Finding a Job (apartment, how much, hotel)

[snstgerm]

Hello, I am wondering if there is a way to have a job lined up before exiting the plane. I am moving Dec 15th to Oahu and would prefer to have a job ASAP. Is there a service that acts as a middle man to help people who are relocating to find employment? If not, how hard is it to find a job, and how quickly? Second, how much money should I bring with me?

[snstgerm]

IF no one wants to comment on this to help, then can you send me to the correct place to find help?

[whynot?]

I'm not sure anyone knows how to help. The unemployment rate in Hawaii is very low, especially on Oahu. Employers have many candidates for most jobs. I don't know of anyone who offers the kind of service you are looking for, and other posts here say (and I tend to agree) that employers tend not to take very seriously people who haven't already made the commitment by moving here.

Many people move and take a temporary apartment and a couple of easy-to-get jobs, then settle down more permanently after 3-6 months.

You might also want to post what kind of job you would be looking for and/or your skills, education level, etc. Most "generic" unskilled jobs in Hawaii are fairly low-paying: retail, service, restaurant, hotel, ag, etc. Many people have two or three of those to get by. It's a very expensive place to live.

And I'd recommend saving at least three months of living expenses (excluding transportation here, car if you need one, etc.) and some "emergency" funds to bring along or have direct access to.

[taysantanamama]

It took me about 3 months of actively seeking a job here. I submitted at least 50 applications/resumes and got very little call backs, and some were some pretty low level jobs too. I think I had a lot to offer, but still nothing. The call backs I got, they all asked if I was on the island, so I think that is a big thing. If I were you, I would contact at least temp agencies right before you come if you don't have anything lined up.

[JessicaK]

The temp idea is a great one. When I first moved to Oahu, I didn't know where anything was, or what was available so I signed up with Adecco. I went in the first day and took their tests and got a drivers abstract and everything. The next day they called me with a job for 14 dollars an hour. It was a great way to learn my way around town, make some great contacts, and some money. I will always be grateful to them for giving me a hand.
I <3 Adecco.