Reflections getting a job in the U.S

[sunflowertami 0]

I live in a small town, about 2000 in population. The nearest "civilization" is about 20 miles away. When I first came here, my husband was sure that with my big city credentials and high level job back in my country, it would land me a good job in town. After several tries of sending applications out to the local businesses and not getting even a call back for interview, it soon became apparent that small town politics and prejudice was at play. People here would rather hire local people or people they know.

So in desperation, I sent out an application to the local staffing agency. The opening they had was for a factory assembly line worker. It was the last job I thought Id ever be doing especially being so well educated and having all that credentials in my pocket. So I was ashamed I didnt even want my family back home to know the job I was applying for.

I went into the staffing agency office today expecting a snotty reception for the job position instead I was surprised to see that they respected everyone who came into the office even if they looked ragged or went in wearing shorts and flip flops. I handed my application and talked to the sweetest staff there who looked through it with enthusiasm and told me that I had a great resume and that I probably should be working for a better position. I told her my problem about getting a job in a small town and she agreed that it takes time to build up networking. In any case she said, she would pass on my resume to the personnel manager and see if they can find me a better job, but then she said the assembly line work is not that bad either. If I eventually get hired, the benefits are good.

So I left the staffing office feeling good. Unlike back home where they place a stigma on low level jobs, over here a job is good as long as it is honest. They don't necessarily look down on whatever job you have. I know there are countless stories too of people who started out working on low level jobs and shot up the ladder. The difference is, over here there is that opportunity, back home, you are stuck where you are most of the time.

My new attitude towards job hunting now is not to be afraid to try. Don't feel bad that its a job, cleaning, waiting on tables or assembling parts. If you show how good you are with what you do, someone is bound to notice

Edited October 10, 2007 by sunflowertami

[todd1000 0]

great attitude and good luck im sure you will have a job soon

[JODO 2]

Great attitude and I am sure you will find something soon.

Good Luck

[GabachaYucateca 0]

Great attitude!

But if you're more interested in office-type positions, make that clear to the staffing agency so they're aware of what you're looking for!

[*JG* 2]

Nice attitude.

I keep telling my husband that. He had such issues as well. Eventually, he took the first one really offered to him just to have a job. It is not the most ideal position. However, I told him you have to start somewhere and look at this as a stepping stone and not your final landing place. And, I asked that he at least give it a one year try to beef up the resume. Since then, he has moved up in the company to a minor management position. He is in line to train and apply for an assistant manager position in just over 4 more months. After that, he is eyeing a manager position in however long that takes him. I could not be more pleased.

Same with him....he now sees opportunities that he would be very limited in had he stayed in Jamaica.

I wish you the best in your future job pursuits.

[thesnowman 1]

When I arrived it took me about 4 months to find a job, I ended up taking well below the pay I was wanting and doing menial IT work. 6 months later I have just started working at a major bank as a Senior IT Security Engineer with a huge pay rise and better benefits. The best bit was that they came after me. All it takes is a bit of American workplace experience and some contacts. Networking is a huge thing over here, if you are having probs getting a job get on www.linkedin.com and start making a network, I cant state this enough.

[pawfectchis 0]

Great information and attitudes here on this tread. Good to know and what to expect. I was kinda thinking I would have no problem when I got there because of the Military experience and security clearances etc.......they kinda look after thier own.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I dont think ur Cdn security clearance is going to follow u to the USA