Giving Up With the Move (Detroit: rental, condo, crime rate)

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by jessxwrites89

Sadly, there are no jobs where I live and parents want me out (and I want out too). I think I'm just going to take that tea job unless something else comes up. At this point, I think if the tea place will hire me, it'll be a chance to get me out there and look for work. However, if I have a 2nd job with a temp agency... would an apartment not accept temping as a source of income (I've heard that)? If that's the case and get the job at the tea place, would that be enough for them to accept it will be steady? I'm waiting to hear about the house I applied for. It was through a writing group. They choose a few writers every few months. Free housing except for property tax and utilities.

That interview is Tuesday. I guess I'll prepare. Are retail interviews the same as a regular interview?

I was in retail at one point (Michael's and Joann's) and you must tell them what they want to hear - not "I need this job". They only want to know what you can do for them.
A sample part of a big-chain interview - they may put you on the phone with a robot which asks stuff like if you are ever "tempted" to steal on the job, but reject it due to your basic morality - stuff like that. No, you are never even tempted.
This is modern day big box corporate retail, you may be talking to a robot at central screening - not your employer face to face. They may even be recording pauses in your answers. Just something to be aware of.

Also, roommates and subleases can be very iffy imo. What if roomie leaves and sticks you with all the bills?

[jessxwrites89]

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

I was in retail at one point (Michael's and Joann's) and you must tell them what they want to hear - not "I need this job". They only want to know what you can do for them.
A sample part of a big-chain interview - they may put you on the phone with a robot which asks stuff like if you are ever "tempted" to steal on the job, but reject it due to your basic morality - stuff like that. No, you are never even tempted.
This is modern day big box corporate retail, you may be talking to a robot at central screening - not your employer face to face. They may even be recording pauses in your answers. Just something to be aware of.

Also, roommates and subleases can be very iffy imo. What if roomie leaves and sticks you with all the bills?

This tea place is very small. The owner is someone maybe five years older than I am. I don't think SocraTea is a chain, so I think it'll just be me talking with the owner. I have talked to her before and have met with her. She knows the situation. http://www.socrateadetroit.com/

But, that's good to know about a big box corporate retail job. I remember those questions when I was applying online for those types of jobs here and never even got called back and I thought I answered them right. I don't have retail experience, though, and retail around here is getting picky because businesses are closing (and people are fleeing here).

[Devout Urbanist]

What sort of long-term work are you looking for? You say you've worked in a library for 9 years. Do you have a library science degree? Have you considered getting one?

[jessxwrites89]

Originally Posted by Devout Urbanist

What sort of long-term work are you looking for? You say you've worked in a library for 9 years. Do you have a library science degree? Have you considered getting one?

I don't have the MLIS, but I would love to get one... I just want to have a job first. The library I work in isn't strict about degrees and I've seen a lot of county/township libraries aren't necessarily depending on what you want (clerical I don't think the MLIS is necessary, but reference librarians for most libraries they want you to have the MLIS). However, university libraries seem to want it regardless of the position. When I visited Roseville in May, I just missed their hiring, so I'll have to see what they want. I found other library jobs in Michigan that didn't require the MLIS, but they were all through temp agencies (I did apply not realizing they were temp, but realized after no calls and some research that they were). I also have 3 years writing and office experience (if I want to consider the freelance office work I did with mom under the table, it's close to 8 years experience) and 7 years freelance writing. I would love to combine the library with the writing.

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by jessxwrites89

This tea place is very small. The owner is someone maybe five years older than I am. I don't think SocraTea is a chain, so I think it'll just be me talking with the owner. I have talked to her before and have met with her. She knows the situation. Socra Tea Detroit

But, that's good to know about a big box corporate retail job. I remember those questions when I was applying online for those types of jobs here and never even got called back and I thought I answered them right. I don't have retail experience, though, and retail around here is getting picky because businesses are closing (and people are fleeing here).

I would certainly prefer a small business, which I consider heroes of the U.S. and future Detroit economy. Here you can talk to your employer directly. At the big chains you are just filling a slot, and Corporate knows nothing about you - your dedication, job performance, knowledge, potential, or anything else. I might check out a smaller business in the growth segment of Detroit to be a part of.

The Coolest Small Businesses In Detroit - Business Insider
Detroit, MI Business Directory | Local Listings & Businesses - MLive.com
Detroit Small Businesses
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/10/5-...n-detroit.html

And, looking to the future, business savvy for an employee wouldn't hurt.
http://10ksbdetroit.com/

Ran across some resources for the entrepreneur.
Resources | Detroit Regional Chamber

[jessxwrites89]

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

I would certainly prefer a small business, which I consider heroes of the U.S. and future Detroit economy. Here you can talk to your employer directly. At the big chains you are just filling a slot, and Corporate knows nothing about you - your dedication, job performance, knowledge, potential, or anything else. I might check out a smaller business in the growth segment of Detroit to be a part of.

The Coolest Small Businesses In Detroit - Business Insider
Detroit, MI Business Directory | Local Listings & Businesses - MLive.com
Detroit Small Businesses
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/10/5-...n-detroit.html

And, looking to the future, business savvy for an employee wouldn't hurt.
Welcome - 10,000 Small Businesses - Wayne State University

Ran across some resources for the entrepreneur.
Resources | Detroit Regional Chamber

Thanks for all the links. I am feeling better today. After looking at the site, I feel better. I also feel better that she remembered me and said, "We definitely need to talk!" The only thing, though, is I hope the fact I didn't move yet isn't a deterrent like it might have been with Quicken. I said, "I really want to move, but I really wanted to move with an offer. I didn't want to move totally unemployed." Should I still say that?

[detwahDJ]

Originally Posted by jessxwrites89

Thanks for all the links. I am feeling better today. After looking at the site, I feel better. I also feel better that she remembered me and said, "We definitely need to talk!" The only thing, though, is I hope the fact I didn't move yet isn't a deterrent like it might have been with Quicken. I said, "I really want to move, but I really wanted to move with an offer. I didn't want to move totally unemployed." Should I still say that?

I don't think that was a deterrent other than they feel relocation is a problem for you yourself to solve. Quicken has hired a lot of people from out of town, but they feel your relocation concerns are not theirs. Saying such a thing places a "condition" on your acceptance which they don't care about and can easily pass over. That would be a reason to be continually passed over by other employers. Remember who you are dealing with - that's one of those big corporations who have a long list of applicants to pick from and they don't care about your situation.
I'm pretty sure any employer knows the deal once you tell them where you are now. You might state it as a "dilemma" and ask for suggestions by saying "I'm really excited to relocate to your area and I really love your type of business", but only of a smaller employer. Many smaller startups are by Detroit enthusiasts - so you be the same (just don't lay it on too thick).
Also, do some homework on the type of business so you can appear knowledgeable. If it's a coffee shop, learn about coffees and equipment via internet resources. A minimal amount of training along with enthusiasm - that's what an employer likes to hear.

[jessxwrites89]

Originally Posted by detwahDJ

I don't think that was a deterrent other than they feel that relocation is a problem for you yourself to solve. Quicken has hired a lot of people from out of town, but they feel your relocation concerns are not theirs. Saying such a thing places a "condition" on your acceptance which they don't care about and can easily pass over. That would be a reason to be continually passed over by other employers. Remember who you are dealing with - that's one of those big corporations who have a long list of applicants to pick from and they don't care about your situation.
I'm pretty sure any employer knows the deal once you tell them where you are now. You might state it as a "dilemma" and ask for suggestions by saying "I'm really excited to relocate to your area and I really love your type of business", but only of a smaller employer. Many of these startups are by Detroit enthusiasts - so you be the same (just don't lay it on too thick).
Also, do some homework on the type of business so you can appear knowledgeable. If it's a coffee shop, learn about coffees and equipment via internet resources. A minimal amount of training along with enthusiasm - that's what an employer likes to hear.

That's true. I know a bit about tea and coffee. I never worked in a shop, but I've frequented plenty and had friends that owned a few. So I know the bare basics and of course I'll say I'm willing to learn because I am. That's a great idea too! I sent you a message - I hope the interview happens tomorrow. :X

[313 TUxedo]

Have you looked into Toledo?

Its apartments are, by and large, much cheaper than Michigan's (due to different taxes, insurance, and section 8 rules).

You can find an apartment in a livable (but not quite middle-class) area for less than $400/mo - unheard of in Michigan.

[jessxwrites89]

Originally Posted by 313 TUxedo

Have you looked into Toledo?

Its apartments are, by and large, much cheaper than Michigan's (due to different taxes, insurance, and section 8 rules).

You can find an apartment in a livable (but not quite middle-class) area for less than $400/mo - unheard of in Michigan.

No. I don't drive and Toledo looked like I needed to have a car. I'm actually thinking about going back to my dream from 2010-December 2013: Green Bay, WI. I forgot all about it when I saw all these writing jobs in Detroit. Maybe I shouldn't have.