Author Topic: Job Search Advice Needed  (Read 4205 times)

Unique User

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Job Search Advice Needed
« on: January 25, 2015, 08:13:58 AM »
Sorry for the length and thanks if you manage to read this!  We moved from the Southeast to the Midwest for DH’s job (a promotion) two years ago and now that the relocation indenture is up, we’d like to move back, but not to the small city we came from.  The job market there absolutely stinks unless you are willing to work low wage jobs.  There are few opportunities with his current Fortune 200 company.  He did interview for another opportunity this month, but during the interview he was told that since there were qualified employees locally, they would have a hard time justifying relocation dollars for him.    We’re open to the where, but would really like Raleigh, Charlotte or Richmond. 

This is his first corporate job so he doesn't have many contacts outside of his company.  I work in a totally different industry (life sciences) so my contacts won’t do anything for him since his lack of a degree means that industry is closed to him. And I'm searching for a new job for myself anyway so am using my contacts.  Before this job, he was a professional chef in hotels then owned restaurants and catering companies in resort towns.  His current job is a managing a team of employees that provide service and some sales for mostly independent restaurants, nursing homes and small chains over a four state area.  There are some bigger clients (schools, regional chains).  He travels about 25% of the time and would be willing to travel more, just not 100%.

My biggest roadblock is figuring out what companies to focus on for him, we’d like a bigger company with some room for future growth even for people without degrees, industry doesn't really matter.  Although he applies for jobs online, we are well aware that tactic rarely even leads to an interview.  His industry doesn't have many competitors and he has a non-compete, so going to work for a competitor is probably out.   Moving somewhere then finding a job sounds way too risky for me.  I’m worried that being 50 and his lack of a degree will be held against him so I’d rather find the job then move.  I'm feeling overwhelmed, any advice on figuring out those first steps? 

Rezdent

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Re: Job Search Advice Needed
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2015, 08:35:30 AM »
I am wondering about the interview.  The company said that they couldn't justify a relocation fee.  Was this line of thought pursued further?
Was the company saying they'd like to hire him but being upfront about why they wouldn't pay this?  Or were they unable to skirt the company policy on the issue, meaning they couldn't hire him?
Would you guys be willing to move on your own dime?  If so, was that communicated to the company?

Unique User

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Re: Job Search Advice Needed
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2015, 08:41:17 AM »
The interview was for an internal job, another promotion.  I was okay with the location, TX, not Southeast since it was another promotion. I'd move on my own dime and actually we are expecting to. 

jopiquant

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Re: Job Search Advice Needed
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2015, 08:49:29 AM »
I agree with Rezdent - if you will move yourselves and your husband is the best candidate, they can't really have much to say about it. If your first preference would be to stick with that employer, then I'd focus my energies on that.

I'm not sure I understand quite what it is his job is. If you have cities in mind, you can google search best employers, best companies, etc. in those cities. Often you can also look for the largest companies in a city. Since you're not particular about industry, that should give you a few to start with. He can always call if there are specific postings he is interested in. Recruiters often don't like that (I work in HR), but from the perspective of a candidate outside the location, he can probably get a bit more information than a local candidate who is just perceived as being a pest. He can use the opportunity to let them know that you're planning on relocating so they don't fail to get in touch because they assume his being from out of town is a dis-qualifier. He should be tailoring his resume and cover letter for every single job as well. What is it about what he has done/is doing that makes him a match for this particular job? It can't just be up to his experience to sell itself, you have to make it obvious what they're looking for is there.

Don't overlook the local utilities and government agencies. It varies state by state, but often government jobs pay well and hire based on education or "equivalent experience."

Good luck!

Unique User

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Re: Job Search Advice Needed
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2015, 10:25:53 AM »
I agree with Rezdent - if you will move yourselves and your husband is the best candidate, they can't really have much to say about it. If your first preference would be to stick with that employer, then I'd focus my energies on that.

Is there an icon for a facepalm, if so I need one.  I honestly never considered this.  I've mentioned it to him, he's thinking about it.  I'm not thrilled with the thought of DFW, but it's doable. 

I'm not sure I understand quite what it is his job is.

He's a district manager, so manages a team and territory. 

If you have cities in mind, you can google search best employers, best companies, etc. in those cities. Often you can also look for the largest companies in a city. Since you're not particular about industry, that should give you a few to start with. He can always call if there are specific postings he is interested in. Recruiters often don't like that (I work in HR), but from the perspective of a candidate outside the location, he can probably get a bit more information than a local candidate who is just perceived as being a pest. He can use the opportunity to let them know that you're planning on relocating so they don't fail to get in touch because they assume his being from out of town is a dis-qualifier. He should be tailoring his resume and cover letter for every single job as well. What is it about what he has done/is doing that makes him a match for this particular job? It can't just be up to his experience to sell itself, you have to make it obvious what they're looking for is there.

Don't overlook the local utilities and government agencies. It varies state by state, but often government jobs pay well and hire based on education or "equivalent experience."

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice!