Moving to AK and finding work

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by megbraz

I am moving to Alaska next year and was wondering if anyone had any tips as to how to get jobs on the North Slope.

At this stage of the game, you pretty much have to know someone who already works on the Slope.

[Grannysroost]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

At this stage of the game, you pretty much have to know someone who already works on the Slope.

Or be specialized in something, maybe kitchen or housekeeping...lots of oldies are not working, most newbies are not working, and the last we heard they weren't even building ice roads...latest word was work may pick up in January to hold the mouse by his tail in anticipation....we heard that last year at this time also...tread carefully because moving is expensive, moving out is more so...

[rppearso]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

At this stage of the game, you pretty much have to know someone who already works on the Slope.

Not just somebody but somebody who is in a position to hire and fire, just knowing somebody who happens to work up there is not going to cut it unless he is willing to allow you to net work further even if he gives you a reference to the key individual, this "person you know" has to be willing to give you a solid reference and your resume has to be solid (certifications, education, years of experience, etc). Most of the high paying jobs in alaska are in oil and gas and its a bi*ch to get your foot in the door, it took me a year to get a job in O&G after I graduated.

[rppearso]

Originally Posted by Grannysroost

Or be specialized in something, maybe kitchen or housekeeping...lots of oldies are not working, most newbies are not working, and the last we heard they weren't even building ice roads...latest word was work may pick up in January to hold the mouse by his tail in anticipation....we heard that last year at this time also...tread carefully because moving is expensive, moving out is more so...

Work really is suppose to pick up next month the key is who is going to be getting the work? BP and CPA are more selective than ever now as to who they contract and hire, work will pick up but its definitly not going to be boom times.

[jrcpeace]

Originally Posted by rallymonkey9861

My husband and I want to move to alaska (anchorage/eagle river/wasilla area). I've done alot of research and have come up w/ contradicting advice as to whether we should secure jobs before the move. My husband is a HVAC service technician and I am a CDA (certified dental assistant). We currently live on the connecticut shoreline, and because we are so far, its hard to job hunt from here. I've looked in the classified ads and have not found anything, so we just to send out a bunch of resumes, but have not really gotten anything back. We are willing to fly out there for face to face interview, but no employers have really showed any interest because we currently live on the other side of the country. We have enough money saved to live off of for 3 or 4 months once we move. If we can't get a job from here (and its looking like its going that way), is that enough time to find a job if we decide to just move out there w/out finding a job first? I don't want to end up stuck there w/ no job and no money, especially since we have a 2 year old. any advice?

I see that you both want to move very badly, but i believe untill you find a job in Alaska dont move!!! your 2 year ol doesnt need to have to go thu flying all the way out there then in 3 months having to fly all the way back home!!

[texasladylooking]

so.....what you all saying is that no matter what, moving to alaska is very hard,and theres no help what so ever!!!! the goverment wont help new residence to get on there feet,well some other states do have benefits that start off people with apt,utilities,food,and help them find a job....till now i had good things to say bout alaska,i had tell alot of people the one day i was moving to alaska,but after reading all these, i think i change my mind,i know is hard to find a job no matter where you stay at,but people need to stay together and help each other,good luck people

[blueflames50]

Originally Posted by texasladylooking

so.....what you all saying is that no matter what, moving to alaska is very hard,and theres no help what so ever!!!! the goverment wont help new residence to get on there feet,well some other states do have benefits that start off people with apt,utilities,food,and help them find a job....till now i had good things to say bout alaska,i had tell alot of people the one day i was moving to alaska,but after reading all these, i think i change my mind,i know is hard to find a job no matter where you stay at,but people need to stay together and help each other,good luck people

this is an older thread but, what forum members are saying is people do move and make it in Alaska but it is hard.... there is the "transitional" office which use to be known as "unemployment" office that works like the lower 48's.
I am at a loss as to understanding why one would expect the government to help you move and get on your feet regardless of what state it is. People should have the financial means to get to the state an enough to get out an move on if there if things don't work out. Alaska is the toughest state to do that in as it is so expensive to get in and out of due to location.

[Rance]

other states do have benefits that start off people with apt,utilities,food,and help them find a job

Sounds like heaven. You might do better in one of these "other states" if all your looking for is a free ride from the government. Your not going to get it in Alaska. Unless you've worked and have unemployment benefits you can collect moving from there to here, while looking for work.

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by texasladylooking

other states do have benefits that start off people with apt,utilities,food,and help them find a job....

Oh, I'm all for a free ride, Please tell us more about these states!!

[Frostnip]

Originally Posted by texasladylooking

so.....what you all saying is that no matter what, moving to alaska is very hard,and theres no help what so ever!!!! the goverment wont help new residence to get on there feet,well some other states do have benefits that start off people with apt,utilities,food,and help them find a job....till now i had good things to say bout alaska,i had tell alot of people the one day i was moving to alaska,but after reading all these, i think i change my mind,i know is hard to find a job no matter where you stay at,but people need to stay together and help each other,good luck people

Just getting to Alaska is expensive, whether you drive, fly or take the ferry.

If a person can save up for that they ought to be able to save up a while longer and have enough to get on their feet once they arrive. And if someone has a sudden or emergency move up here - let's say for work or family reasons - well, they've got work or family then to get things rolling for them, yeah?