STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

kenzie · Chanel

Finding a job in another state

Karina · Chanel

Is there any way you can apply online and schedule a bunch of interviews within a few days of each other, and just fly out there and stay with someone/get a hotel? Tell them in your cover letter that you are looking to relocate and will pay your own relocation costs.

kenzie · Chanel

Karina wrote:

Is there any way you can apply online and schedule a bunch of interviews within a few days of each other, and just fly out there and stay with someone/get a hotel? Tell them in your cover letter that you are looking to relocate and will pay your own relocation costs.

Yeah, I could probably do that. It's just that interviews tend to be so sporadic!! I'm not planning on starting the process until after the holidays, but I just wanted to get some opinions on the best way to go about it. I don't even know what kind of jobs to apply for at this point.

Karina · Chanel

NylaBelle wrote:

Karina wrote: Is there any way you can apply online and schedule a bunch of interviews within a few days of each other, and just fly out there and stay with someone/get a hotel? Tell them in your cover letter that you are looking to relocate and will pay your own relocation costs. Yeah, I could probably do that. It's just that interviews tend to be so sporadic!! I'm not planning on starting the process until after the holidays, but I just wanted to get some opinions on the best way to go about it. I don't even know what kind of jobs to apply for at this point.

Well, I would just apply for everything you are interested in.. try looking online at the LA newspapers, Craigslist, America's Job Bank, careerbuilder, hotjobs.. sometimes monster has too much competition, but i would try all avenues.

kenzie · Chanel

Karina wrote:

Well, I would just apply for everything you are interested in.. try looking online at the LA newspapers, Craigslist, America's Job Bank, careerbuilder, hotjobs.. sometimes monster has too much competition, but i would try all avenues.

Yeah, I don't have very much luck with monster. I'll check out everything that I can think of. I'm completely disenchanted by advertising and I think I've lost interest. I think I would like being a publicist, though. I think it's time to break out the career guides again and find a new path!!

The thought of moving to LA is exciting. I honestly don't care what I'm doing (within reason) as long as I'm living there! I would even do retail again if I had to (I think).

lynnie · Chanel

this is my two cents, I'm moving to NYC without a job and have many friends in similar situations:

*Save your money so that you can go at least 3 months with no job (just rent, security deposit, and food)- i'm not sure how much this would be, I'm guessing around $4000- which you can def. do since you will be moving after the holidays and will have a few months at home

*get a job at a retail chain that you can transfer to another city- you mentioned Rampage? I'm pretty sure they have those in Cali- even if you are a Sales Associate working part-time, this could possibly cover your rent at least

*look when you get there. You will have some money coming in, and money saved, and the leap will force you to use every resource and connection available to find something! Also, you can always start showing your jewelry at shows (maybe work on website while at home?) or be a retail manager for a while like you mentioned(they always leave, so no reason to feel stuck- it could only be for a few months)

kenzie · Chanel

lynnie wrote:

this is my two cents, I'm moving to NYC without a job and have many friends in similar situations: *Save your money so that you can go at least 3 months with no job (just rent, security deposit, and food)- i'm not sure how much this would be, I'm guessing around $4000- which you can def. do since you will be moving after the holidays and will have a few months at home *get a job at a retail chain that you can transfer to another city- you mentioned Rampage? I'm pretty sure they have those in Cali- even if you are a Sales Associate working part-time, this could possibly cover your rent at least *look when you get there. You will have some money coming in, and money saved, and the leap will force you to use every resource and connection available to find something! Also, you can always start showing your jewelry at shows (maybe work on website while at home?) or be a retail manager for a while like you mentioned(they always leave, so no reason to feel stuck- it could only be for a few months)

lynnie, this is a great idea, in theory. But...I don't know if it's a viable option for me. While I am moving home and will be able to save money, I also need to buy a new car and pay off some debt. I know my mom doesn't want me in the house for an extended time (a year, tops, preferably less). That being the case, I don't forsee myself being able to save enough money to live without a full-time income. And not having a job lined up freaks me out a bit, since I've had such terrible luck getting a job over the past three years. I think I've had enough uncertainty in my life that having a job lined up is a must for me when I move.

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 11:40, 2005-09-06

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

I also moved to a new state w/o a job. Most companies do not want to even look at your resume unless you are in the area when they want to interview you.

I was only in Chicago for 3 weeks before I got a temp job and I temped for 2 months until I found a perm job. When you get out there I would be happy to send your resume to our LA office. I am in HR so I work very closely w/ our HR people out there. They always have a lot of admin type positions available out there and even if it isn't totally what you want to do having a job w/ insurance and benefits if important until you find out what you want to do. BTW, according to our LA people, working for this company also gets you into a lot of fun bars and clubs too:).

bex · Chanel

lynnie wrote:

this is my two cents, I'm moving to NYC without a job and have many friends in similar situations: *Save your money so that you can go at least 3 months with no job (just rent, security deposit, and food)- i'm not sure how much this would be, I'm guessing around $4000- which you can def. do since you will be moving after the holidays and will have a few months at home *get a job at a retail chain that you can transfer to another city- you mentioned Rampage? I'm pretty sure they have those in Cali- even if you are a Sales Associate working part-time, this could possibly cover your rent at least *look when you get there. You will have some money coming in, and money saved, and the leap will force you to use every resource and connection available to find something! Also, you can always start showing your jewelry at shows (maybe work on website while at home?) or be a retail manager for a while like you mentioned(they always leave, so no reason to feel stuck- it could only be for a few months)

i agree 100% with what lynnie had to say. all of my friends who made drastic moves (nyc to LA for ex.) did it the same way. it is much much easier to find a job when you actually live in the area.

good luck!!!!! i am rooting for you!!!!

kenzie · Chanel

Farrah wrote:

When you get out there I would be happy to send your resume to our LA office. I am in HR so I work very closely w/ our HR people out there. They always have a lot of admin type positions available out there and even if it isn't totally what you want to do having a job w/ insurance and benefits if important until you find out what you want to do. BTW, according to our LA people, working for this company also gets you into a lot of fun bars and clubs too:).

That would be great Farrah! Thanks! Anything admin is okay, as is marketing. I'll keep you posted on the status of the move.

lynnie · Chanel

NylaBelle wrote:

lynnie wrote: this is my two cents, I'm moving to NYC without a job and have many friends in similar situations: *Save your money so that you can go at least 3 months with no job (just rent, security deposit, and food)- i'm not sure how much this would be, I'm guessing around $4000- which you can def. do since you will be moving after the holidays and will have a few months at home *get a job at a retail chain that you can transfer to another city- you mentioned Rampage? I'm pretty sure they have those in Cali- even if you are a Sales Associate working part-time, this could possibly cover your rent at least *look when you get there. You will have some money coming in, and money saved, and the leap will force you to use every resource and connection available to find something! Also, you can always start showing your jewelry at shows (maybe work on website while at home?) or be a retail manager for a while like you mentioned(they always leave, so no reason to feel stuck- it could only be for a few months) lynnie, this is a great idea, in theory. But...I don't know if it's a viable option for me. While I am moving home and will be able to save money, I also need to buy a new car and pay off some debt. I know my mom doesn't want me in the house for an extended time (a year, tops, preferably less). That being the case, I don't forsee myself being able to save enough money to live without a full-time income. And not having a job lined up freaks me out a bit, since I've had such terrible luck getting a job over the past three years. I think I've had enough uncertainty in my life that having a job lined up is a must for me when I move. -- Edited by NylaBelle at 11:40, 2005-09-06

I know, it isn't the only option, and I know it freaks a lot of people out to move without a job. I'm just letting you know that you can do it though, and you will live to tell! I just don't want you to let go of your dream because of this obstacle. You can always work for a company now that has an LA office and transfer. I just think flying in and out of LA for job interviews would be soo pricey and stressful, that you may save money to just transfer somewhere, and then look more carefully.

kenzie · Chanel

Hmmm...I'm still really apprehensive at the thought of moving without a job b/c I've had the worst luck finding jobs. I don't want to get myself behind the 8-ball again by being unemployed (again). Given my bad experiences, it's very difficult for me to fly by the seat of my pants regarding jobs and moving. It would take me years to save up enough money to move with a 3-month cushion and that's not an option either. I want to move within the year. I need to freaking win the lottery!

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 11:58, 2005-09-06

shopgirl82 · Chanel

Karina wrote:

Is there any way you can apply online and schedule a bunch of interviews within a few days of each other, and just fly out there and stay with someone/get a hotel? Tell them in your cover letter that you are looking to relocate and will pay your own relocation costs.

this is what i did, minus the relocation costs. i just had the interviews lined up months in advance and when i flew to chicago, i had an interview or two every day. i also did several phone interviews before i left. also, even if you can't save enough money to move without having a job, it would be good to get as much as a cushion as you can, i know that i had so many various bills as soon as i moved (and i moved in with my bf!!! so i didn't have the furniture, and all those other bills). good luck. a new change of scenery will be wonderful for you.

jj · Kate Spade

Several years ago, I considered moving from the east coast to San Francisco. I really didn't want to move out there without a job, so I sent tons of resumes, used all sorts of connections, etc...and nothing happened. I was in my mid-twenties, and noboby wanted to consider someone who lived so far away for entry-level positions. There were just too many other people who applied and were already there.

THEN, I started using a (close) friend's address and phone number on my cover letters and resumes - her phone started ringing off the hook. I was able to schedule a few interviews right away and took a quick trip out there. Of course, once I got in the door, I came clean with them but made it very clear I could make a permanant move ASAP. I got a few offers, and it could have worked.

But, I changed my mind (young love) and decided to stay. Anyway, bottom line, if you have connections in any of these cities USE THEM.

kenzie · Chanel

jj wrote:

Several years ago, I considered moving from the east coast to San Francisco. I There were just too many other people who applied and were already there. THEN, I started using a (close) friend's address and phone number on my cover letters and resumes - her phone started ringing off the hook. I was able to schedule a few interviews right away and took a quick trip out there. Of course, once I got in the door, I came clean with them but made it very clear I could make a permanant move ASAP. I got a few offers, and it could have worked. But, I changed my mind (young love) and decided to stay. Anyway, bottom line, if you have connections in any of these cities USE THEM.

I thought about this. What if I were to change my own cell phone number over to an LA number? Do you think that would work? I have nationwide long-distance so it wouldn't matter as far as my bill. Is it even possible to do that?

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 12:26, 2005-09-06

Escrime · Kate Spade

Farrah wrote:

I also moved to a new state w/o a job. Most companies do not want to even look at your resume unless you are in the area when they want to interview you. I was only in Chicago for 3 weeks before I got a temp job and I temped for 2 months until I found a perm job. When you get out there I would be happy to send your resume to our LA office. I am in HR so I work very closely w/ our HR people out there. They always have a lot of admin type positions available out there and even if it isn't totally what you want to do having a job w/ insurance and benefits if important until you find out what you want to do. BTW, according to our LA people, working for this company also gets you into a lot of fun bars and clubs too:).

This is what I did when i moved to CT (before I became self employed). I got a temp job, and then I got offered a permanent job with them company I had temped for.

Good luck!

crystal · Kate Spade

NylaBelle wrote:

I thought about this. What if I were to change my own cell phone number over to an LA number? Do you think that would work? I have nationwide long-distance so it wouldn't matter as far as my bill. Is it even possible to do that?-- Edited by NylaBelle at 12:26, 2005-09-06

just wanted to volunteer my address! i live in santa monica & would be more than happy to help a fellow STer. the area code here is 310, but any LA area code is fine. plus, so many people have cells as their primary phone & keep their numbers after moving that it wouldn't be out of the ordinary at all to have an LA address & other state area code. just a thought... anyways, PM me if you are interested in my address!

kenzie · Chanel

crystal wrote:

NylaBelle wrote: I thought about this. What if I were to change my own cell phone number over to an LA number? Do you think that would work? I have nationwide long-distance so it wouldn't matter as far as my bill. Is it even possible to do that?-- Edited by NylaBelle at 12:26, 2005-09-06 just wanted to volunteer my address! i live in santa monica & would be more than happy to help a fellow STer. the area code here is 310, but any LA area code is fine. plus, so many people have cells as their primary phone & keep their numbers after moving that it wouldn't be out of the ordinary at all to have an LA address & other state area code. just a thought... anyways, PM me if you are interested in my address!

crystal, you have pm.

Karina · Chanel

If you're interested in NYC, I can get you a connection for a PR job at my company..

Andrea Julia · Coach

jj wrote:

Several years ago, I considered moving from the east coast to San Francisco. I really didn't want to move out there without a job, so I sent tons of resumes, used all sorts of connections, etc...and nothing happened. I was in my mid-twenties, and noboby wanted to consider someone who lived so far away for entry-level positions. There were just too many other people who applied and were already there. THEN, I started using a (close) friend's address and phone number on my cover letters and resumes - her phone started ringing off the hook. I was able to schedule a few interviews right away and took a quick trip out there. Of course, once I got in the door, I came clean with them but made it very clear I could make a permanant move ASAP. I got a few offers, and it could have worked. But, I changed my mind (young love) and decided to stay. Anyway, bottom line, if you have connections in any of these cities USE THEM.

This is excellent advice! When I first graduated college, I was applying to things all over the country. I didn't really care where I went because I didn't have a boyfriend or really any friends that still went out, so I was willing to go to anyplace that offered me an interesting job. None of the jobs outside of my own state and NY ever contacted me. Well, one did, just to make sure I realized the job was in CA and they didn't pay for your travel expenses. I told them that was fine; I still wanted to come and interview, but they never did call me back. I assume it was because there were plenty of qualified candidates in the area and interviewing me would have just been a hassle.

This is the best advice I've ever heard (as long as you are able to get out there right away for an interview and if you know someone over there who will let you use their phone number). I think going there without a job and just getting the first thing that comes up (retail, restaurant, whatever)-preferably something at night so you have the daytime to interview for career jobs-is good advice.

If neither of these are possible, you may just want to mention in your cover letter that you are looking to relocate there and could move there immediately upon the offer of a job. Maybe you would have to live in a motel for a few weeks until you find a place, but once you get on your feet, it will be worth it. Maybe even tell them you have a friend that lives there, even if you don't, so they aren't concerned about how long it will take you to start working? I think that is one of employers' main concerns: that they are going to have to wait forever for you to relocate there with finding a place and all.