Employment in Anchorage for transplants (for sale, apartments, transfer)

[Trevor123]

I currently live in AR and my Alaskan native girlfriend has been asking my opinion of moving to AK-specifically Anchorage. While we both love to travel, my only reservation is that I won't be able to land a job before we move which is a big concern for me. She on the other hand, will have a good job waiting for her. Is it difficult to find a permanent decent job/career at an entry level? I have years of customer service experience and a year at a service center for a large medical distributor. I also have an Associates Degree. Does anyone have an idea of where to start a job search that could likely develop into a job offer before we leave for AK? I can submit a resume if it would help with advice. I'm not a big fan of working at a local food joint to barely cover the bills, but I'm certainly not looking for graduate level salary.

[AKStafford]

Alaska Job Center Network and craigslist: anchorage / mat-su classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

[gobrien]

Careers at GCI

GCI frequently has entry level customer service jobs, but realistically to get a job offer before you move is unlikely since there are many people in Anchorage qualified for the jobs and employers are very unlikely to need to hire someone long distance, or have the time to wait for the position to be filled.

[Trevor123]

Well, that really puts kinks in moving. Really scarey moving with no promise of unemployment. Especially, when you consider it could take a few months from submitting your application to getting that first check. I understand the importance of having a savings account but I'd hate to drain it just looking for a job. At least I know we know one of us is covered and we will have adequate housing for at least a few months for cheap. I'm wary of job offers on craigslist. I've never had a positive result with employment via craigslist here.

Anyone familiar with the Cardinal Health Distribution Center in Anchorage? I understand it's off Ramar Rd. I have no idea how many employees work there but I'd love to get sone info about how many employees work there and their turnover rate without calling them myself and jeopordize my chance of being transferred there and working for the same company.

[warptman]

McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell and others all have entry level positions and to me they hire just about anyone...

[Moose Whisperer]

Originally Posted by warptman

and to me they hire just about anyone...

I think Anchorage School Bus drivers have similar hiring standards.

[Trevor123]

Thanks warptman, but I'd like to avoid fast foods joints if at all possible. I understand that I'd need to start at entry level, but I'd rather stay put than start at Taco Bell. I appreciate the input guys!

[FloridaKash]

There are jobs to be found up here. Look in the Newspaper, employers up here don't use Monster that much. You can always go into sales as long as you have an outgoing personality, shouldn't be a problem with your Customer Service background. If you just want a ho hum corporate job there are several retailers up here as mentioned. Johnson's Tire Service will be hiring before spring due to the busy tire switch season. Doesn't sound like you have the best job right now so you wouldn't have much to lose.
If I were you I would be much more concerned with the culture shock you will have moving from AZ to AK. They are very different from one another.

[Trevor123]

I don't know that it will make a difference, but I am 25 years old.

[Bluecielos]

Costco/Sam's Club is also a place that is normally hiring and they have good pay. My brother worked there for $13 an hour and he pushed carts.....you could always get a job like that for a little while until you were able to find something better. Just a thought.