Anyone ever use a Head Hunter or Employment Agency? Recommendations? (Princeton: sales, house) - City-Data Forum

HeatherLynn822 · 10-11-2009, 09:41 AM

I am in the process of moving to North Brunswick. My current job is in Denville. Needless to say, I am not excited at the thought of having a 53 mile commute each way to work, so I am trying to find a new job, closer to North Brunswick.

For the last month, I have been using the old standbys: classified ads and career builder.com, as well as going directly to the websites of hospitals & schools in the area to check for openings. (I am currently a counselor with hospitalized kids, but also have my teaching certificate.) But I am really willing to take any job in any field, so much as it at least matches my current salary.

Not so surprisingly, I have had NO luck landing so much as an interview. Someone suggested to me I might try a head hunter or employment agency. This is completely new territory for me. Has anyone here ever used one? They are free to use from my understanding, correct? Does anyone have any good recommendations, or can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

Chubz · 10-11-2009, 02:47 PM

53 mile commute is nothing. I live in forked river and I was traveling as far north as Nanuet NY for work.

HeatherLynn822 · 10-11-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubz

53 mile commute is nothing. I live in forked river and I was traveling as far north as Nanuet NY for work.

My shift at work is also 10 & a half hours. Tack on an hour + commute each day, and I will be out of the house over 12 hours a day.

Don't get me wrong, I will do it of the only other option is NO job.... but it's not my ideal situation and I would like to pursue other options, as aggressively as possible.

ansky · 10-11-2009, 04:56 PM

Why are you moving to North Brunswick if your job is in Denville? It's probably easier to find a home closer to Denville than finding a new job closer to NB.

Anyway, I would recommend that you have your resume available on Monster and also on LinkedIn if you haven't done so already. I'm not even looking for a job and I get almost weekly offers for interviews from people that found my resume on LinkedIn.

I have only had one experience with a job placement agency and it was not fun. They were very pushy because they only get paid if you get hired. One guy was practically yelling at me after I told him I had no interest in going on an interview at a particular company.

CaptainNJ · 10-11-2009, 04:58 PM

the fee depends on what level of employee you are. usually the more skilled employee, the more the fee can just be pushed on the employer.

i would recommend to sign up with a bunch of them.

HeatherLynn822 · 10-11-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ansky

Why are you moving to North Brunswick if your job is in Denville? It's probably easier to find a home closer to Denville than finding a new job closer to NB.

Anyway, I would recommend that you have your resume available on Monster and also on LinkedIn if you haven't done so already. I'm not even looking for a job and I get almost weekly offers for interviews from people that found my resume on LinkedIn.

The difference in taxes mostly. Morris County taxes are ridiculous compared to Middlesex. Plus my boyfriend works in Plainsboro, down by Princeton. And most importantly, we found a place we really love.

Anyway, from my experience monster seems to cater to mostly sales / comission jobs... but I have never heard of LinkedIn so I will definitely check that out. Thanks for the info.

SweepTheLeg · 10-11-2009, 09:02 PM

I avoid most of the big job-boards like Monster, Careerbuilder, etc - and I definitely do NOT put my resume on there... it's just begging for scammy and shady things to happen.

SweepTheLeg · 10-11-2009, 09:05 PM

What about Craigslist?

If it makes you feel any better, there's going to be a new hospital in Plainsboro off 1.

The bad news is, it's not gonna be done until 2011-2012.

HeatherLynn822 · 10-11-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

What about Craigslist?

If it makes you feel any better, there's going to be a new hospital in Plainsboro off 1.

The bad news is, it's not gonna be done until 2011-2012.

Never thought of Craigslist... always thought that was more of a website for people looking for rommates or to sell a sofa... are there really legitimate job postings on there?
Awesome heads up about the hospital in Plainsboro... true it's way's off, but I am going to keep it in mind, especially if I have to take a job I "settle for" in the meantime ~ it'll be awesome to have a light at the end of the tunnel!

SweepTheLeg · 10-11-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatherLynn822

Never thought of Craigslist... always thought that was more of a website for people looking for rommates or to sell a sofa... are there really legitimate job postings on there?
Awesome heads up about the hospital in Plainsboro... true it's way's off, but I am going to keep it in mind, especially if I have to take a job I "settle for" in the meantime ~ it'll be awesome to have a light at the end of the tunnel!

A lot of technically saavy HR people are using CL for HR listings. So you never know.

However - just to warn you - if you're looking for a job to "tide you over" - the longer you are "out" of your field of choice - the harder it will be to get back in.