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I am 22 years old and ready to get out of Illinois. I am hoping to relocate out west (Nevada mainly), but first I need to finish my degree, save up more money, and find a job there first.
I've been unemployed for five months now and have spent about three of those months looking all over the country for jobs in my field. I have applied to close to 200 jobs nationwide, which resulted in 13 phone interviews with different companies throughout the country and not a single one invited me to interview in person. On the other hand, I was also looking in-state (CT) and sure enough, I landed an in person interview here.
The bottom line is that 95% of the time, employers ONLY care about local candidates. I live in the Hartford, CT area and have since limited my job search to New England only, but even that's pushing it for most employers. For example, employers in the Boston area (which is only a 2 hour drive from me) don't seem to be interested in hiring someone from CT! Why would they bother when they probably have plenty of local candidates in such a large metro area???
So yes, it's frustrating. I am looking locally, but it's very limited so sometimes I have to expand my search in order to submit more applications. I mean, I would LIKE to find a good job locally, but because opportunities are limited here in the Hartford area, I can't help but apply to jobs in other places. But at least by looking in my area of the country (New England), if I DO get a job in say, Massachusetts or New Hampshire, the move wouldn't be such a huge costly deal.
I thought about the idea of relocating with no job lined up, but I really don't like the idea. I would have to spend probably $3,000 to make the move and have all my stuff shipped (I don't wanna sell my stuff), then it would be a challenge to secure an apartment with no income. I would have to pay the entire lease term up front or something. Fortunately, I have the money to do so, but I really don't want to blow a quarter of my savings on that. And worst of all, who's to say that I will definitely secure suitable employment after moving? I just don't think it's a good idea to put all my eggs in one basket by going through the hassle of moving to a specific destination, only to possibly remain unemployed. The sad part too, is that employers will then worry and ask me, "do you plan to STAY in this area?" SMH!!!!
I'm definitely finding jobs elsewhere that seem quite appealing and are ready to take me on if I'm willing to relocate. So far, the only thing that has been stopping me are the high rental prices and the thought of becoming one of those newcomers that the natives always complain about.
I've posted quite a bit about these issues when it comes to taking jobs in Denver and the Austin area. The part of NM I live in right now is rather affordable for the wage and debt situation I'm currently in.
But I'm still shopping around for that position that will actually make the move a worthwhile one. Figure five years in this area, and not much to really show for it. Perhaps it is time to make that jump.
I've been unemployed for five months now and have spent about three of those months looking all over the country for jobs in my field. I have applied to close to 200 jobs nationwide, which resulted in 13 phone interviews with different companies throughout the country and not a single one invited me to interview in person. On the other hand, I was also looking in-state (CT) and sure enough, I landed an in person interview here.
The bottom line is that 95% of the time, employers ONLY care about local candidates. I live in the Hartford, CT area and have since limited my job search to New England only, but even that's pushing it for most employers. For example, employers in the Boston area (which is only a 2 hour drive from me) don't seem to be interested in hiring someone from CT! Why would they bother when they probably have plenty of local candidates in such a large metro area???
The Boston employers, like most employers, are likely only looking at those with stable work histories.
That is in all likelihood the common denominator on these last 5 months for you. We both know it was addressed as an important issue by the single Ct interviewing company.
The Boston employers, like most employers, are likely only looking at those with stable work histories.
That is in all likelihood the common denominator on these last 5 months for you. We both know it was addressed as an important issue by the single Ct interviewing company.
I agree that my unstable work history is the sole/primary reason, especially since I'm having trouble even landing an interview locally. Sadly, I will probably have to resort to temping, which means I'll probably be temping for the rest of my life. I just don't see how temping is ever going to result in permanent employment ever again.
I agree that my unstable work history is the sole/primary reason, especially since I'm having trouble even landing an interview locally. Sadly, I will probably have to resort to temping, which means I'll probably be temping for the rest of my life. I just don't see how temping is ever going to result in permanent employment ever again.
Do a spectacular job temping. 27% get hired. vs , at best 2% responding to an ad on the internet.
Or work for your parents, as at least that will last several years.
The interesting fact to me is there were broke people in the 70's and early 80's too with no money to do it and they found a way to move for opportunities! The economy stunk then too. Jimmy Carter. Stagflation. 16% interest rates. Gas shortages and rationing at the pump. Recessions. People still moved.
They said the cost of housing where the jobs are is obviously a disincentive. But often there is a cultural mismatch that keeps people where they are (translation: they just don't like the culture of big cities). Two other reasons the story gave for the lack of mobility that I didn't know were the increasing number of state licensing requirements for jobs that once didn't need licenses, and the improvement of the social safety net -- both private and public sector -- in depressed rural areas.
Read it. It's a good story, and I learned something.
I have less than a quarter tank of gas and next payday is a little over a week away.
I suppose I could hop a train.
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