Job hunting in LA - suggestions appreciated! (2009, live in)

[salsa311]

I will be moving to LA at the very end of April/early May 2009 from WI. I have a few questions about my job search:

1. What are some good sites you have used to search for local jobs? I have tried LAtimes.com but it goes straight to careerbuilder. There have to be other sites besides that and monster.com, craigslist, yahoo, etc. Can anyone point me toward some others?? I am looking for something in marketing/communications, or entry level PR/music industry (assistant of some sort)

2. When should I start sending out resumes? I would prefer to have a job lined up before I move, obviously. Ideally, I would like to have an apt. chosen/rented to begin about May 1. I would want to start a job by the second week in May.

Should I plan to send out resumes in Feb? March?

Is it true that I may not get offers for interviews at some places because I don't live in the area yet?


Thank you very much for any advice you can offer.

[goodgirl49]

Originally Posted by salsa311

I will be moving to LA at the very end of April/early May 2009 from WI. I have a few questions about my job search:

1. What are some good sites you have used to search for local jobs? I have tried LAtimes.com but it goes straight to careerbuilder. There have to be other sites besides that and monster.com, craigslist, yahoo, etc. Can anyone point me toward some others?? I am looking for something in marketing/communications, or entry level PR/music industry (assistant of some sort)

2. When should I start sending out resumes? I would prefer to have a job lined up before I move, obviously. Ideally, I would like to have an apt. chosen/rented to begin about May 1. I would want to start a job by the second week in May.

Should I plan to send out resumes in Feb? March?

Is it true that I may not get offers for interviews at some places because I don't live in the area yet?


Thank you very much for any advice you can offer.

Do you know anyone out here personally in those industries? That would probably be your biggest help.

[KnoxTown]

I hate to be stern, but you really need to know people. That is likely the only way to break into these industries out here. It is a close knit business, and most people keep working with people they know. That said...

Send out resumes as soon as possible. The only downside is, most companies will disregard your resume bc you aren't here locally. There is plenty of competition already here, so no need for them to deal with people out of state. You best best is to get here, and start walking resumes to different businesses.

[salsa311]

i do know a few people but haven't talked with them too much yet in detail about helping me get in somewhere. maybe i'll just take what i can get before moving, and can always look elsewhere when i get there.

either way, know of any good job search sites?

[Paula Lynn]

There are several other sites, but I can't think of at the top of my head. Do a google for "employment job/web sites" - that may be a start.

Good luck.

[RPV2NC]

I think you'd be best off targeting specific companies and sending your resume to an executive at that company. There aren't that many PR agencies and music companies.

[ConsideringLA]

Originally Posted by salsa311

i do know a few people but haven't talked with them too much yet in detail about helping me get in somewhere. maybe i'll just take what i can get before moving, and can always look elsewhere when i get there.

either way, know of any good job search sites?

Yes - use indeed.com or simplyhired.com. They aggregate all the job search engines into one.

But to echo the point made earlier - as a hiring manager, I can share that resumes submitted over the internet are as good as discarded. The hot jobs get STACKS (literally) over the internet, and I'd rather have a referral than a blind email.

[salsa311]

Thank you!

Is it common in LA for people to walk in to a company to submit a resume? Is applying online not all that effective out there? It's pretty much the norm here (applying online/via email)

[ElleBebe]

Monster Trak (http://www.monstertrak.com/) is good for entry level jobs. And in every cover letter you send, include the fact that you're relocating, and when you plan to be in LA; it would be good to have flexible move dates and be willing to move earlier if a job opens up (unless you're a student graduating in spring?)

Seriously, start sending out resumes now or within the next few months. If you're not getting a job through networking/knowing someone, it could take months and months.