Advice on how to find a job before relocating (Los Angeles: transplants, sales)

[blackmamba04]

Hello,

I am currently looking for a job before I relocate from DET to LA area. Specifically in Retail.

My question is has anyone found a job and got accepted for that job before they moved to LA area?

If so how did they go about it. Did you have to fly out for a interview then fly back home and wait for response?

Anybody use Linkedin as a way to find a position?

any recommendations and insight would be much appreciated.

[smokingGun]

I hate to say but unless you're an executive in the retail sector (and can tap the services of a head hunter) you're not going to find any company willing to fly you out for interviews. For many lower management & entry-level sales associate positions you really need to just pound the pavement & network right here in LA. I've met a couple transplants from other states in the past 6 months who got offers before they moved, but one is a network engineer, another an architect and a third works in social media advertising. And they all had to take pay cuts to move out here, but they're willing to sacrifice to start anew here in SoCal. Good luck!

[blackmamba04]

Yes I am not expecting anyone to pay my relocation expenses or any type of expenses.

Lets say for example i'm looking for retail management in fashion stores such as Saks fifth, etc.

You don't think they would even bother with me even if I'm qualified because I will be relocating?

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by blackmamba04

My question is has anyone found a job and got accepted for that job before they moved to LA area?

You want to find a job before you move here. LinkedIn is probably good; have you checked retail job boards, like this one? Retail Manager Jobs in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles Retail Manager Jobs | Monster.com

[smokingGun]

Originally Posted by blackmamba04

Yes I am not expecting anyone to pay my relocation expenses or any type of expenses.

Lets say for example i'm looking for retail management in fashion stores such as Saks fifth, etc.

You don't think they would even bother with me even if I'm qualified because I will be relocating?

granted i don't have deep knowledge of retail chains, especially in today's competitive business climate. But just from talking with my friend's sister who did stints in management at Diesel and American Eagle corporate management prefers to hire locals (or at least in-state) because fashion is regional. What girls (and guys) wear in Manhattan or DC is a bit different from how they dress here in LA. There are designers and lines at Barney's that aren't stocked here in Los Angeles just because tastes & product mix have to suit our climate & laid-back lifestyle. That's my understanding at least.

[martedax]

hello i am a guy from Sweden ho wants to move to los angeles I'm a game developer looking for a job. I'm looking for an house, does anyone have a tip on a neighborhood that is good and cheap?

would like to thank for reply

[rzzz]

Pretend you are already in LA when you're applying for jobs.
Get a Google Voice or SkypeIn number with an LA area code and put that on your resume.
You will have to spill the beans eventually but this will get your resume past any auto screening based on your area code.

[strikefirefall]

Can't you ask for a transfer when doing retail?

[blackmamba04]

Hello thanks for your response. It looks like my best way to get a job their is make some connections. I do know some colleagues that i work with with my current position that live in LA so I will pick their brains and see their opinions. I will also search for recruiters on linked in and see where that gets me.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by rzzz

Pretend you are already in LA when you're applying for jobs.
Get a Google Voice or SkypeIn number with an LA area code and put that on your resume.
You will have to spill the beans eventually but this will get your resume past any auto screening based on your area code.

And what happens when they call up and want you to come in for an interview in say 2 days?

Never understood this logic of lying about where you are, especially when it comes to being on the other side of the country.

I would imagine for the kind of work the OP is pursuing the time span for being called in for an interview is much shorter than say a corporate office job.

What do you do if they call you on a Monday and request a Tuesday interview?

You will have to "spill the beans" when you get the call for the interview unless you don't mind paying full fare to fly out without advance notice, if that is even possible....not a good idea.

OP, the best solution is to save your money so you have a few months savings and make the move, if you have any family or friends who let you stay with them that would be a plus.

But for the kind of work you're looking for you need to be local.