How do I get a job in Phoenix Metro area before I relocate? (job market, buy)

[JudiofJersey]

My husband will be retiring in less than 2 years from his job and we are planning to relocate out to Arizona. All my family lives there and we love the whole state! I am just finishing my BS degree in Allied Health with a specialization in diagnostic medical sonography (aka ultrasound). The current job market in NJ is not too good for my profession so we have decided that if I could get a job out there now that I would stay with family for awhile until my husband could join me. We are both in our forties so we are comfortable with this decision since it will help us achieve our overall goal. However, trying to get a job from out of state seems a bit complicated and overwhelming. Does anyone have any good insight on how to accomplish this task? I see many sonographer positions online and have applied to just a few to test the waters but nothing yet. Thanks for whatever input you may have!

[nina2119]

I relocated to Phoenix because I got a job offer. While I'm not in the medical field, I just looked at the job board that is sponsored by my professional organization, found this position, and applied. Maybe start looking at some of the local hospitals/clinics or whatever and see if they have any openings. Also, does your school have career services that might help with an out of state job search? See if there are any alumni in Phoenix that you can network with.

[Bondurant]

There's no secret tips to landing a job in Phoenix. Good ol' fashioned leg work is all you need to do. Keep in mind the economy stinks but when you're a specialist the prospects might be better. Keep checking the usual job hunting sites and maybe emphasis on Jobing.com since it's Phoenix centric. If you have the time come out and visit family. Use some of that time job hunting. Good luck.

[kytoaz]

I'm interested to see how your job search works out. i'll be in the same position six-eight months from now and face the same challenges. best of luck and please keep us posted.

[nitram]

Unless you have already lined up a job before you arrive, prepare yourself for standing in long lines to be interviewed since AZ has one of the highest rates of unemployment at the present.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by nitram

Unless you have already lined up a job before you arrive, prepare yourself for standing in long lines to be interviewed since AZ has one of the highest rates of unemployment at the present.

AZ unemployment is below the national average. Phoenix is among the better big city job markets at the moment with a rate lower than Seattle, Denver or LA for example. I do agree that things are not great and that there is strong competition for positions. But let's not make it sound worse than it really is.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

AZ unemployment is below the national average. Phoenix is among the better big city job markets at the moment with a rate lower than Seattle, Denver or LA for example. I do agree that things are not great and that there is strong competition for positions. But let's not make it sound worse than it really is.

Very well stated.

[nitram]

Here are the Govt stats. You interpret them the way you want.
Arizona Economy at a Glance

[Jukesgrrl]

A practical consideration would be using an Arizona address on your resume and cover letters. Is there someone in your family you would trust with your non-electronic job-related correspondence? Also, get a cell phone with an area code appropriate to where you plan to live/seek a job. You can request a phone number in any area code when you buy a cell phone. And I would assume your E-mail address gives no inkling of where you live. If it's "JudiofJersey@ocean.com," you need a new one.

Employers today have cut back tremendously on moving expenses. Very few open positions have moving expenses attached, so most employers don't even want to talk with someone who is not already in the immediate area and prepared to interview on a moment's notice and start work within the month.

Based on my experience -- and what I have read on C-D from other out-of-state job seekers -- resumes are usually filed in the round if the employer thinks you're not going to be at their beck and call. It may not be fair, but unless you have an unusual talent or demonstrable experience directly related to the opening, you'll probably continue to be ignored for open positions if the hirer has any inkling you are all the way across the country. You might be able to finesse around the issue if you make them believe you are local, but you'd still have to be ready to interview in their time frame.

I understand you are committed to moving to Arizona. But are you prepared to high-tail it to the airport and fly here to make an interview in a matter of days? Then, if you are offered the job, can you start in two weeks? Those are the kinds of expectations hiring managers have -- even when they are the type to leave you hanging for weeks waiting for a response after you've had an interview. You say you're "testing the waters," but most human resources people don't have the time or the inclination to deal with job seekers who aren't on the starting block. In this economy, they see too many candidates who are.

It is difficult to find a good job in Arizona and I trust you're aware that salaries are much lower than they are back East. But you made a good choice in getting medical training. That's one field in which there are jobs.

Best of luck with your search and moving plans.

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

AZ unemployment is below the national average. Phoenix is among the better big city job markets at the moment with a rate lower than Seattle, Denver or LA for example. I do agree that things are not great and that there is strong competition for positions. But let's not make it sound worse than it really is.

Arizona's is currently 9.1%, and the national rate is 9%. Phoenix' is 8.1% and Denver's is 7.8%.