Job-seeking advice in Buffalo (Rochester, Syracuse: compensation, living, cost)

[Weis7280]

All,
My wife is originally from Buffalo, and would love to move home. Truthfully, I would like to move to Buffalo too, even though I'm from the Upper Midwest originally.
Here's my (our) issue:
I work in financial services, and have for 13 years. I have a good resume and experience in the Securities and Operations industries at various professional levels. The problem, is that I'm having a lot of trouble finding a job in Buffalo. I currently work in Chicago, so I don't really expect to be paid the same, but it's like nothing materializes when I apply online. Is it because I show a Chicago address?
Does anyone know of a good recruiter in WNY? Some other resources perhaps in addition to searching the online job boards and then just applying?
Thanks for the look. Any/all advise is appreciated. Have a good day.

[crittergal]

I know it's not Western NY, but look for the cost and quality of living, so I can say, look to TX. San Antonio to be specific...

[ckhthankgod]

OP, what companies in the area have you looked into? HSBC? M&T Bank? Evans Bank?

[VA Yankee]

OP others in your field have posted about their challenges trying to find a comparable mid-career position; when they find one and receive an offer the compensation is well below a threshold they could accept. Many post that they experience a "locals only" mentality with consideration not being extended to those out from outside the region.

I would extend your search to the Rochester region, you may find a stronger pool of places to apply to. Also consider finding a way in your resume/application to communicate that you are not seeking relocation expenses at your career point they may be assuming that your seeking this perk. Good Luck and happy holidays!

[ckhthankgod]

I’d even consider Syracuse, which actually has a higher average annual pay figure than Buffalo or Rochester(slightly) overall and in terms of Financial Services occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the average annual pay in that industry in the Syracuse area is not even 5k less than the Chicago average annual pay(Buffalo and Rochester are around 6k less). So, if you don’t mind being a couple of hours east, that would be another option.

AXA has offices in Downtown Syracuse, as well as in Williamsville. There are other companies in the Franklin Square area of Syracuse and some in the Widewaters Parkway area of DeWitt. Again, just something to consider...

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

I’d even consider Syracuse, which actually has a higher average annual pay figure than Buffalo or Rochester(slightly) overall and in terms of Financial Services occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the average annual pay in that industry in the Syracuse area is not even 5k less than the Chicago average annual pay(Buffalo and Rochester are around 6k less). So, if you don’t mind being a couple of hours east, that would be another option.

AXA has offices in Downtown Syracuse, as well as in Williamsville. There are other companies in the Franklin Square area of Syracuse and some in the Widewaters Parkway area of DeWitt. Again, just something to consider...

Some BLS information in regards to Business and Financial Operations Occupations, Chicago: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16980.htm#13-0000

Syracuse: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_45060.htm#13-0000

Rochester: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_40380.htm#13-0000

Buffalo: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_15380.htm#13-0000

[JWRocks]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

I’d even consider Syracuse, which actually has a higher average annual pay figure than Buffalo or Rochester(slightly) overall and in terms of Financial Services occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the average annual pay in that industry in the Syracuse area is not even 5k less than the Chicago average annual pay(Buffalo and Rochester are around 6k less). So, if you don’t mind being a couple of hours east, that would be another option.

AXA has offices in Downtown Syracuse, as well as in Williamsville. There are other companies in the Franklin Square area of Syracuse and some in the Widewaters Parkway area of DeWitt. Again, just something to consider...

A lot of people commute between the upstate cities. The last data I have shows about 20,000 people commuting between Buffalo and Rochester daily, so it's not uncommon. I think you would have better luck job searching after moving here.

[cjoseph]

Syracuse- 12,790
Rochester- 22,220
Buffalo - 25,110

^Buffalo is still probably your best bet in terms of number of jobs

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by cjoseph

Syracuse- 12,790
Rochester- 22,220
Buffalo - 25,110

^Buffalo is still probably your best bet in terms of number of jobs

What is interesting when looking at the 3 areas, just about every other category is the same/similar.

[VA Yankee]

/\

Regardless of statistical similarities the OP stated "that I'm having a lot of trouble finding a job in Buffalo" and "nothing materializes when I apply online". This poster is not the first to make these statements and availability of finance positions other than entry seem to be scares to none-existant based on what people post.