Possible job opportunity in Gillette (Cody, Wright: rent, house, high school)

[Ryster]

Previously I had been interested in the Cody area. However, I got a recruitment email today from BNSF inviting me to come test, be interviewed, and take a drug test for a position in Gillette. So my question is, how is the Gillette area? How are the schools? How are the child-care facilities? Based solely on gut feeling, would I be likely to be 1 candidate out of hundreds for a position like this would you think, or is the pool likely to be smaller?

[branDcalf]

Gillette has a lot going for it. Jobs with better than average wages are one of them. The schools are good. There are a lot of activities for kids, families and adults. Gillette is not far from either the Black Hills or the Big Horn Mtns.

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by branDcalf

Gillette has a lot going for it. Jobs with better than average wages are one of them. The schools are good. There are a lot of activities for kids, families and adults. Gillette is not far from either the Black Hills or the Big Horn Mtns.

A real plus in my mind. Gillette is also not far from the Thunder Basin National Grassland. It may not be as scenic as the mountains but the plains do have a rugged beauty. The non-bolded are even more important pluses.

[branDcalf]

I, too, prefer the grasslands and prairie. Spent a couple summers east and north of Bill 15-16 years ago.

[Ryster]

BNSF refers to their event as a "Hiring Event" rather than a "Recruitment Event." I wonder if that means that they're planning to hire most of the people that show up, unless they're otherwise DQ'd for something like a sketchy background, drug use, etc? I'm excited for the possibility, but it's a decent chunk of change to drop for a crap-shoot. OTOH, it could be investment...

[Wardendresden]

Originally Posted by Ryster

BNSF refers to their event as a "Hiring Event" rather than a "Recruitment Event." I wonder if that means that they're planning to hire most of the people that show up, unless they're otherwise DQ'd for something like a sketchy background, drug use, etc? I'm excited for the possibility, but it's a decent chunk of change to drop for a crap-shoot. OTOH, it could be investment...

No guarantees, but if you don't try you'll never know and some years down the road you'll wonder "what if".
If you spend your time and money to go there (you don't mention where from) you'll be telling them you have a genuine interest, that you're willing to work hard and can add value to their operation. That and your skills are the best you or anyone can offer to an employer.

Read up on the company and be more excited about working for them than in moving to Gillette. Show that in your interview.

And, yes, there will be a boatload of folks looking for work, but when no one knows you, only you can show initiative to go there and apply. You may strike out, but if you don't step up to the plate you won't even get to swing the bat.

Good luck.

[Froggie Legs]

Do a search on Gillette on the forums, as Georgia has posted a lot about this area too. I interviewed a few years back in Wright, just south of Gillette, and I found the area (while lacking a lot of trees) was very friendly, and has the amenities of many larger cities.

if this works, here are photos I took on that trip. Wyoming 2010 Photos by FroggieLegs | Photobucket

[georgiainwyo]

I can attest to a couple of things being I lived in Gillette and now live in Cody. I loved Gillette as the people there were great and the schools are awesome (where I worked). Personally, though, I like Cody better for a couple of reasons. I like the weather and the view much better in Cody. I like that Cody is smaller, but still has the same amenities as Gillette. Both have comparable things for kids and adults to do. As far as BNSF, the guy who rents our house in Gillette works for them. He moved from Calif about 4 years ago to work for BNSF. I don't know if it is this way with all of their employees, but I know he is sent out of town quite a bit. He has been working in Arizona for the past month or so. Not really good if one has a family. He only has one high schooler left at home, but his wife says she hates that he has to be working out of town so much. As I said, I don't know if this is typical or not. Also, I would check with BNSF to see if they will actually be hiring or if they are just interviewing to compile a pool of people to choose from as openings come up. That seems to be the way a lot of companies work. I would hate to see you spend the time and money to go if there isn't a possibility of a job for some time. I have heard of a lot more people say that they don't like Gillette vs. that they don't like Cody. From what I've heard, it is mostly because of the high cost of living in Gillette (we rent our house out for $1600/month, rent is high) including housing & utilities as well as because it is kind of out in the middle of no where and is pretty flat. Also, for having almost 30K people, there isn't much at all as far as shopping or eating establishments. Negatives about Cody...some people don't like the tourists in the summer as we are so close to Yellowstone. All that being said, if it came to getting a good job that was compensarate to the cost of living, I would be happy in either town. It all depends on what is important to you! Best of luck!