Difficulties finding work

[Trav&Shell 83]

Hi all,

Just out of curiosity - has anyone experienced real difficulty finding a job since their move to the US? I have been, and prior to my move had been assured by sources both sides of the border that my experience was ample and I would have "no problems."

Also - does anyone have any input on which regions are better than others with regards to hiring permanent residents?

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

An employer cannot deny you employment for being a permanent resident, and your legal status in the US should not even be bought up throughout the hiring process. I hope you're not including that on your resume or something.

What have you been trying? Is your resume up to US standards? What experience do you have and in what line of work?

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Hi all,

Just out of curiosity - has anyone experienced real difficulty finding a job since their move to the US? I have been, and prior to my move had been assured by sources both sides of the border that my experience was ample and I would have "no problems."

Also - does anyone have any input on which regions are better than others with regards to hiring permanent residents?

Thanks!

Need more info to intelligently answer your questions...

[Trav&Shell 83]

Oh my goodness no - I do not mention that I am a permanent resident on my applications! When the question arises whether or not I am authorized to work in the US, I state "yes". Now, that being said, the bulk of my experience is Canadian so...interviewing officials tend to ask "are you authorized to work in the US?" My response is "Yes, I am." This question, of course, comes at the end of what is generally a positive interview - and it is at this point that I notice interviewers bristling, when they do at all. Of course, no reputable HR department would blatantly tell someone "we're not hiring you because you are Canadian..." - that would be the equivalent of corporate suicide these days.

I have been searching on my own through classifieds/online job boards. I have had my resume updated by US professionals to ensure it is up to US standards (even though my former, Canadian, resume did not look terribly different). I have had my resume analyzed to ensure that there are no issues and the reviewers can't find anything wrong. This job search service submits a newsletter to 40,000 nationwide employers and will be highlighting my strengths in this newsletter.

As far as my work history, I have 7+ years experience in finance/human resources/payroll/office administration/customer service (and for 3 of those years I did all of this at the same time). I am currently furthering my human resources education as well, and was able to transfer my Canadian education to my US institution (my degree was unfinished when I moved, but I had enough transferrable credit to put me in junior year after my transcript was evaluated). My GPA is 4.0. I held a position with a state run community college, but they underwent budget cuts and I was the low man on the totem pole (but my former supervisor insisted I put her on my resume as a reference). Since then, I have held an extremely part-time position as an office administrator (under 10 hours per week) and need something that will provide more hours, so that is what I am looking for.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Okay, good. If they ask about your status, I would find some answer that allays any fears but doesn't give up more info than you would like. You might try "Yes of course *smile*" or "I live here" or "I moved here when I got married" or even "I have a greencard" (assuming they know what that is). Your resume should now have US experience on it, so that should help too.

Your resume sounds good, because it seems you are getting interviews.

I think your lack of degree may make it more difficult, but your experience should make up for it. Though the fact that it is Canadian might make it more difficult for them to evaluate it. Have you tried temp agencies? Office jobs that turn to permanent can be found through there. Or find a recruiter/headhunter (though a lot of those can waste your time, so check with a few. It's free to you, though). Have you tried craigslist?

It looks like your town is only 2000 people. Can you travel anywhere nearby for work? That might have something to do with it too.

Edited January 23, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[Trav&Shell 83]

That's what we are suspecting - it's not only a town of 2000, it's a very close-knit community. Actually, the surrounding communities all seem to know each other or be related to each other somehow and I'm not kidding! The community I work in, for example - you are either related to one half of the valley or the other (thankfully I married into one of the "halves", heh...). Still, the fact that my last name should be somewhat known around here notwithstanding - I'm the new face with the strange accent (I drawl but sure don't sound Appalachian yet, lol). The degree will be finished next year, and in the interim I also have an accounting diploma from a college in Canada which should help a little.

The other thing we are worried about is that I WANT to get my license, but only have my learner's permit. I definitely have reliable transportation lined up until such time as we can afford to put gas consistently in our truck, but sadly that time is not now. Back home, I lived in Winnipeg and could get anywhere I needed to on the bus (and after a car accident - in, coincidentally, the Appalachians - I wasn't chomping at the bit to learn until last year). In interviews I address this by saying "Yes, I do have reliable transportation. You offer parking spaces for your staff? I'll certainly keep that in mind!"

Thank you for all of your advice! I appreciate it.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I think if the town is that small, then the key is networking. Your husband should be asking everyone he knows if they know of a job for you. The whole town should know that Jim got married and his wife wants a job. If you could drive then more opportunities will open up too. Best of luck.

Edited January 23, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[Trav&Shell 83]

I think if the town is that small, then the key is networking. Your husband should be asking everyone he knows if they know of a job for you. The whole town should know that Jim got married and his wife wants a job. If you could drive then more opportunities will open up too. Best of luck.

Thanks. I think you are exactly right. Sadly, most people don't even know HIM in this town! So...maybe it's time for us both to become social butterflies. Time to start trying to work more on the driving, too; it's a must have in a town with no public transit. Thanks again - you've been helpful!

[nightingalejules 678]

Yes, I'd say networking is going to be key! My sister is in HR, and the last time she was between jobs she had a heck of a time getting past the first interview - and this was in Canada, in a big city in which she's lived and worked for years. The job offer finally came through a temp agency she was registered with (and had worked with during a previous job she had as a recruiter) - a company needed someone right away to fill in until they could find someone permanent... she came in as a temp, and scooped up the permanent job!

Don't lose hope, but do try every avenue to get to know people who might know other people. Especially in HR fields, it seems like (to use a cliche) it's not what you know, it's who you know!

[Trav&Shell 83]

Yes, I'd say networking is going to be key! My sister is in HR, and the last time she was between jobs she had a heck of a time getting past the first interview - and this was in Canada, in a big city in which she's lived and worked for years. The job offer finally came through a temp agency she was registered with (and had worked with during a previous job she had as a recruiter) - a company needed someone right away to fill in until they could find someone permanent... she came in as a temp, and scooped up the permanent job!

Don't lose hope, but do try every avenue to get to know people who might know other people. Especially in HR fields, it seems like (to use a cliche) it's not what you know, it's who you know!

Yeah, I've heard that about HR. Wonder if it might not be a bad idea to enroll right away into a MBA program once I'm done the degree, instead of just focusing on HR...kind of makes me wish I'd used my brain when choosing a degree...

Edited January 24, 2014 by Trav&Shell

[Sylea 30]

Hi all,

Just out of curiosity - has anyone experienced real difficulty finding a job since their move to the US? I have been, and prior to my move had been assured by sources both sides of the border that my experience was ample and I would have "no problems."

Also - does anyone have any input on which regions are better than others with regards to hiring permanent residents?

Thanks!

I've worked in financial services for 28 years by the time I get moved stateside. I plan to sign up with a couple of different temp agencies and see what comes up. It's how I got into banking in Canada, though I've no wish to work in banking in the US.

Good luck!

[Trav&Shell 83]

I've worked in financial services for 28 years by the time I get moved stateside. I plan to sign up with a couple of different temp agencies and see what comes up. It's how I got into banking in Canada, though I've no wish to work in banking in the US.

Good luck!

Thanks! With your experience you should have NO problems. Although, I agree - working in banking in the US would be VERY different than working in a bank in Canada. Good luck to you too - I'm sure it'll go smoothly for you!

[JnRMo 16]

Okay, good. If they ask about your status, I would find some answer that allays any fears but doesn't give up more info than you would like. You might try "Yes of course *smile*" or "I live here" or "I moved here when I got married" or even "I have a greencard" (assuming they know what that is). Your resume should now have US experience on it, so that should help too.

Your resume sounds good, because it seems you are getting interviews.

I think your lack of degree may make it more difficult, but your experience should make up for it. Though the fact that it is Canadian might make it more difficult for them to evaluate it. Have you tried temp agencies? Office jobs that turn to permanent can be found through there. Or find a recruiter/headhunter (though a lot of those can waste your time, so check with a few. It's free to you, though). Have you tried craigslist?

It looks like your town is only 2000 people. Can you travel anywhere nearby for work? That might have something to do with it too.

This seems dead on - if you're getting interviews you're good - though having no degree puts you behind anyone with comparable experience and a degree. My Aunt has worked in HR for years, but never got her degree. She was laid off during restructing and struggled to find work (also in a small town environment) and ended up having to commute a ways just to find a job. Definitely try the temp agency route as well - will at least get you out of the house and give you some income while you search for a permanent position.

[Trav&Shell 83]

This seems dead on - if you're getting interviews you're good - though having no degree puts you behind anyone with comparable experience and a degree. My Aunt has worked in HR for years, but never got her degree. She was laid off during restructing and struggled to find work (also in a small town environment) and ended up having to commute a ways just to find a job. Definitely try the temp agency route as well - will at least get you out of the house and give you some income while you search for a permanent position.

I appreciate this! It sounds like your aunt had similar struggles, and it sounds like her workaround was to do what we also will need to do. Good to know it's not impossible. I will keep trying! How far did your aunt travel? Right now, it's looking like I may have to go 1.5 to 3 hours away...

[andy ngeci 18]

having the same problem! i have a certificate in accounting from kenya but never used it since i was self employed the last 2 years till i moved here in Oklahoma.. im looking simple jobs like in the mall as sales associate or customer service but still looks like a problem. if this continues il just go to college and do associate degree maybe just to get myself started