Jobs (Salem: sales, community college, living in) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

oregon_mom · 03-20-2007, 08:27 PM

WHY IS IT SOO HARD TO FIND WORK IN SALEM EVERYONE IS HIRING BUT NOBODY CALLS YOU ARE BLOWS YOU OFF I MOVED HERE FROM AZ AND NEVER HAD SOO MUCH TROUBLE FINDING WORK

CAN SOME ANWSER THAT FOR ME

Pen Cap Chew · 03-20-2007, 11:40 PM

Maybe it's because you use all CAPS when filling out your job applications -- people find that annoying!!! Haha, sorry, just messing with ya.

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time. I think it is harder to get hired because so many people are looking for jobs that the employers feel they can take their time. It's just rough out there. Everybody's clawing for a good job. Hang in there -- you'll find something.

freedom · 03-21-2007, 09:37 AM

I would not wait for a call, pick the one you want the most and call them, bug them with kindness and continue to show why you are the best one for the job. In fact take the top 3 and do this, when one gives the okay, continue to go after the better one or the one you want most, it is much more attractive to hire someone who already is working than not. It is a mental thing, but I have found this to be true.

Make it happen

freedom ( to work hard, where you want to)

parasol · 03-21-2007, 05:23 PM

Good advice there, and also I'd recommend calling a temp agency. You may not be working at your dream job but it's temporary and unless you're completely imcompetent they're sure to find something that matches your skill set.

LoveJesus · 03-21-2007, 07:32 PM

Oregon has always had that problem. I lived there 17 years ago, for 10 years, and it was the same problem then too. That's the reason I had to leave. I had to move to find a decent job.

ElphinKnight · 03-22-2007, 08:04 AM

You think it's hard to find jobs in Oregon? Try living in Michigan! And where I live (Ann Arbor - where everyone has a graduate degree), my Master's degree gets me a job as an administrative lackey. A Bachelor's degree is good for a retail clerk position here.

I would recommend going through a temp agency as a start. Many companies hire through temp agencies and don't even look at applicants outside of that. They do this because it's easier to let a "temp" go than fire an employee they've hired. So they use temp agencies to test an employee out, and then offer a full-time position. Ask the temp agency specifically about those kinds of opportunities, but be willing to take true temporary positions in the meantime. Also, the suggestion to call the places you prefer and be a friendly nuisance can go a long way. And finally, there's a big secret in hiring.... ready?.... Most of the better jobs are filled with people that the employer already knows. What this means is that you must find ways to network. Join a local organization that fits your personal interests. Join two. Get to know people and let them refer you. THAT is how to get a good job these days.

oregon_mom · 03-22-2007, 11:51 AM

i have singed up for all the temp places here i may have to move back to az i hate the state but may have no chose

ElphinKnight · 03-22-2007, 01:52 PM

Follow up with the temp agencies once a week. If they don't hear from you, they forget about you. Those agents are sales reps and all they're hoping for is a quick "sale"... a quick placement. And whoever they think of first gets the job. Never just apply and sit back any place - you won't get the job. Trust me, I know it's discouraging and I have been through my rough patches as well; so I'm not trying to criticize you. Also, as hard as it may seem, keep a positive attitude because a negative one comes through in everything you do and will make it harder for you to get a job. Try to stay positive. Take a walk, get some fresh air, clear your head... do whatever it takes to clear your mind, de-stress, and re-focus. It will help a lot. Good luck!

aplwh · 03-22-2007, 06:54 PM

Definately do the Temp thing. You never know when a company is able to change that temp position into a head count increase. Would help to know when their fiscal year starts too.

Call the ones you are interested in, yes. BUT DO NOT CALL ALL THE TIME. A follow up call or email is fine. Believe me, I headed recruitment for several companies. Although the applicants who called a lot stood out, it was not usually to their benefit. Most hiring managers just found them annoying.

Good luck!!

wohelo · 03-22-2007, 08:44 PM

It takes time to break into a new town. Make steps to network with the Chamber, take a community college course in your interest, volunteer, join a recreation group, church groups, and even the Welcome Wagon meetings, just to get a support group and network. It really is who you know in Oregon.
Just an idea. Best of Luck.