New to forum--would love advice! (Birmingham: apartment, job market, theatres)

[iamkc]

Hello! I have LOVED reading all the entries on the Birmingham site! I was born and raised here, moved away, and now I'm back...with my husband, baby, and baby-to-be! I got a lot of ribbing for moving back here. (WHY do you want to move to BIRMINGHAM?!?!) Well, my husband thinks that this is the Promised Land--warm weather, good food, friendly people, low cost of living, and jobs!

We found an apartment. Not unpacked, but moved in. Unfortunately, we haven't found a job. For now, just for my husband. (As I mentioned, I'm pregnant, so I'm most likely off the job market for a while.) We've exhausted online searches, as far as we can tell. We scour the paper every Sunday. We're out of options. He's applied to some things, but doesn't quite have the exact qualifications, although he IS well-qualified for many, many jobs. MY POINT (YES! I have one!): can anyone give us info on other job searching for the area? Even good temp jobs that would allow him to search would be great!

Thanks in advance! And I can't wait to read more on here!!!

[Southlander]

kc, most jobs simply aren't in the newspaper. So much is done by word-of-mouth.
Now, don't stop applying for the jobs in the newspaper, but do put the word out among any friends and family. Go to church and meet some folks...good for your soul, your psyche and that word of mouth!
If there's a particular company he wants to work for, he should go and apply and interview even if they don't have anything open right now. If he interviews, they get to know him a little. And somebody could quit any day.
And just keep on applying. Don't forget to write thank-you notes for interviews, and check back on your application status and to let the company know you're interested in the job.
Good luck to you!

[Keeper]

Check out joblink.alabama.gov.. for jobs too.

[harry chickpea]

Southlander has it right. I'll add that taking a part-time job can help as well. Southlander probably already knows that I'll mention movie theatres need people who can work weekends and evenings, times that allow for job searches during weekdays.

Remember to check online sources like Craigslist and Monster for job listings. Temp agencies sometimes have assignments that turn into full-time jobs.

[Threestep]

First of all - what does he do? Can you give us not necessarily a resume but something to go by?

[iamkc]

Thank you! We've definitely put out the word of mouth, have some people looking into other things. We've looked through papers and websites, and we're now running through town looking for "hiring" signs. I guess I just wanted to make sure that there was nothing we were missing! Thank you!

He has a philosophy bachelor's, and he has some master's work in sociology and related fields. He knows a bit about computers...but overall, he learns very quickly, and he has done a lot of "odds and ends" jobs. He has a couple of part-time jobs right now, but one doesn't pay until a month later, and it doesn't guarantee hours (sub teaching). The other is a nights and weekends job. So it seems that we're doing everything we should and can!!!

Thank you again so much!

[Southlander]

Well, take it from a fellow liberal arts graduate - there aren't too many firms out there looking for philosophies! He might want to look into some further vocational-type training, or even a second bachelor's degree, to help him refine his marketable skills. Birmingham has several different very good colleges, everything from hands-on Virginia College to doctor of jurisprudence (lawyer!). I know you need to have some income NOW, but it's something to think about for the future. Good luck!

[myscoop]

Hi - make sure to check out MyScoop -it is the area's only stylish sophisticated publication and will keep you posted on everything from style to posh pads to travel. My Scoop is based in Birmingham and covers the entire region.