Intrepid Miami journalist

Introduction: It's time to close the deal.

Family, friends and trusted colleagues who've inspired and supported me during my yearlong free agency , since leaving the Miami Herald as business editor know precisely what's at stake.

Finally, I'm on the cusp of seizing a grand opportunity for another newsroom leadership role as an editor. Next week I'll fly to another state for three days to meet top editors -- and many potential new teammates, some of whom would report to me -- at a market-leading, Pulitzer Prize-winning statewide news organization.

Opportunity to shine: As I reflect on this chance to start the next chapter of my journalism career and prepare for that, I'm thankful, confident, determined to enjoy the experience of prevailing to the final in-person interview stage of a tough recruitment process over many months.

Anyone who has been in this situation since the pandemic ended, I'm sure you know what I mean. It's a brutally competitive business world we work in to be highly contributing members of productive teams, no matter our profession, our job title and responsibilities.

Show your value: What's more, those of us who are savvy, skilled veterans realize our longevity brings challenges. As we get older and the next talented generation of workers moves into management and leadership positions, we can't rest on our laurels. We have to embrace the diverse, multigenerational workforce and prove we can add high value to a particular employer. And we can't just say it, we must show it through our resumes, phone/video interviews and finally when sitting face-to-face with hiring managers. Showing you're genuine and authentic really is key to hooking the job offer.

If I ultimately land and accept an offer from this highly respected locally owned news outlet, I'd join my 10th stellar newsroom team as either a reporter or editor for nearly four decades, from Philadelphia south to Miami, west to the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago and Houston in between.

Accomplishing that would be thrilling and extremely gratifying. Before that can occur, it'll take a laser focus on the final interview step, to be ready with an open mind to succeed.

Seeking connection, chemistry: The in-person meeting is critically important for both sides. You have already learned much about the position, the company's strategy and your would-be direct supervisor through the interview process. In my case, I've had five conversations with top editors, including the person I'd report to.

The goal for you and your potential employer is to be certain there's a strong connection, chemistry and fit. Remember you get paid by institutions for your work performance with people. In my view and career experience, it's the people that matter most. Will you enjoy collaborating, engaging with them daily toward the company's mission to best serve customers? Keep that question in mind during your final conversations.

Make the most of robust, friendly dialogue to ask specific questions and to listen closely to what the hiring manager and others in the organization have to say about your potential tasks and expectations for you in the role you're discussing. Also, you want to glean whether the people working at this organization appear happy and excited to come to work everyday to achieve things together satisfying customers and adding new ones.

Putting leadership to work: Like me, if you're competing for a leadership/management position, there are additional elements to consider. A few of the most important are: is this a newsroom of journalists open to an outsider joining to help them improve; is there a function, a team, in this newsroom I can take ownership of to enhance; are there sufficient talented journalists I can learn from, some that I can coach and mentor to bolster their personal growth and development; above all is the news organization zeroed in on delivering sustained journalism excellence.

Outside the office or newsroom, during your short visit it's vital to observe and take in the community vibe in the new town or city where you'd work and live. Thriving, upbeat of course is want you're hoping to see and hear rather than sullen and sluggish.

Should you get home and eventually learn the job is going to another finalist or you turn down the offer, realize you showed resilience and great promise, plus gained valuable experience to use pushing for another in-person interview opportunity with another company.

First, a family trip: Before I jet to visit my potential new employer and observe a new city, I'm taking a different trip. I'm going to Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to see family. Can't wait to again spend quality time with my wonderful 17-month-old twin granddaughters Diana and Daphne, and their hardworking, devoted mom and dad, my daughter Laney Bomberger-Schmotzer and son-in-law Dave Bomberger-Schmotzer.

Equally eager to visit my dad, Galen Bomberger, 85, who continues his valiant recovery from open heart surgery on Sept. 17 and subsequent complications.

The timing of my family visit to Pennsylvania is perfect, giving me extra motivation, joy and peacefulness just before my in-person interview trip.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to connect on LinkedIn or Substack , or at [email protected] to offer your thoughts, suggestions and job leads.