How hard is it to get a job preemptively? (Austin: sublet, to rent)

[simon22]

I have a degree in film (from UT Austin oddly enough) plus about two years audio visual experience. I'm looking to move back sometime by the summer, but really want to get a job before I move there. Is this possible or do I have to move there and then get the job?

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by simon22

I have a degree in film (from UT Austin oddly enough) plus about two years audio visual experience. I'm looking to move back sometime by the summer, but really want to get a job before I move there. Is this possible or do I have to move there and then get the job?

What do you want to get a job doing? If film, it would be virtually impossible to get a job from out of town (unless you're already networked in in which case you wouldn't be asking) as it is a who-do-you-know kind of business. Best bet would be to pick up a gig waiting tables or something and get into town and start networking like crazy. Oh, also, no one will care about your film degree - credentials are meaningless, reputation is everything. What people want to know is will you show up at 4:30 am on a cold and wet morning, be prepared to work a 12-14 hour day in all sorts of weather, get a few hours sleep, turn around and do it again the next day - and the next - and all the while be a chill person to work with.

Can't speak to anything else you might want to do with a film degree.

[simon22]

Originally Posted by Komeht

What do you want to get a job doing? If film, it would be virtually impossible to get a job from out of town (unless you're already networked in in which case you wouldn't be asking) as it is a who-do-you-know kind of business. Best bet would be to pick up a gig waiting tables or something and get into town and start networking like crazy. Oh, also, no one will care about your film degree - credentials are meaningless, reputation is everything. What people want to know is will you show up at 4:30 am on a cold and wet morning, be prepared to work a 12-14 hour day in all sorts of weather, get a few hours sleep, turn around and do it again the next day - and the next - and all the while be a chill person to work with.

Can't speak to anything else you might want to do with a film degree.

Well, I also have audio/visual experience (sound/lighting/video/staging) on events, concerts, galas, city meetings, etc. That's not necessarily in film and might do me well in Austin.

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by simon22

Well, I also have audio/visual experience (sound/lighting/video/staging) on events, concerts, galas, city meetings, etc. That's not necessarily in film and might do me well in Austin.

Maybe, I can't speak to those kinds of gigs. Generally, as a rule here in Austin, it's a lot easier to get work if you're here already.

[simon22]

Originally Posted by Komeht

Maybe, I can't speak to those kinds of gigs. Generally, as a rule here in Austin, it's a lot easier to get work if you're here already.

But I need a job to get an apt right?

[Komeht]

Originally Posted by simon22

But I need a job to get an apt right?

How deep are your pockets, how good is your credit? You could probably find a sublet on craigslist or a small landlord that doesn't check that kind of stuff.

[AustinRelo]

The problem with trying to rent an apt right now is that the occupancy rates are very high and rents have been increasing, so trying to rent before getting a job could be slightly problematic.

[verybadgnome]

We use skype to interview out-of-state prospects. It is possible.