Moved here in Sept...but still no job :( (Charlotte, Washington: home, job market)

[skylizard]

Hi all,
I moved to Charlotte in September, but still have no job. I have a bachelor's and MBA in Finance and have done accounting work. Any ideas of what I can do to find a job aside from careerbuilder, monster, and recruiters? I didn't realize it would be so difficult here!
Also, my husband is also looking for a job (management, property management).

Thanks!

[SunnyKayak]

It may not be your desired place to work but it might be something to hold you over, you might want to consider tax preparation. At least this will hold you over til April til you find a place that might fit your needs better.

Other than that retail and shipping, I would imagine due to it almost end of the year and holidays many companies are tight on hiring.

[innercity51]

I am in business for myself, so I do not know where you can get a job.

[2sweet4law]

You might try contacting alumni from your colleges that live in the area and see if they can get you an interview. They call it informational interviewing.

[3johnsons]

Putting out feelers to people you meet at church, the gym, children's school, etc., may also be helpful. I know you're relatively new to the area, but networking is the most important thing you can do besides just hitting the pavement and the web.

[Landen1115]

You really have to be persistent and flexible. The jobs are there, but results dont happen overnight. So many newcomers, so few jobs to go around. Just a really competitive job market due to the appeal of Charlotte. JMHO...

[carolina_guy]

Since January I have been looking for another job. From January to July I was in a career position with the State Lab (microbiologist), but the salary just wasn't cutting it. After I was unsuccessful with getting another career position, I got a job with a land developer (via CareerBuilder) in hopes to bring home more cheese while getting my Masters online at East Carolina University. For three months I tried to make that work, all the while continuing to search for the next career position. After still no success with landing a Fed or industry position, I walked into 131 Main, dropped off my resume, applied, and got a job bartending/serving. I'm still training 131 Main, and still applying to career positions. I have a promising 2nd interview with with a Fed agency next Monday, I am pretty confident I'll get it. If I don't, I have a stable job at 131 Main that is sure to be a money maker.

My point with relaying this information is that I'm looking for a position under Homeland Security but I'm sitting here bartending and waiting tables until it happens. It's not just Charlotte, it's everywhere (I spend a couple hours a day applying and shooting my resume off to every region of the country). And most of the difficulty lies with COMPETITION. I have a B.S. in Biochemistry, working on my Masters in Security Studies, and will pursue a PhD in Biodefense; but I'm doing what I have to for now to pay the bills.

While you are spending day after day looking for a career position, go get something temporary for now. The jobs ARE PLENTY in Charlotte for these types of jobs, but you have to make it happen. I hope I have given you some motivation and let you know there are other options for you until you find your dream job.

Good luck!!

[Washingtonian]

You need to go to a network event. For example, I paid for the Women of NC Conference ($125). Unfortunately,the event was 10/31/07 for this year. There were about 1,000 women but the top companies in the states were represented. I targeted sessions that employers (speakers) that I was interested in. After the speaker finished, I walked up to them introduced myself and gave them a card (created on my computer) asked for there card and followed up directly with them. She referred me directly to the VP of Hr. I had an interview in about 4 different depts. w/i a few weeks. I was offered a job.

This may not happen all the time. But I think you need to network. Go to the Charlotte Business Journal. They just published the best places to work in Charlotte. Small, medium and large companies. Many of the companies I never heard of but they were rated the best places to work. I'm sure they have the contact names. Get the names and addresses and send them your resume directly (or via email). Also the CBJ will list networking events around Charlotte.

I have done it many times. It gets my name in front of the senior staff and if they usually refer it to the HR or hiring staff. (It has worked for me many times.) I never usually use the regular job postings. It may be a little pushy but I call it innovative and creative career pursuit.

Good luck to you.

[skylizard]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it!

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Washingtonian

You need to go to a network event. For example, I paid for the Women of NC Conference ($125). Unfortunately,the event was 10/31/07 for this year. There were about 1,000 women but the top companies in the states were represented. I targeted sessions that employers (speakers) that I was interested in. After the speaker finished, I walked up to them introduced myself and gave them a card (created on my computer) asked for there card and followed up directly with them. She referred me directly to the VP of Hr. I had an interview in about 4 different depts. w/i a few weeks. I was offered a job.

This may not happen all the time. But I think you need to network. Go to the Charlotte Business Journal. They just published the best places to work in Charlotte. Small, medium and large companies. Many of the companies I never heard of but they were rated the best places to work. I'm sure they have the contact names. Get the names and addresses and send them your resume directly (or via email). Also the CBJ will list networking events around Charlotte.

I have done it many times. It gets my name in front of the senior staff and if they usually refer it to the HR or hiring staff. (It has worked for me many times.) I never usually use the regular job postings. It may be a little pushy but I call it innovative and creative career pursuit.

Good luck to you.

Really great advice!