Employment Agencies; yes or no?

[cassecouilles 3]

I got my employment authorization card in the mail two days ago. I was so happy I cried. I've always worked, even after having my little boy. I had my car, a busy life outside of work, friends, etc... And then I moved to Oceanside, California with my husband and got stuck at home with a toddler and no car, every day, all day. To say that I am going crazy is the understatement of the century :-p But now I can finally start looking for jobs! I had earlier too, but quit because it was discouraging to hear companies tell me to get back to them when I was actually legally allowed to work.

So, now for the big question: have any of you guys looked for jobs through employment agencies? I signed up yesterday, and it was gratifying to have them get back to me almost right away, saying they had positions that might fit me. I have been looking for jobs on Linkedin as well. I feel like a total wuss, but the whole process of looking for a job again, starting fresh, is a bit intimidating for me :-) Thrilling, but scary at the same time.

Also, everyone mentions networking on Linkedin... any tips? I have joined a few local groups and follow a couple of companies that really interest me... aside from that I am clueless :-)

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Employment agencies can be great, yes, but I wouldn't rely on them totally. I would also use more than one at a time They are good that they will look at your resume, though, and help you fix it if there are problems.

Look at monster.com and even craigslist too (though watch out for scams on the latter).

Good luck!

[Darnell 8,478]

for the first job - i highly recommend temporary agencies - companies that specialize in putting workers 'out there' for 1 to 6 week assignments. Do about 4 of those assignments, IMO, and you'll have a better idea of what's what, who's who and might even make a friend or two that shares your interest in getting a permanent job for you.

Most of the time, getting a good job here in USA, is based on who ya know. If you (or your spouse) not know anyone - working through a temp agency is a great way to work and earn some monies - as a temp agency not care about who ya know.

Sure, it might be some work that's beneath you, or doing something you've never done before - but it's so worth the paycheck (IMO) and it's so worth the contacts (again, IMO) .

[cassecouilles 3]

Thanks for the tips so far! I am hoping that my having worked for the US department of State in Belgium will help some... I DO have american supervisors that can give me references. So far I've signed up with indeed.com, Linkedin and Careerbuilder.com

The only thing with temp agencies is that I would have to sign my son up for daycare, and I'd have to pay for it even when I'm in between jobs. Daycare here in San Diego county is insanely expensive... or at least it seems that way to me :-)

What to answer to that dreaded how much did you earn at your previous job and how much would you like to make now? I made a pretty decent living in Belgium, but I know you can't compare salaries from different countries.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

I got my employment authorization card in the mail two days ago. I was so happy I cried. I've always worked, even after having my little boy. I had my car, a busy life outside of work, friends, etc... And then I moved to Oceanside, California with my husband and got stuck at home with a toddler and no car, every day, all day. To say that I am going crazy is the understatement of the century :-p But now I can finally start looking for jobs! I had earlier too, but quit because it was discouraging to hear companies tell me to get back to them when I was actually legally allowed to work.

So, now for the big question: have any of you guys looked for jobs through employment agencies? I signed up yesterday, and it was gratifying to have them get back to me almost right away, saying they had positions that might fit me. I have been looking for jobs on Linkedin as well. I feel like a total wuss, but the whole process of looking for a job again, starting fresh, is a bit intimidating for me :-) Thrilling, but scary at the same time.

Also, everyone mentions networking on Linkedin... any tips? I have joined a few local groups and follow a couple of companies that really interest me... aside from that I am clueless :-)

I guess one thing you need to examine is what your degree, experience and credentials are against what is the market demand in the area you live (assuming non remote work). You can then decide to tune your skillset towards that demand. In the meantime, temp work is a very good idea to get used to how offices/business is run in the US and get a good idea of how the benefits (vacation, sick time, overtime, etc) -or lack of, impacts you.

Agencies will help to make your resume better and will make the connections, they in this for a fee. It is in your and their interest also that the assignment ends well for all, as it means more work for you and more fees for them. Along those temp assignments you might find the permanent position; or might decide that doing temp is good enough.

Good luck

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If you already worked for the US gov then maybe you should also look for gov jobs. I think they are often listed on different gov-only sites.

If you had a good job abroad, then I think you can get permanent work right away and not have to mess with temping (though it's a decent thing to fall back on, it does exist).

This person says you should not disclose your previous salary at all, and say it's "confidential" or something. It's tricky, it seems to me, because you have to say it with a smile. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/businessdesk/2013/06/ask-the-headhunter-never-ever.html

As for you want now, I would research what a similar job pays and make your negotiation. You can look up salaries on salary.com for a ballpark figure.