I love Penelope Trunk, author/owner of blog Brazen Careerist and the community of http://www.brazencareerist.com/ for young professionals. She dispenses witty and spot on advice in both, and as her bio states:
Penelope is dedicated to helping people find success at the intersection of work and life, because that’s what she wants for herself. She thinks of career advice as a group effort, so please email her. Or at least check out her blog, where she posts daily tips for making work life and personal life one happy, synchronized adventure.
So yes, I emailed her today. I asked her for advice about talking about relocating before ACTUALLY relocating. I live in Michigan, the sucky wasteland of the failing manufacturing and car industry which every other company depends on in the state.
Finding a job here is more than frustrating.
I apply for jobs everywhere. I am not married, have no kids and don't own my home, so I can go anywhere. I have specialized skill set in an industry that can be pretty narrow, so there are only so many people out there like me. You would think that that finding a job out of state wouldn't be too difficult considering these qualifications, but nope - can't seem to get a good look from companies.
Ms. Penelope got back to me in about 30 seconds, which is fantastic. One of the reasons why I love her. Sadly, Penelope told me this:
"Tell them in the cover letter that you are already bplanning [sic] to relocate to that particular area ( sort of true - planning if you have a job) and you'll be there in two weeks, can you stop in for an interview. "
I don't have anymore money and I don't qualify for unemployment benefits so I have nothing coming in. So this, while fairly decent advice, is not really feasible.
I am so screwed.
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Comments
What kind of position are you looking for? Send a message if you would rather not comment here.
I am an accomplished, tech savvy, learning professional seeking to leverage extensive background in training, curriculum development, instructional design, and e-learning development in a training and/or instructional design position.
Basically I'm a computer geek who knows a little about a lot who is very good at creating instruction and delivering it to the masses.
Oh, and I'm a biologist too.
As for relocating, my other advice is to take a full-time temp gig in whatever area you move to--Temp agencies now hire for full time and give benefits even. You can hang onto that job with looking/preparing for something better.
Of course, my advice may also suck.
Also, you might try the colleges in the area. If you know enough about creation of things on computers, even in the economic downturn, they are searching for people.
I've checked out all schools, hospitals, casinos, 101 best employers lists in the area. There isn't anything out there right now.
As for going back to school, I just received my M.A. Other than going for a Ph. D. (which is useless to me, I won't do well as a academic)
Temp agencies aren't really even hiring - there aren't any budgets for temps - places are closing every day. There are a reported 200 to 300 people applying per job posting in my area, which when an employer see me, they see someone who will probably jump ship when I get a better job offer, it doesn't make me the most attractive candidate.
Michigan is in real trouble.....
Side note... have you tried her whole bulleting thing? Like bullet lists in your resume and cover letters?