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NFT: Job search after relocating to North Carolina

Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 8:32 am
Just venting here.. Thanks for listening..

So at the end of last year I volunteered for a separation package along with 10,000 other managers from my company. My wife and I thought there is no better time to make the move to NC than now. So in the beginning of the year the house went up for sale and by June we sold the house and we are renting in North Carolina outside of Raleigh.

I haven't looked for a job outside of my past company in a very long time. I thought with my background and education I should be able to land a decent job rather quickly, 1 to 2 months.

That is not the case. I have been doing this for about a month and all I have netted is 2 calls and 1 interview. The one interview is for a job I am very well qualified for and I really would love to do but I feel that I bombed the interview. I was rusty. First question was tell me about what I know about their organization..That wasn't what I was expecting to be the lead off. I felt like a boxer that got rocked with the first punch and took a bit to get my feet under me. I was still reeling during the second question but got stronger as I moved on. By the end I was almost at my usual form. I know I stumped them on my questions. There was silence for a bit after each one. I will know next week if I move on to the next step but I doubt that is happening. It is what it is.

Indeed seems to be useless as LinkedIn Premium.

LinkedIn is comical with them matching me for gas station attendant with Speedway or store manager with Victoria's Secret. I have a technical degree and background with 31 years experience. 23+ as a manager and leader. I have no idea how they come up with that?

It's only been a month but I am starting to think maybe I should have just stayed put with my old company and not have made this drastic change.

Can't undo it, have to use it as a lesson learned. Now I have to come up with a solution..

Anybody know of good job search websites?

Thanks again for listening!




Not to pile on but "What do you know about the company"  
Jim in Forest Hills : 7/21/2019 8:45 am : link
is about as standard a question as there is, not sure how that one caught you by surprise.

Did you try Zip Recruiter?

If I were shopping for work I would def use Linkedin Premium and network as many colleagues as possible in Raleigh. Try to network the C level executives and work down. Look for recruiters there as well.

If it doesn't happen, might sound crazy but pick some companies and do a drop in with a resume and ask to meet the hiring manager. Just a quick convo may be all you need to land a interview. Good Luck.
What company  
XBRONX : 7/21/2019 8:55 am : link
layed off 10,000 managers?
Think skill set not position  
HomerJones45 : 7/21/2019 9:08 am : link
what skills are part of that technical degree and that management experience? (for example, following complex processes, ability to learn and incorporate technical terms, prioritizing tasks, working with a diverse team of individuals, presentation skills, listening skills etc). Look broadly at positions that could utilize those skills even if those positions are outside your experience area. In other words, don't pigeonhole yourself where you have to be a manager in XYZ industry. Not that you are, just think skills and not position or industry. Good luck.
Vz?  
D-Rod : 7/21/2019 9:40 am : link
We almost purchased a home in NC, but I went through the same experience. We had an out with the builder, so I applied for whatever was in Indeed/LinkedIn. I only had 2 calls as well in 2 months, so I got cold feet and called off the move
Tom  
Jim in Tampa : 7/21/2019 9:43 am : link
I don't really have any job or interview advice to give, but you may want to consider re-posting this thread on a weekday, when (I assume) there's a lot more visitors to BBI and more people will take the time to respond.

Good luck!
What about using a recruiter?  
PatersonPlank : 7/21/2019 9:48 am : link
They seem to have much more success than LinkedIn or Indeed.
I think you’re overthinking things here  
BigBlueShock : 7/21/2019 9:59 am : link
Store Manager at Victoria’s Secret sounds like a great opportunity to me...
When I was looking for work  
Gman11 : 7/21/2019 9:59 am : link
I used all the major online sites. Don't discount Indeed just because you get some crappy jobs in a search. Just ignore the ones that are pretty much in left field. (for example: I was search for accounting positions and got openings for salad chef). Indeed and Zip Recruiter I found to be the best, but use all of them. I got plenty of interviews and at one time I got three job offers the same day. Of course, it took a few of months of applying and searching just to get the interviews. They didn't come right away.
RE: I think you’re overthinking things here  
yankeeslover : 7/21/2019 10:50 am : link
In comment 14503085 BigBlueShock said:
Quote:
Store Manager at Victoria’s Secret sounds like a great opportunity to me...

Damn you. There goes my coffee all over my shirt
I think  
pjcas18 : 7/21/2019 11:07 am : link
your expectations were off. Even in a good job market like we have now a professional hire can take 3 months (or more sometimes).

to expect from the time you submit a resume to getting a job to be 1 months is unrealistic unless you are looking at retail, customer service or other high turnover low skilled jobs.

LinkedIn is actually a great resource, but I agree I have found no value in LinkedIn premium.

Using LinkedIn you can see many companies open positions and then if you are connected to anyone at the company. Employee referrals in many cases carry more weight than unsolicited applications.

You don't work in pharma by any chance? One of my close friends is the head of talent acquisition for a pharma/life sciences company that has a big presence in Raleigh.

Yeah most job interview processes  
beatrixkiddo : 7/21/2019 11:59 am : link
That I’ve ever experienced have taken a minimum of a month. It’s a frustrating amount of work to put in especially when things don’t pan out but you just have to keep trying. The only exception is if your looking for part time or temp. work FME.

I got laid off for the first time in my life this spring, while I’ve had quite a few full time gig interviews, none of them really planned out in the end. I applied to a part time/ temp job at a University and they hired me within like 15 minutes of talking to me. They just extended my contract another couple of months too, which is perfect as I am in the process of opening my own business and it provides me some flexibility right now to get it up and running.

My advise to you is be open minded and flexible with opportunities you may not have considered, don’t take any job hunt personally (it is just a job overall if your not a fit then move on), remain positive and keep trying, something will come into place eventually. Good luck!
I know this ship has sailed....  
jonnyess : 7/21/2019 1:28 pm : link
but MY GOD....interviewing 101 says learn as much as you can about the company or the available position. This may or may not have helped in your situation, as interviews are tricky.

I have a finance background and I used to pull financial statements as well as all available info from search engines.



(I guess I should add...not that any of this helped, but that's a story for another thread) ;)
You must do several Mock interviews  
capone : 7/21/2019 2:22 pm : link
Decide what your selling points are That makes different/special.....Think of a door-to-door salesman they are going to make sure they know the vacuums is light weightwith great suction and a great warranty.....


When you do your mock interviewsfind people that are brutally honest find people thru friends that have never met you so they’re not pre-disposed At all about you....

Good luck
RE: Not to pile on but  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:25 pm : link
In comment 14503065 Jim in Forest Hills said:
Quote:
is about as standard a question as there is, not sure how that one caught you by surprise.

Did you try Zip Recruiter?

If I were shopping for work I would def use Linkedin Premium and network as many colleagues as possible in Raleigh. Try to network the C level executives and work down. Look for recruiters there as well.

If it doesn't happen, might sound crazy but pick some companies and do a drop in with a resume and ask to meet the hiring manager. Just a quick convo may be all you need to land a interview. Good Luck.


I know but they asked it first .. I was rehearsing the tell me about yourself to death.. kind of threw me off my game to start.
RE: What company  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:28 pm : link
In comment 14503066 XBRONX said:
Quote:
layed off 10,000 managers?


Verizon back in September 2018 offered a voluntary separation package to their managers. 10,000+ accepted and we all got our wish. I had 31 years so I pushed the retire button also.

We weren't laid off. We left voluntarily.
RE: I know this ship has sailed....  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:32 pm : link
In comment 14503200 jonnyess said:
Quote:
but MY GOD....interviewing 101 says learn as much as you can about the company or the available position. This may or may not have helped in your situation, as interviews are tricky.

I have a finance background and I used to pull financial statements as well as all available info from search engines.



(I guess I should add...not that any of this helped, but that's a story for another thread) ;)


I did research them and while I had the answer it didn't come out naturally, I sounded unsure.. or at least I feel I did. my mind was geared for a different question to start.

I only interviewed internally over the past couple of years for transfers. It is what it is.
It was also a panel interview  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:40 pm : link
5 people. In person I am good at those.. on the phone right out of the gate first external interview in 20 years.. it was tough.

Financially I am fine. Mentally I am bored. I am too young to be retired.

I know it can take up to 3 to 4 months to land a job..but I was thinking get some calls, some interviews on the phone.. get geared up again. The problem is that I really wanted this job and they called first. It is the direction I wanted to go and I know I am what they are looking for. I am a strong leader, coach and mentor. That came out later in the interview.. I took for granted that the first question was going to be tell me about yourself.. caught me off guard.

It won't happen again to me. I will be ready for anything next time. If I do get the opportunity to go to the second round I will nail face to face.. I hear it is all day with different departments.

I am ok .. just venting. My wife doesn't understand.
RE: I think  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:47 pm : link
In comment 14503113 pjcas18 said:
Quote:


You don't work in pharma by any chance? One of my close friends is the head of talent acquisition for a pharma/life sciences company that has a big presence in Raleigh.


I can't even scratch that.. I get rejected immediately. I am telecom, FTTP/FTTH, Field Manager.. and for the last 10 years I was a data scientist on regional and national staff performing executive reporting and automation.

I am reverting back to my roots of field management. Data science is way too competitive and I am not that good to compete with the youngsters. It is a better skill when I am a Operations Manager that has in depth knowledge of Data mining and reporting than a data manger with with field manager experience.

Thanks though!
RE: It was also a panel interview  
EricJ : 7/21/2019 2:48 pm : link
In comment 14503266 Tom from LI said:
Quote:

I am ok .. just venting. My wife doesn't understand.


Maybe use a fabric softener analogy somehow. She will get it...
RE: RE: It was also a panel interview  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:53 pm : link
In comment 14503271 EricJ said:
Quote:
In comment 14503266 Tom from LI said:


Quote:



I am ok .. just venting. My wife doesn't understand.



Maybe use a fabric softener analogy somehow. She will get it...


LOL, that made me laugh
RE: Not to pile on but  
Tom from LI : 7/21/2019 2:57 pm : link
In comment 14503065 Jim in Forest Hills said:
Quote:
is about as standard a question as there is, not sure how that one caught you by surprise.

Did you try Zip Recruiter?

If I were shopping for work I would def use Linkedin Premium and network as many colleagues as possible in Raleigh. Try to network the C level executives and work down. Look for recruiters there as well.

If it doesn't happen, might sound crazy but pick some companies and do a drop in with a resume and ask to meet the hiring manager. Just a quick convo may be all you need to land a interview. Good Luck.


Thanks Jim!

I have no contacts down here. I have one contact that is high up in a tech company and they are starting to pedal my resume down here.

My 21 y/o son did exactly what you said with stopping in and seeing the HR person.. he eventually landed a nice job.

I can't offer an job help but good luck with the move and job search  
steve in ky : 7/21/2019 3:01 pm : link
Things are always most stressful when initially facing change after a long comfortable routine. However it will probably offer you an exciting journey that you will look back on and never regret. Don't sweat it too badly.
The timing  
MookGiants : 7/21/2019 3:04 pm : link
also could be working against you. June, July and August typically are the worst times to be looking for a job. Good luck
Besides December of course  
MookGiants : 7/21/2019 3:08 pm : link
.
This is a perfect time for a change..  
EricJ : 7/21/2019 3:09 pm : link
maybe be a consultant in this field which opens up the entire country as a potential source of income.

Or, do something that you want to do which also may be different than what you have been doing for the past 30 years
Thoughts from a 25 year Raleigh resident ...  
Spider56 : 7/21/2019 4:38 pm : link
1. Job hunting here is cyclical because of the big school spring & fall graduations.
2. Skip the area newspapers (which are useless) but read the Triangle Business Journal. It has good insight on what is happening here, who is growing, shrinking, etc.
3. There are usually lots of posted jobs with the State or the local universities ... lousy pay but good benefits; networking into these helps.
4. There are also lots of jobs in healthcare.
5. The local municipalities (Cary, Apex, Fuquay) are also growing ...example... I’ve met a bunch of cops who are retired NYPD.
6. Mostly all of the trades are struggling to find good people, & no unions.
Lastly, be cautious on expected salary ... the cost of living here is much lower and is usually reflected in lower salaries. Good luck.
RE: It was also a panel interview  
Big Blue in MD : 7/21/2019 9:54 pm : link
In comment 14503266 Tom from LI said:
Quote:
5 people. In person I am good at those.. on the phone right out of the gate first external interview in 20 years.. it was tough.

Financially I am fine. Mentally I am bored. I am too young to be retired.

I know it can take up to 3 to 4 months to land a job..but I was thinking get some calls, some interviews on the phone.. get geared up again. The problem is that I really wanted this job and they called first. It is the direction I wanted to go and I know I am what they are looking for. I am a strong leader, coach and mentor. That came out later in the interview.. I took for granted that the first question was going to be tell me about yourself.. caught me off guard.

It won't happen again to me. I will be ready for anything next time. If I do get the opportunity to go to the second round I will nail face to face.. I hear it is all day with different departments.

I am ok .. just venting. My wife doesn't understand.



Tom, have you thought of calling your former leader at Verizon to discuss being a contractor? I live down in Maryland and placed many former VZ employees back in as contractors. Focus on the telcoms and look for consulting opportunities that you can do as a remote employee.
RE: Thoughts from a 25 year Raleigh resident ...  
Tom from LI : 7/22/2019 5:10 am : link
In comment 14503345 Spider56 said:
Quote:
1. Job hunting here is cyclical because of the big school spring & fall graduations.
2. Skip the area newspapers (which are useless) but read the Triangle Business Journal. It has good insight on what is happening here, who is growing, shrinking, etc.
3. There are usually lots of posted jobs with the State or the local universities ... lousy pay but good benefits; networking into these helps.
4. There are also lots of jobs in healthcare.
5. The local municipalities (Cary, Apex, Fuquay) are also growing ...example... I’ve met a bunch of cops who are retired NYPD.
6. Mostly all of the trades are struggling to find good people, & no unions.
Lastly, be cautious on expected salary ... the cost of living here is much lower and is usually reflected in lower salaries. Good luck.


Spider, thanks! Great write up. I actually want to work for the state or city. Money isn't a driving force for me anymore. I would take half of what I used to make and be very happy.

I am told by my neighbors here that the wheel moves very slow in regards to employment with most companies.

I was kicking around the idea of opening a pizza place or a bagel place. Lord knows I have yet to find any pizza that is worth eating and as far as a bagel place, that is non existent also.

I love making pizza and 3 of my close friends all own pizzerias back on Long Island. I know I could get some help with that. I just don't know if I want to go that route. I am not a own my own business type of guy.

The right direction will present itself when it is time.

Thanks for the info!

RE: RE: It was also a panel interview  
Tom from LI : 7/22/2019 5:15 am : link
In comment 14503427 Big Blue in MD said:
Quote:

Tom, have you thought of calling your former leader at Verizon to discuss being a contractor? I live down in Maryland and placed many former VZ employees back in as contractors. Focus on the telcoms and look for consulting opportunities that you can do as a remote employee.


I believe there is a catch with VZ. When I signed the voluntary separation it stated that I could not return to VZ in any capacity.

I applied to CenturyLink for a field manager position yesterday which is my roots. I would enjoy that. I also applied with Alarm companies and other low voltage positions.

Something will turn up. I am sure. Thanks for the info!

State jobs in NC  
Spider56 : 7/22/2019 7:41 am : link
The link is oshr.nc.gov

Btw, pizza is a matter of taste and there actually are a bunch of good NY places in Cary which we all know stands for ‘containment area for relocated yankees’ ... the best bagels are at Brueggers which has multiple locations throughout the triangle. The NY deli as we know it really doesn’t exist because nearly all the supermarkets carry Boars Head cold cuts and make fairly good subs. The one thing we can’t find down here is a true NYC hard roll.

Pizza  
Bubba : 7/22/2019 7:53 am : link
tough business long hours etc. Love making it and doing it as a business are 2 totally separate things. Not trying to discourage you but think long and hard before investing your savings into it.

If you do pursue that route however I suggest you buy an existing business. You will need to ask around. Work there for several months with current owner to get a feel for the clients and business operation before taking the leap.

In any event good luck with your "retirement"
Mook..  
FatMan in Charlotte : 7/22/2019 8:28 am : link
hit on the most likely reason.

The Summer is a terrible time to look for work. Most people in hiring positions are on vacation, just getting back from vacation or heading out to vacation. A lot are planning on sending kids off to college next month. Filling open positions usually doesn't heat up until the Fall.

That being said, NC is a job-rich market. When I've put resumes out there, responses come in quickly and headhunters are calling daily. You should probably give a once-over on the resume to make sure there aren't any obvious red flags or typos.

Also, know as much as you can about any company you interview with - even if it is to go to their website and get 3 bullet points on their core competencies. If you are surprised about a question asking how much you know about their company, you'd probably get caught off guard when they inevitably ask you "Why do you want to work here"? It's about as standard of an interview question there is - in fact, if I give an interview, it is one of the first things I ask to see the interest level of the applicant.
On a more positive note  
stoneman : 7/22/2019 8:28 am : link
QCOM let almost 600 engineers (chip industry) go last year in Raleigh and almost all of them found a home in the Raleigh area. Took awhile for all 600, but only a few moved out of the area. It took more than 1 mo for almost everybody though, so 1 mo is pretty aggressive.
Could be a couple of things  
Tom from LI : 7/22/2019 9:36 am : link
I have been reshaping my resume continuously. My area of concern is that I have 20 years of field operations management and 11 years of Staff/Executive Reporting/Database work.

I think it could be confusing for a hiring manager to decide what am I?

I tried reinventing myself 12 years ago. Where what I did worked for where I was, it was not specialized enough for the companies seeking similar workers. I am good as an Analyst, SQL guy, Metric design... I am an excellent Field Manager. My most recent work is as the Analyst/SQL guy. I would put my skills as a middle of the pack candidate.

But if you put me as a Field Operations manager that can also do the Analyst work I feel that I would be more valuable.

I am working towards building my resume to show that moving forward.

One piece of advice I got from a recruiter  
pjcas18 : 7/22/2019 9:54 am : link
at salesforce.com a few years ago was don't apply to everything (which was what I did).

Once they finally reached out to me about a position I applied to, I told her I was surprised I didn't get a call from them sooner. I am a perfect fit for 4 or 5 roles they had listed.

And she said pretty candidly, you applied for 12 positions across multiple fields. When people do that they get the sense the person doesn't really know what they want to do and they more or less eliminate you. It was only per employee referral I got past my own indecisiveness.

I too had experience in many different tech roles, from hands-on implementation roles to professional services leadership/management to pre-sales and sales.

Figure out what you want to do, and be selective with what you apply to. Sounds like you're not desperate financially, so target a company (very important to find a culture fit and a manager you can work with) and a role and make it happen.
RE: One piece of advice I got from a recruiter  
Tom from LI : 7/22/2019 10:08 am : link
In comment 14503598 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
at salesforce.com a few years ago was don't apply to everything (which was what I did).

Once they finally reached out to me about a position I applied to, I told her I was surprised I didn't get a call from them sooner. I am a perfect fit for 4 or 5 roles they had listed.

And she said pretty candidly, you applied for 12 positions across multiple fields. When people do that they get the sense the person doesn't really know what they want to do and they more or less eliminate you. It was only per employee referral I got past my own indecisiveness.

I too had experience in many different tech roles, from hands-on implementation roles to professional services leadership/management to pre-sales and sales.

Figure out what you want to do, and be selective with what you apply to. Sounds like you're not desperate financially, so target a company (very important to find a culture fit and a manager you can work with) and a role and make it happen.


Excellent advice! I totally agree with this. This is my first time really doing this, so I am learning as I go.

This rings true to me! Thanks pjcas18!
RE:  
steve in ky : 7/22/2019 1:44 pm : link
In comment 14503471 Tom from LI said:
Quote:

I love making pizza and 3 of my close friends all own pizzerias back on Long Island. I know I could get some help with that. I just don't know if I want to go that route. I am not a own my own business type of guy.




Quote:
I am not a own my own business type of guy.


As someone who was self employed for much of my adult life IMO that you feel this way is reason enough that you shouldn't start a business. You really should have a burning desire to do it's or probably not for you. While it can be very rewarding the long hours and extra headaches take their toll and unless you have a true passion for it you will likely regret it, or even grow to hate it.
I was going to suggest  
JonC : 7/22/2019 1:46 pm : link
shaping your cv to the strengths relative to the job you want next, if possible.

A big one, is go easy on yourself. I can feel your anxiety in your words. This might take some time, and you have no financial worries to truly weigh you down mentally.
A lot of good advice here  
jcn56 : 7/22/2019 1:56 pm : link
I think you're just feeling the crunch of summer + seniority. It's going to take you a few months to find something at your level of experience, and the summer isn't helping matters. Hang in there!
Do you mind sending me your  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 7/22/2019 2:00 pm : link
resume? If you haven't applied for jobs in a long time, I almost guarantee the structure of your resume is probably not scanable enough to get your point across in 6 seconds.


Also, have you tried researching companies you would like to be apart of and trying to apply internally?

What kind of background do you have?
RE: Could be a couple of things  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 7/22/2019 2:02 pm : link
In comment 14503577 Tom from LI said:
Quote:
I have been reshaping my resume continuously. My area of concern is that I have 20 years of field operations management and 11 years of Staff/Executive Reporting/Database work.

I think it could be confusing for a hiring manager to decide what am I?

I tried reinventing myself 12 years ago. Where what I did worked for where I was, it was not specialized enough for the companies seeking similar workers. I am good as an Analyst, SQL guy, Metric design... I am an excellent Field Manager. My most recent work is as the Analyst/SQL guy. I would put my skills as a middle of the pack candidate.

But if you put me as a Field Operations manager that can also do the Analyst work I feel that I would be more valuable.

I am working towards building my resume to show that moving forward.


Build resumes that are geared towards both, and submit the corresponding resume to the right one.
Tom  
Joey in VA : 7/22/2019 2:08 pm : link
Send me your resume and I can take a look at it and pass it along to my coworkers.
A couple of things to think about  
Rudy5757 : 7/22/2019 2:30 pm : link
have someone check your resume, make sure its not making you out to look old. Make sure companies know you are still on the cutting edge.

Salary requirements - NC is not NY. You are going to have to take a pay cut for the most part. Dont overprice yourself if they ask requirements. Try to get as much info on what they pay through glassdoor or other sites so you know what to ask for.

Time - give yourself time to find the right job. 1 month is not enough, it could take several months and also consider a career change to a different market

Rely on connections, put it out there that you are now looking in raleigh and since your are renting you could also look in Charlotte. Wilmington is hard to find work since there are very few companies but its still worth looking.

Positive attitude about your past job and experience. Companies dont want to hire a Debbie Downer. Spin everything positive. "I loved my job, my family wanted to make a move to NC." is better than "My company offered a buyout and I took it."

I lived in NY and moved to NC a few years ago, the hardest challenge for me was the salary difference. I had to take a paycut. I was a recruiter and have seen a ton of people hate on their old jobs and that was a major pass for a lot of companies. Your challenge is also that you have been with the same company a long time, sometimes that is viewed negatively so make sure that you highlight any promotions over the years so people don't think you are complacent.

Goodluck

I'm sure you have  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 7/22/2019 2:35 pm : link
your North Carolina Address on your resume, but I would 100% remove any other addresses, city location of positions you held.

If a recruiter scans to quickly, and misses your address they'll think you still live up North. It happens.
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