Need some help/advice on possible upcoming move... - Houston - Texas (TX) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Topaz · 12-30-2008, 11:12 AM

I'd avoid the extended stay hotels as they are too pricey for someone feeling financially stressed. If you are coming by yourself, I'd just rent a room in someone's house for the moment as that will be much, much less expensive. Once you get a job, you can think about other options.

The single biggest piece of job search advice I can give you is that you want to appear to have a clear focus on your resume. Don't try to use a multipurpose resume that essentially says, "I'm desperate and I'll do anything." This probably means you will need multiple resumes and you choose the one that best fits the job when you apply. You can make a Driver resume that discusses mostly your driving experience. Another can be a Management resume that focuses on how you managed others. Or a Customer Service resume. Companies don't really love training people even though they claim they might. They want people with experience who can hit the ground running and start getting stuff done almost immediately. You'll have a lot better luck landing interviews if you look like someone who knows how to do something specific rather than just be a generalist "willing to learn."

And don't send more than one resume with different goals to the same company. Choose the best fit and use ONE. Definitely include a local phone number and address or you probably won't get called because for most types of positions, companies prefer local candidates.

Houston is a great place with lots of opportunities, even in a recession. Good luck!

TXRyan23 · 12-30-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonGurl

Depends on how much you use the a/c and the age of your house/apt. I shopped around and chose Stream Energy and pay about 140 a month for 1200 kwh (I think it is 14.5 cents/hr). I recently moved in closer to the tollway and 290 (townhome) so I expect that the bill will lower some more. If you are looking for an apt or townhome I used FindIt locators and they gave me a free list and I found a great, safe townhome that I love (not to mention saves me 1hr a day on the commute).

Thats some great advice ! We will be looking to find a townhome, can you send me the link ?

TXRyan23 · 12-30-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topaz

I'd avoid the extended stay hotels as they are too pricey for someone feeling financially stressed. If you are coming by yourself, I'd just rent a room in someone's house for the moment as that will be much, much less expensive. Once you get a job, you can think about other options.

The single biggest piece of job search advice I can give you is that you want to appear to have a clear focus on your resume. Don't try to use a multipurpose resume that essentially says, "I'm desperate and I'll do anything." This probably means you will need multiple resumes and you choose the one that best fits the job when you apply. You can make a Driver resume that discusses mostly your driving experience. Another can be a Management resume that focuses on how you managed others. Or a Customer Service resume. Companies don't really love training people even though they claim they might. They want people with experience who can hit the ground running and start getting stuff done almost immediately. You'll have a lot better luck landing interviews if you look like someone who knows how to do something specific rather than just be a generalist "willing to learn."

And don't send more than one resume with different goals to the same company. Choose the best fit and use ONE. Definitely include a local phone number and address or you probably won't get called because for most types of positions, companies prefer local candidates.

Houston is a great place with lots of opportunities, even in a recession. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking that if we decided to relocate afterall that I would likley go down to my local verizon store and have my cell number switched to a Houston area code and makeup a Houston address so that I could start applying for jobs now.

I have to admit, It's starting to look like something we'll likley do. My wife says she wants to finish her semester of school and then she'll be coming too so it's looking pretty good for now. I have a thing about strangers so I don't think renting a room would work for me.

I'm looking to head down with about 4k that would hopefully support me until I can land some kind of job, even if it's somewhere like Kroger or Walmart.. lol.

Thank you

groovamos · 12-31-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Would Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio have more/better job opportunities ?

Houston has the best economy in Texas right now, and Texas has the best economy in the country. Also there are still some hurricane related re-construction activities going on here.

I'm afraid the local economy will start to follow the rest of the country, because as we are still coasting from the sky-high energy prices from last summer, its no stretch to figure out what's gonna happen here. If I were you, I would get here for a few months of gettin while the gettin is good. Let me know if I can be of any help. If you want to come alone at first, there may be a way to get into a spare room around here. I'm inside the loop (610) and am connected somewhat in certain circles including the trades.

TXRyan23 · 12-31-2008, 02:43 PM

Thank you for your reply, I sent a DM.

dixierambler · 01-01-2009, 10:02 PM

Hey Ryan,
I live near Knoxville, but just returned from Houston last month. I know what you mean about the job prospects in Tennessee. I worked all over Houston after Hurricane Ike (insurance adjuster) and stayed in extended stay motels while I was there. Most decent ones start around $180 a week + tax. You'd be better off renting a room from an individual or even a efficiency apartment.

Yes, there are jobs, but if you want to stay in construction, just be aware that the illegal problem is much greater here than in Nashville. There is a lot of hurricane work still available, especially roofs and fences. But there is also a lot of competition for these jobs. People from all over the country descended on Houston after Ike looking for work. Just be careful who you go to work for. It might be a good time to try another field. There's more variety here than Nashville.

karuna95 · 01-03-2009, 10:33 AM

I've noticed that the nicer restaurants are still very busy -- and many have help wanted signs. Waiting tables in the evenings might be an option, as that leaves your mornings free for job hunting and interviews. Plus tips are not bad. You can use the computers at the library for free, to work on your resume. You might also want to consider renting a garage apt, may be more economical than extended stay hotel. Do you have a general idea of how much you can afford a month for rent?

Good luck!!

TXRyan23 · 01-04-2009, 06:21 PM

We've talked about it and have decided that as of the end of our current apartment lease, We are Texans

We're moving down the first week of April and not only are we coming but my sisters family and my mother are joining us...

I've been talking with a realtor on HAR.com and was wondering if I could talk to some relators on this website.. between us all we're looking at moving with $10k.. None of us really have that great of credit but are looking to rent a 4 BR house anywhere safe in the area. We've found that through a search on HAR.com that there are over 80 houses for rent with 4BR for $1100/mo. or less and that's what we're looking to spend ( max )

would we be able to rent with not so great credit if we were to pay 4-6 months rent in advance ?

TXRyan23 · 01-04-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixierambler

Yes, there are jobs, but if you want to stay in construction, just be aware that the illegal problem is much greater here than in Nashville. There is a lot of hurricane work still available, especially roofs and fences. But there is also a lot of competition for these jobs. People from all over the country descended on Houston after Ike looking for work. Just be careful who you go to work for. It might be a good time to try another field. There's more variety here than Nashville.

I'm not staying in construction. The work is too unstable. I'm just hoping to come down and catch on at some kind of " lowly " labor place like Kroger, Walmart, ect, ect or work somewhere at a warehouse or something until I can do better. My wife will be able to make fairly decent money and as long as I can pull in between $9-12/hr. I should be fine for now.

It's unfortunate but just basic jobs like working at a gas station or a mcdonalds are gone in Nashville.

I'm hopeful that the kinds of jobs I listed above are in great supply vs. jobs in the oil and energy markets or other high paying jobs. I'm not looking to move down to Houston to break the bank, I'm just trying to survive.