Job Search in DFW - how far in advance to search? (Houston: 2013, insurance)

[prtybrwnis]

I will be relocating back to Texas after my son graduates from high school in June in San Diego. I previously lived in Austin and had an easy time getting my previous position with the State there. Of course, that was back in 2007 before the recession. I was going to move back to Texas in 2009, except in the Arlington area. Again, I had a quick response to my job search and was able to secure a job quickly. I had to decline the offer due to the hardship it would of placed on my son transferring schools to a different state. So, I stayed in California and am ready to get back to Texas.

Can any of you give a good time table of when I should start to submit applications? I don't want to apply prematurely and get interviews and offers then am unable to leave at that time. I will aim to return to government employment with the State, but will also look at county and federal positions. I work in Social Services. Please advise.

[loves2read]

ALL levels of govt will be considering layoffs for the coming budget term
Google some TX papers and read some articles--
we may not be in as bad shape as CA but thousands of people are "predicted" to be laid off--in govt--

don't know what your field is but if you are general clerical/secretarial you need to consider private employment--not just public

there are people in all types of state/local depts that HAVE been laid off in past year--some have been hired back into different depts--maybe not at same salary level

check out the TX employment commission site
there is link there for all state depts--see how many are hiring--
no one is going to be posting jobs until the budget is voted on and they know who they will have to cull-
I think the state's policy is that people who are laid off by one dept can get first preference at being hired in another--like a transfer--but not sure about that

one area that you might consider is the North Texas Toll Authority--but don't know how many senior type jobs might be open-

[prtybrwnis]

I will also consider the private sector, but I prefer public. I am currently working for the State of California in Unemployment Insurance as Program Specialist. I worked for Health and Human Services when I was in Texas and am looking to return there. There are plenty of postings, but I just hope I see the same when I am ready to move. The fiscal year ends 063011 for state government, so I guess I will see around then.

[loves2read]

http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/LBE/2012-2013/LBE_HOUSE_SUMMARY_2012-2013.pdf (broken link)

http://www.cppp.org/files/6/2011_01_...al_Servies.pdf

State workers to suffer layoffs and salary cuts - Jan. 27, 2011

Houston Mayor Annise Parker predicts more layoffs, other budget fixes in sit-down with Texas Watchdog | Texas Watchdog

Texas judiciary faces massive budget cuts; layoffs possible for Ninth Court of Appeals | Southeast Texas Record

Layoffs among proposals to cut universities' budgets | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Budget shortfall could mean 7,300 layoffs for Texas prisons

Thousands of Job Cuts May Be Just the Beginning — 2011 Budget Shortfall | The Texas Tribune

I am glad you don't think you will have a problem

[prtybrwnis]

Thanks, I know of the budget cuts everywhere. I know that I am not untouchable, but I am very confident in my ability to get a job. My issue is not getting a job, but more when it will be a good time to apply before I come.

[loves2read]

frankly I was surprised to see all the postings (wide variety of them) at the HHS site for the state
but other depts have no listings

I would say start now--I worked for the state as caseworker in HHS more than a decade ago for about 5 yrs before I went back to teaching--the hiring process for the state can be extremely slow--and I would think the budget difficulty will cause more indecision about what to do and thus slow it down further...

so I would say find your likely jobs--apply now--and just wait to see--
It is already February--
IF you got job offer and HAD to appear before your son's graduation is there a friend he could stay with for a few weeks?

[prtybrwnis]

Originally Posted by loves2read

frankly I was surprised to see all the postings (wide variety of them) at the HHS site for the state
but other depts have no listings

I would say start now--I worked for the state as caseworker in HHS more than a decade ago for about 5 yrs before I went back to teaching--the hiring process for the state can be extremely slow--and I would think the budget difficulty will cause more indecision about what to do and thus slow it down further...

so I would say find your likely jobs--apply now--and just wait to see--
It is already February--
IF you got job offer and HAD to appear before your son's graduation is there a friend he could stay with for a few weeks?

Thanks so much. After I saw your postings about the budget, I talked with a friend who is a supervisor with HHSC. There will be some cuts with HHSC as a whole, but not so much with Health and Human Services. Due to the economy there are tons of people in need of benefits. I was a caseworker with them as well! I agree with you about the budget changing some things around though.

All of my family is here in San Diego, so my son will have a place to stay should I need to leave. I am trying to avoid that though. I really want to be here with him to finish his senior year of high school and get ready for college. I am thinking I will start applying in June since my son graduates mid-June and go from there. I will not actually give resignation at my current position until I secure a job in Texas. What do you think?