Dear Coach: My husband and I love Oregon and want to do whatever (almost) it takes to live there. My husband has interviewed with several companies, and they say they would hire him if he were living there. However, we’re afraid to make the move without a job offer. But no one will do that, even though my husband assures everyone we would pay for our relocation. What should we do?
Carol Kleiman: I think you know the answer. You will have to move there first and then start a serious job search. Employers have plenty of people to hire within their own geographical area. If you can’t bring yourself to take that risk, stay where you are but continue to enjoy vacations in Oregon–and, while there, try to network with potential business contacts.
Dear Coach: Are jobs as plentiful in large cities as bartending schools would have you believe?
CK: Jobs for beverage servers will be plentiful in this decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. After all, computers can’t actually serve the drinks–or listen to sad stories. However, make sure your school has an active job-placement department before enrolling.
Dear Coach: I’ve been unsuccessfully searching for a job for one year. I have used every resource I can find. However, most contacts direct me to their company’s Web site. Completing applications on individual Web sites is time-consuming and, more often than not, submissions are ignored. Is there a better way of finding gainful employment in today’s tight job market?
CK: The company’s own Web site usually is a better source of updated job opportunities than most job boards, so don’t give up on accessing them. The real problem is the lack of good opportunities. I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. It will just take some time to find a job.
COACH CAROL’S 15-SECOND DRILL: There’s no doubt that advanced degrees — especially an MBA — and continuing education courses are big boosts to your career. Enroll now!
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Carol Kleiman’s columns also appear in Tuesday and Thursday’s Business sections. Hear her on WBBM-AM 780 at 6:21 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. each Monday and at 11:20 a.m. each Saturday. Watch her “Career Coach” segments on CLTV. Send e-mail to [email protected].