Am I doing something wrong? (Louisville: job market, live, professionals)

[Turpentine]

HI all- Just have a question for Lousivillians. I've been wanting to relocate to the Louisville area for some time now, after numerous visits and research, I feel it would be an ideal spot for me to move to , to get away from the Wi climate and other negatives. Problem is I have applied for over 75 jobs in the area that I feel, based on my resume and experiences, that I would be a strong candidate for. Unfortunately, Ihave yet to even get a phone interviews from anyone I realize that I can't be offered every job, but cmon. Is the labor market just overflowing with thousands upon thousands of superior candidates, or am I just doing something wrong here? I'm not comfortable movign there w/o work, but this way sure isn;t working. Is it because I'm out of state? Maybe I'm being a bit naive here, but you;d think the powers that be there would be a bit flattered that an outsider would love to call their area home, rather than shut them out. I hate to think that I am "unworthy" to be a resident there.
Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? Like I said I don';t expect the red carpet preferential treatment, but I sure don;t like being deliberately snubbed either.

[nlschr0]

What is your field or professional area?

Often, in any job market, entry-level and non-professional jobs are readily filled with at-hand labor forces. It is simply easier to interview and hire a local candidate when you're looking for job skills that are readily available in your area.

For jobs that require more specialized skills or a professional/management position, then companies are more likely to look outside for candidates. If this is the case, then perhaps you can re-evaluate your resume or even hire a resume consultant to critique it. Also, keep in mind that often these positions are more about who you know than simply what you know - networking is the key. Without local contacts, you're unlikely to get the inside track on these jobs, so a key point would be to try to make contacts in your field in Louisville.

Also, keep in mind that hiring a non-local candidate can mean more $$$ that has to be spent on interview travel and relocation costs, and often companies are very picky about who they will spend those dollars on.

[DHNLouisville]

Dear Turpinetine,
I am a native Louisvillian looking to move also. I am not sure what field you are in or your experience. I'm an "IT guy" at a very small company in Houston. I've been applying via job boards (careerbuilder, monster, etc). While I've gotten some initial calls from recruiters (none from direct employers), the feeling I have is they are waiting for me to move back before I'll truly be considered. I don't mean to be discouraging and the lack of interest may be in my failure to follow up with the recruiters outside of specific jobs although I've recently sent emails with a "move status update". All the recruiters said the same thing...great resume, don't think we'd have any problem finding you a job, keep us updated. So I kind of feel I get the brush off until my relocation is solid (which it is....week before Thanksgiving, GREAT time to move).
I get the feeling the Louisville job market for professionals is very competitive and for my level of work, most employers are looking at the local pool. Unemployment is a shade over 5% (I believe 5.6% in August which is above the national average-mid 4). I've never been told this directly by any recruiter. I do lack some confidence so it may just be my perception.
Also, "networking" is an issue when applying remotely. You and I have read the countless articles about "how this is the real way to get a job". I created a post a few weeks ago asking what networking opportunities are available in Louisville. Not one reply.
Third, the fourth quarter/holidays are not big hiring times according to friends. I've been told many companies wait until after to bring on new staff.

I don't know what your time table is but hang in there. I believe I read in a careerbuilder article, finding a job remotely can take twice as long as finding one locally.

[tomocox]

Are you Cobol and/or Java competent? If so, I know of several firms looking. Direct mail me.

[eryka1842]

Turpentine I am having the same problem - and feel the same way you do.

[tomocox]

Folks, Louisville MSA is full of great opportunities in IT. While it is obvious that any communities local people will get first dibs on a job due to relocation expense and other employer/employee risks, if you have something to offer an employer, they will hire. What few employees realize is that employees are an expense to employers. In choosing a new employee, all employers want a person they can spend $ 1.00 to employ and get back $ 2.00 for every dollar invested. I assure you that if your resume' recognizes that fundemental rule, you will be a top candidate no matter where you currently live.