How difficult is it to get a non-professional, part-time job? (Portland: rent, houses)

[ATCdude]

Disclaimer: I know there are other threads on the whole "I need a job, help!" thing, but I'd rather not hijack someone else's thread for my benefit.

My college roommate and I have both dropped out of school for personal reasons and moved back in with our parents. We both love Portland, and are planning a long-term move to the area (as in, December 2011). The only issue with the move is that we know how notoriously difficult the job market is out there - for professional jobs, though. We'll have enough saved up for a year's worth of living expenses, moving expenses and to properly furnish a place, but we'd love to avoid dipping into our savings as much as possible. We'll both be attending school (first at PCC, then PSU), and just want a non-professional, part-time gig to pay the rent - someplace like Starbucks or a bookstore would be perfect.

So, just how difficult is it to get a job like that? I know that where I am now (Syracuse, NY) the economy is in the toilet (hasn't it been that way here for about 30 years?), but I could still waltz into a Blockbuster or a grocery store and get hired in a few weeks' time, like I did when I moved home. Could I do the same thing in Portland?

I'd like to apologize for adding yet another job-related thread to the forum, but as I said, I didn't want to hijack someone else's thread, and I'm not asking about the professional job market. I'd also like to thank anybody that responds in advance! I can't wait to get out there and get my life jumpstarted!

[aroseinrain]

My understanding is that the opposite is true: it's the low-level "unskilled labor" jobs that are the hardest to come by. For example, if Walmart (or any chain store) were to advertise a few job openings literally hundreds and hundreds of people come out to apply.

I think the most employable person in Portland today is someone with some specialized skill (like phlebotomist) and about 1-2 years of experience (enough experience to know how to do the job well, but not so much that they'd require a better pay).

In fact, many cities have vocational colleges nearby where a young person such as yourself could acquire such a skill before moving.

[sayulita]

Just as an anecdote, I walked into my local Albertson's yesterday and they had a sign in the door advertising a part time job at the in-store Starbucks. I have no idea how many applicants they had.

[Yankeemama]

The Starbucks in Laurelhurst had a sign as well. The website also lists jobs and the last time I looked, there were several listed in PDX area. You aren't moving until next year though. Good that you are researching now. You could always set up an informational interview with a mgr in your area and maybe go for a supervisor job. The company is supposed to be good one to work for. Portland has many independent coffee houses and food carts are in abundance. There are even coffee "food carts" in the pod areas. We have many options. I will ask, "do you have experience in the coffee business or food business?". I ask because Portland is basically the foodie Capitol of the country and most of your customers/ guests will have a great deal of knowledge about the product you sell and if you work in a coffee house here, I am sure you will be required to have at least the same amount of knowledge. Start brushing up on your coffee bean varietals!

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by aroseinrain

My understanding is that the opposite is true: it's the low-level "unskilled labor" jobs that are the hardest to come by. For example, if Walmart (or any chain store) were to advertise a few job openings literally hundreds and hundreds of people come out to apply.

I think the most employable person in Portland today is someone with some specialized skill (like phlebotomist) and about 1-2 years of experience (enough experience to know how to do the job well, but not so much that they'd require a better pay).

In fact, many cities have vocational colleges nearby where a young person such as yourself could acquire such a skill before moving.

Rose absolutely hit the nail on the head. And believe me I speak from experience. One thing that may work for you though, a friend of mine moved from Portland to Vegas. She had a great job at Universal's "Star Trek Experience" until it shut down.

She then got a job at Las Vegas Wal-Mart. When she decided to move back to the Portland area she was able to secure a job transfer to a Vancouver WA store with no trouble because she was already an employee of Wally's. So maybe you could find work at Wal-Mart or similar place where you are and then put in for a transfer. In really helps to have an "in" to get a job in Portland and this could do it for you.

[aroseinrain]

Originally Posted by Minervah

She then got a job at Las Vegas Wal-Mart. When she decided to move back to the Portland area she was able to secure a job transfer to a Vancouver WA store with no trouble because she was already an employee of Wally's. So maybe you could find work at Wal-Mart or similar place where you are and then put in for a transfer. In really helps to have an "in" to get a job in Portland and this could do it for you.

That's great advice!

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by aroseinrain

That's great advice!

Ditto. That may be an "in" for a lot of people who are considering a move to Portland. Get a job where you live with a national chain, then get a transfer!

[aroseinrain]

That's how my husband and I are able to move there. We'll be there in 6 weeks, but if he didn't work for a company that he could transfer with, I don't think it ever would have happened.

[hamellr]

A friend of mine just opened a Cafe here in Portland. They needed one part timer, about 12 hours a week to cover weekend shifts. They got 800 applications. Even after weeding out those who were over qualified, they still had 500+. At that point they had wasted so much time that they randomly picked five out of the pile for an interview.

[ATCdude]

Oh man. Thanks for all of the responses, guys! I guess we'll have to go with our plan B.