Are my chances in california / SF really that bad??

[buddy2012 0]

So everyone is telling me that California has the worst unemployment rates of all and that it is borderline impossible to get a job in this climate? Is it that bad?? I have 8 yrs banking experience including administration but in this market when we are coming from abroad with Irish references are we going to be fighting a tough battle? I am willing to work anywhere really, but would love something in admin. Are temp agencies good in California?

Thanks

Edited July 4, 2012 by buddy2012

[Mrs O. 29]

Dont believe everything you read. Yes the economy is not at its best, but there are still some jobs out there. Do a FANTASTIC job on your resume, send them out and be well prepared for your interviews, dont be discouraged by a few "No's". Something will come along pretty soon especially if you have experience.

I came to California less than a year ago with Irish IT experience and references, got a job that was ok for starters and I just landed my ideal job, starting in 2 weeks. They called my irish references, I just had to remind them to call them at the appropriate time, considering the 8 hour time difference.

Good luck!

[buddy2012 0]

Thanks a million for your reply! Its scary to say the least. I have my references in writing because I wasn't sure how that worked as in them calling Irish refences. fair play for getting the ideal job so quickly! A year to wait to get the right job is excellent.

I just want to try and pick something up to get me out and about meeting people and get a US reference as well.

Thanks again giving me feedback. Best of luck in the new job!

[DMYTRO 0]

Well if EVERYONE telling you that, that means something wrong with California.

Its more like up to you.

Not everyone can be a famous singer, or president but some people trying and some of them getting.

Give a shot

I am from Cali, yeah its a little hard to get anything here at least for me...

[perfect 39]

Also largely depends on where you are in California! If you are in or around somewhere like Stockton - you may be unemployed a while. If you are further down near LA or Orange Counties - you have pretty good odds if you have good experience, a great resume that stands out from the crowd and network with some good recruiters. I can recommend some I have personally worked with - depending on where you want to be. They have always got me interviews with high-profile companies and while I was unemployed for 9 months between 2010 and 2011 I had 54 interviews and was offered 5 jobs so I could choose where I wanted to be rather than having to settle. The opportunities are out there....

Your chances are increased if you are prepared to do temp assignments - many companies are using those as the step into the company on a more permanent basis - a chance for you both to try out each other. (Many companies are now also using Craigslist and Linked-in as places to advertise jobs)

Edited July 9, 2012 by perfect

[JohnR! 5,495]

You have some great pointers here. In addition here are my two-cent worth:

Checkmyour degree and make sure it is recognized and valid in the US. If it is not there are courses you can take to obtain equivalence in degrees. That is particularly important if the job you are seeking requires a degree.

Visit job sites and scour the job postings that attract you. That will give you an idea of what employers are looking for and requiring from potential candidates. Make sure that you possess any additional certifications required by US banks such as those issued by the Federal Reserve and other regulatory bodies. Go after these certifications and accreditations. You'll need them, most likely. Fortunately for you, the Bay Area has some of the best Universities and Colleges in the country, so you should have plenty to choose from if you should need to further your education or obtain accreditations in order to be compliant with the regulations of your industry.

Also when you visit these job sites pay attention to the lexicon and build an American resume, not a European CV, that will ensure your resume does not get looked over for sounding too foreign or containing words and acronyms that are not a part of the American banking industry. In other words, make sure your resume sounds like the position for which you're applying. Pay attention to acronyms, keywords and make sure your resume talks the talk. In this economy chances are you'll need to rewrite your resume to fit the requirements of each job for which you apply.

There are websites that can give you pointers as to how you should build your resume, such as not being more than one page long it at all possible, no pictures, or other information which are not part of a US-styled resume. Presentation counts a lot, so make sure your resume looks like a bona fide professional document, contains what is required and not one comma too much.

In regards to jobs, things are tough everywhere so what you really need is to secure that first interview and seize the job. Yes jobs are difficult but it is also true people are getting hired in a daily basis.

Best of luck with you new life in America!

!

Edited July 10, 2012 by Gegel