Question:
Our department is being closed down, and the jobs moved to Asia. We just bought a new house, and we don't want to move. How do I get a local job?
Answer:
Tough spot! But hundreds of thousands of people have been in that spot, including me, and survived just fine. You will too!
If there's any good news, it is that you have some advanced notice, so you can job hunt while you're still employed. Employers prefer to hire someone who is already working. So, don't let it get you down!
Best Sources of Job Opportunities
1. Craig's List - http://www.craigslist.org
Craig's List is a great source of job postings - it's usually free for employers to post a job there, so you'll find some questionable listings. Pick your state from the geographic listings on the home page, and take a look at what is posted for both "jobs" and "gigs" (short term jobs). For tips on using Craig's List, see this blog posting - http://jobhunt.typepad.com/jobsearching/2006/07/using_craigs_li.html
2. Indeed.com - http://www.indeed.com
Indeed.com "aggregates" job listings from a number of sources including both job sites and employer sites. So it covers a lot of Web space at one time.
3. Job-Hunt.org - http://www.job-hunt.org/jobs/states.shtml
Job-Hunt.org is an "employment portal" that collects links to employers and job search resources. They're pretty selective about what is included - so you shouldn't find a empty job sites or scams. There are over 100 sites listed for North Carolina, like local government, hospitals and health care centers, banks, etc.
4. State's Employment Offices - http://www.job-hunt.org/state_unemployment_offices.shtml
They can be a big help, too. Be sure to register for unemployment compensation as soon as you are laid off! In our layoff, one of my friends didn't register until she was through all her accumulated vacation time and severance package time, and it was too late for her to collect unemployment.
In addition, there may be extra funds for training, if your employer is a large one that is laying off a lot of people, and the state employment office will be your conduit to that.
Before You Leave This Job:
- Collect personal contact information from colleagues and co-workers who are also being laid off so that you can stay in touch. You all could be a big help to each other - your own job search support group.
- Get written recommendations from your bosses, on company letterhead, that you can flash in front of future potential employers.
Other Sources
Your local online Yellow Pages - or even the paper version - will help you identify other potential local employers even though they may not have jobs posted on their Website. See if you know anyone who works for one of those employers. Employers love employee referral candidates because they are usually well-qualified and more apt to be successful long-term employees.
At least, you won't have to go into a lengthy explanation of why you left your job. It left you, and most people won't need to know anything more.
Good luck!
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