig for the new network @ Univision could be very risky while the gig at Telemundo is safer. With the economy right now, I am leaning more towards something w/some sense of security.



Again, I really appreciate any feedback you have. Everyone here has been so helpful. I am very excited about the Telemundo gig and the staff was so cool. Since I know the sales manager at Telemundo, maybe I'll bring it up w/him tomorrow...



Thanks for the input!



-Rachel

[DCJenn]

Rachel-



Sorry to be such at pain in the butt about this- but which one would offer you the most opportunities, if you can't stay where you are? Like, say if your fiance gets a military residency and you have to move to DC? or ND? or SA? (FYI- both stations have affiliates in DC and SA...)



With the economy the way it is, and advertising dollars drying up as they are- and the TV stations being dependent on those same advertising dollars- go for safety- and ask for a contract. (At least make it painful for them to let you go if they have to!)



Keep us posted!



Jenn

Hi Jenn!



In terms of flexibility, both companies would offer me that b/c sales people are needed everywhere. However, I may be limited in what areas are available. We have to stay near a major city b/c of what I do and the nature of my work. I mean there's no point of having a job in sales in a rural area w/little or no businesses. I think what I'm going to do is at least meet w/Univision and check it out. Anyways, I haven't even received a formal offer from Telemundo yet and until then I shouldn't close the doors on other opportunities. The guy at Univision asked me to come down to the station this week. I have decided to do that tomorrow and also still check w/Telemundo to see what's going on. From there, then I can decide what I want to do.



Thanks for listening. I really appreciate it. I'll let you know what happens!



-Rachel