Is there a strong preference for Utah residents for jobs? (Salt Lake City: contractor, colleges)

[Dolly]

We live in Illinois and my husband has been out of work or only had sporadic work for the last two years. My brother lives in Salt Lake City and we are thinking of maybe looking to Utah for work since we have family there. We have sent out several resumes to Utah colleges (his background is teaching college psychology and academic advising) but haven't heard back anything. He nearly always gets an interview with his background so I am a bit concerned that he is being passed over since he is not a Utah resident already. In the places that you work, does your employer hire out of state to fill jobs?

[VC dreamer]

There are several companies here that do hire out of state workers-but don't expect them to pay for re-location. My DH got his job out here, when a head hunter from here found him while we were still living in SoCal. I know several other people with the same story. While I can't speak for white collar jobs, I do know that the blue collar industry is very short staffed out here. And, whereas the job pay is not very good in Utah, if the company wants you bad enough, they'll pay.

[irman]

Originally Posted by Dolly

My brother lives in Salt Lake City and we are thinking of maybe looking to Utah for work since we have family there.

My advice. (IF you have the means to do so)

Come for a visit after you check out the job opportunities *on line*.

I got a job here (a long time ago, after working for umpteen years overseas)
after 8 months out of work, by just going to the addresses who were offering the jobs.
I found that writing a resume and applying by mail umpteen times, was a fruitless effort.

When you visit the companies ... (unannounced !!)
Dress professionally (Dark blue suit and appropriate tie), smell clean.
Well groomed, clean shaven.
Never ask what the job may pay you.
Sit straight up and look the interviewer straight in his/her eyes.
Ask how you can help THEM !!!
You act like a *go-getter*, they may like you !!!

Worked for me. Got a job after three visits !!!!
It actually was one of the jobs I applied for *on paper*.
They let me do some work as a contractor, I guess to prove myself,
then got hired permanently.

Your turn !!!!

[kwm03160]

Colleges are hurting right now... the state has cut and will further cut funding. My understanding is most state-run colleges are on hiring freezes.

[Dolly]

Originally Posted by kwm03160

Colleges are hurting right now... the state has cut and will further cut funding. My understanding is most state-run colleges are on hiring freezes.

Everyone is hurting right now! However, colleges are still hiring because where do out of work people go when they can't find work? Back to college!

As far as relocation expenses, we have never in our lives had a company pay for re-location so we don't expect it. Plus, we could stay with my brother for a while until we can get on our feet financially.
I guess we will just keep trying and sending resumes.

[kwm03160]

I would keep trying, but it may take a while. Professors are teaching more hours. This article in today's Tribune describes the problem: UVU battles perfect storm - Salt Lake Tribune.

Increased enrollment + budget cuts = larger teaching loads for professors. That is why they aren't hiring, even though enrollment has increased - due to state budget cuts, there isn't money.