Is the job market in Atlanta really that bad? (Roswell: real estate, credit)

[MDDCtoATL]

I keep reading posts about how bad the job market is in Atlanta, is this really true and as compared to what other cities? Also, any sources of these claims? What's the best route someone can take to increase their chances of finding a job in Atlanta?

[tiredofnova]

As you already know the job market is bad just about everywhere right now. The exception to that is Texas. There are tons of jobs there. If you're a teacher, nurse or in the IT field you should be able to find a job just about anywhere relatively easy. Remember McDonalds and Taco Bell are always hiring. If you're not picky about where you work you can find employment anywhere.

[AutumnRose]

What kind of job are you looking for? I think it would all depend on your desired field. I wouldn't move here unless you already had something lined up, just my opinion of course.

[bayarea-girl]

To me the job market really is awful here. My husband is an Accountant and it has been very hard for him to find a job. Many companies don't have a similar way in which they post jobs. This makes the job search very difficult.

But I guess it all depends on what industry you are in whether the market is good or not.

[runningncircles1]

My husband is an Accountant and it has been very hard for him to find a job.

Yeah, but ALOT of financial jobs have been cut due to this credit crunch. Many jobs were made in the financial industry during the real estate boom and borrowing frenzies of years past, but now they're being cut because it wasn't sustainable. Kind of like what happened to all the dotcommers in the early 2000s.

As many have said, jobs aren't being created at the rapid pace that they were. I expect to wait AT LEAST to the beginning of next year for this to pick up. Now, the job market here isn't any worse than anywhere else. However, it can seem it, as people move here rapidly from other places.

[mmenomen]

Finding a job is tough in many sectors. Some sectors are doing better than others. Hiring is indeed going on, but knowing someone (networking) is usually the best way to land a job regardless of what field you are in. As mentioned in other job threads here, it is advisable to have a job already when you move to Atlanta. Good luck, I have fresh memories of how tough it was for me when I got out of college years ago.

[bayarea-girl]

When I moved here 7 years ago the market was bad. 911 had just happened but I got a job. How jobs are even posted and the networks which you have to be connected to in order to get a job is not obvious. Accountants are like doctors in a sense because if there is a company they need to have an Accountant. The month that we moved Atlanta was being noted to be one of the few states in high need for Accountants and the Mayor of Atlanta was on Good Morning America letting everyone know that in this economy GA was the best place to be because it wasn't be affected by the economy.

Anyways, fortunately I have a business so we have some income. But the only negative that I can comment on about GA is the job market it just isn't like the Bay Area which it is very easy to get employed even in this market.

[Roswell/Alpharetta Homes]

Economy is struggling and thus businesses are following suit. I don't think Atlanta is in any worse shape than any other large city. I think college grad and above level work is as available here and probably more so than other cities.

[bayarea-girl]

Roswell/Alpharetta Homes, in the Bay Area (can't speak about other cities) there are a lot of jobs. Even in this economy. Most of our jobs we find on craigslist. Jobs here are kinda found randomly. When I look at jobs on craigslist or the AJC they are mostly recruiters on there, which are a big waste of time. Finding jobs here is really difficult (which is my experience), it just shouldn't be that hard. The times are difficult times but in a place this big it should be easier and similar to other states/cities just as big than a smaller state/city. It makes me think that GA/Atlanta isn't as big as it claims to be.

[batorizer]

I took a lower paying job in ATL but with international travel, vs a higher paying cubicle job in OKC (my home now) in a very specialized field. I did this because I'm young and looking for adventure. I got the job due to my senior year internship and some hunting around. Inside connections sealed the deal.