Need a confidence boost regarding a move to Minneapolis (schools, university)

[Alt Dach]

Originally Posted by mhc.

thank you for all your input! but yikes.......i was naively hoping for more positive responses! does it affect anyone's advice if I say that my job is associated with the automobile industry?

Jobs here today can be gone tomorrow,reality trumps positivity every time.

[Minneapolis Guy]

I dont think there any problems at all finding jobs in Minneapolis right now. I wasnt even looking, and I got two jobs referred to me, and got offers from both this past summer. But it also depends on what type of careers you are looking for.

[mhc.]

Originally Posted by Minneapolis Guy

I dont think there any problems at all finding jobs in Minneapolis right now. I wasnt even looking, and I got two jobs referred to me, and got offers from both this past summer. But it also depends on what type of careers you are looking for.

how refreshing! thank you!


i know the outlook is bleak but this is what a was looking for...a few reassuring comments!

i don't really have a specific field, I would prefer professional/office work but it if comes down to it I would work 5 casual jobs if I had to (at least until I found something better)!

i know it is a bit dumb to leave a sort-of-stable job in this economy but i believe things would be better for me in minneapolis than in michigan. i would like to be able to commit to a career for AT LEAST a year or two and i am not prepared to stay in Michigan that long....maybe this is reckless but you have to take a chance at some point.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Haver

The twin cities has normally done better than the rest of the country economically, but in the past year or two its been worse than the national average, with a 6.2% unemployment rate. If you ride it out where you are until the situation has improved in a year or two, you'll be in a much better position when you do get over here.

I think that even though our unemployment rate is at 6.2% if you factor in the lay-offs in the mortgage industry, specifically GMAC, and real estate related businesses like construction workers, take them out of the equation, the unemployment rate would be very low. I know of several companies that are disparate for employers. I have a couple friends that are recruiters and they are having a heck of a time finding qualified workers. The jobs are out there. The problem is that the ones looking aren't qualified to do the job. Not many roofers can step into a finance career, for example.

Look online at career builder and start sending resumes, you might be surprised.

[boisean]

Originally Posted by gizmobizmo

If you have family or friends back home, ask if they are willing to allow you to list their address on your resume and applications for future jobs. Most employers only want to talk to a local candidate. List your own cell phone number though. This way, you can look in the city you want to be in yet still appear to be a local candidate. If they call, explain that you are relocating to the area but are getting a jump start on your job search. If you are truly a viable candidate, they will still consider you for the job and may possibly do a phone interview. If needed, you can fly in for an interview.

Practice some patience and sooner or later, things WILL work out for you.

We are preparing to move to the Twin Cities - just waiting to find the right job, but we have also found what you said to be true - if you are not a local candidate, most companies won't even look at you. We don't have any local family to use as contact listings - any suggestions on how to network for openings or make clear the fact that we are not just "shopping around", but are absolutely moving to the area. If it helps, my husband's work is in the finance/accounting fields - he is the Controller for a local company with over $750 million annual sales.

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by boisean

We are preparing to move to the Twin Cities - just waiting to find the right job, but we have also found what you said to be true - if you are not a local candidate, most companies won't even look at you. We don't have any local family to use as contact listings - any suggestions on how to network for openings or make clear the fact that we are not just "shopping around", but are absolutely moving to the area. If it helps, my husband's work is in the finance/accounting fields - he is the Controller for a local company with over $750 million annual sales.

The local cantidate preference really is related to a couple things. First, they don't want to pay relocation costs, and second, they want somebody to be able to start quickly without delay.

Best thing you can do is talk to those points early and you should be able to get past that obstacle.

Also, you could get a cell phone with local number and PO box with local address.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by Clifford63

The local cantidate preference really is related to a couple things. First, they don't want to pay relocation costs, and second, they want somebody to be able to start quickly without delay.

Best thing you can do is talk to those points early and you should be able to get past that obstacle.

Also, you could get a cell phone with local number and PO box with local address.

I agree, the relocation costs are a huge point with companies looking at shrinking profit margins too. They might interview with someone that says they don't want relocation covered and then it comes down to the negotiations and opps, changed my mind, you want my, you pay type situation. It puts companies in a tough spot. Also, employers know that MN isn't for everyone and they know that after a winter here, some might not like it. Training in a new employee at any level is expensive and they want to keep that person so someone coming from out of the area is more likely to leave then someone already established here.

If you have family or other connections to the area I would stress that in any interviews.

[Camden Northsider]

Originally Posted by boisean

We are preparing to move to the Twin Cities - just waiting to find the right job, but we have also found what you said to be true - if you are not a local candidate, most companies won't even look at you. We don't have any local family to use as contact listings - any suggestions on how to network for openings or make clear the fact that we are not just "shopping around", but are absolutely moving to the area. If it helps, my husband's work is in the finance/accounting fields - he is the Controller for a local company with over $750 million annual sales.

Your husband should have no problems getting interviews here in the Twin Cities if he's in Finance/ Accounting and the Controller for a large company. I would have someone inspect his resume (outside from the out-of-state location) and/or have him look for jobs in better places. Try this: All Finance $90,000 Jobs in Minneapolis, MN | Indeed.com or www.minnesotaworks.net or the Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal's website for jobs (and jobs of this skill level will also generally be posted in the Star Trib as well).

Also tell him to address the out-of-state address in his cover letter so that hiring managers know that the move is serious/ imminent.

[boisean]

Thank you all so much for your feedback - all great ideas that we will start working on right away. We looked at many different locations before deciding that the Twin Cities area offered the best combination of career opportunities and nearby communities we could raise our family in. Your willingness to help definitely confirms that decision.

[SassyBelle]

January is still two months away, and end of the year is usually good time to find a job. You canput together a campaign, send out resumes and see what happens... Good luck!