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Joan found herself in the middle of a new kind of job market after she moved from Sioux City, Iowa to Boulder, Colorado in November. Not having sought work for over four years and wanting to work in a more professional culture than in her previous employment, she realized that she needed help with many aspects of her job search. The REA Career Consultant, located in Colorado, first sent Joan extensive information about Boulder and its environs, along with an analysis of the job market there. Since Joan was not sure what type of work she wanted to pursue, the Consultant assisted her in doing a career assessment and examining possible alternatives for using her skills and experience. After designing a resume highlighting her competencies and accomplishments, the Consultant suggested that Joan explore different work environments through professional temporary assignments. Joan thought this was an excellent idea, so the Consultant connected her with several professional temp firms in the area. She also coached Joan on the interview process and how to effectively present her work history.
Trying out several work environments proved to be the best strategy for Joan. After three short-term assignments with different employers, she became much clearer on the type of work and company culture that would be the best fit for her. The fourth assignment, at a firm selling systems for conducting background checks, turned out to be a "keeper." After 10 weeks as a temp with the firm, she was offered a permanent position in sales, which she seemed to enjoy the most. This may be an example of being in the right place at the right time, with the current growth in the security sector. It also shows how knowing what you want increases the chances of a successful search.
 Paul arrived in New York City with his newly acquired Master's Degree in International Management from Thunderbird, fully expecting to find a job within 5 weeks. What he learned was that people didn't respond to the name "Thunderbird" the way he thought they would and that he did not have the financial background that many prospective employers were looking for. So he decided to switch gears and geography (since his wife had the flexibility to work with her company at any of its locations) and they moved to Washington DC in February.
His Washington Consultant rewrote his resume and references, emphasizing his international experience and results, rather than his education. Together they developed an aggressive search strategy that ensured exposure to his targeted employers in a short time. Within days, he was attending major job fairs, meeting with networking contacts provided by the REA Consultant and following-up on job leads. Thanks to intensive coaching over a three week period on interview approaches, the federal government employment process, follow-up strategies and salary negotiation in addition to on-going encouragement and advice from his Consultant, Paul had 3 job offers after only 3 weeks of searching and accepted one at the Department of Commerce.
Rita had her mind made up when she relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina - she was determined to be a clown! Though her degree was in Geology, Rita longed to use her creative talents in dance, crafts, drama and children's gymnastics. Rita wanted to start the process before moving, so her Consultant who was located in Raleigh, sent her information on local competitors and possible suppliers. The Consultant also sent her extensive resources including: Web pages of 5 competitors, a Newcomers Guide to the area, Carolina Parent and the Parent Survival Guide publications, 2 magazine articles about party entertainers, Cary Business Start-up Guide, information on the National Association of Women Business Owners in Raleigh, Kidsville Newspaper, web research of local restaurants (by type of food, city, best restaurants for kids), list and article of "family-friendly companies" in the area (some of which hire entertainers for Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day or parties), and contact information for Moms & More clubs.
The Consultant developed a colorful flyer to advertise Rita's business, created a Bio describing her background and skills and coached her on how to set up a portfolio of her work. The Consultant hand delivered the initial marketing materials, as Rita was busily setting up appointments soon after they were developed. The Consultant gave her a lead, which ended up as her first birthday party booking! Although Rita's business has officially "launched", the Consultant continues to suggest other actions such as a website design, press releases, etc. Rita already has bookings for a local YMCA's 150th anniversary party, a local middle school, the Pumpkin Parade at an elementary school, and has signed with an entertainment company as a contractor. Rita will also market her services at restaurants and other appropriate establishments.
 Maria relocated to Atlanta with a Nursing Degree and experience working in Case Management for the state of Michigan. She was very focused and wanted to get a job as soon as possible. Since Maria had already completed the licensing requirements, the REA Consultant developed a solid resume for her along with some appropriate job search correspondence. Having lived and worked in Atlanta for over 15 years, the Consultant had some excellent contacts for Maria to pursue, including a recruiter in Atlanta that specializes in medical placements. The Consultant met with the recruiter to review his open job specifications and determine if any were appropriate for Maria. The recruiter assured the Consultant that he was always in need of qualified nurses and medical personnel.
In short order, the Consultant introduced Maria to the recruiter who said that he had a job that might be a good fit for her. Since Maria was coming to Atlanta on a house hunting trip, she arranged to meet with the recruiter while she was in town. The Consultant coached Maria on interviewing and sent her research on other potential employers and contacts. When she arrived in Atlanta, Maria contacted the recruiter who immediately sent her on a job interview with a major health insurance company there. Maria was offered a job on the spot, which more than met her expectations. So Maria got a house and a job in the same week! The job afforded her some experience that she did not have, so she was very pleased.
Stacy moved from Lewisville, Texas to Friendswood (just outside of Houston). Stacy had been an entrepreneur in Dallas and had a wonderful business selling floral gift baskets at a mall. When initially contacted by REA, Stacy stated that she wanted to keep her business in Dallas and would travel periodically to continue what she had started there. However, after a comprehensive discussion with her REA Consultant in Houston, she began to explore the possibility of expanding her business in the Houston area. The Consultant provided Stacy with a market analysis and research on specific wholesale vendors in the Houston area who could provide items for her floral gift baskets. The Consultant also recommended several malls and kiosks that were within a ten mile radius of Stacy's home in Houston, where she could possibly begin selling her gift baskets. Within six months of moving to her new location, Stacy held two craft shows for her floral baskets and attended a new show in Dallas. Over the next two months, the Consultant helped her develop strategies and materials to expand her business to several new locations in Houston, while continuing to grow her business in Dallas. Stacy completed her REA services in January after having her best year ever in her business!
Gabrielle is a German gynecologist who recently relocated to Westchester County, NY from Frankfurt, Germany. Her visa does not allow her to be employed in the US at this time. Gabrielle's International Consultant met with her and gave her extensive information about the area and local work culture. Together they decided that she could possibly gain valuable work experience through doing an Ultrasound or In Vitro Fertilization internship with a hospital or medical clinic in the NYC metro area. The Consultant developed a comprehensive CV targeted for the NY market. She also conducted extensive research through the internet and made phone calls to local medical facilities to secure information about internship opportunities. After uncovering six potential internships, the Consultant worked with Gabrielle to compose cover letters to send with her resume. The Consultant also developed a phone script for the Gabrielle to use in making follow up calls. Gabrielle has been very grateful for the consultant's assistance, especially the Consultant's knowledge of German and her sensitivity to cultural differences. The Consultant is currently working with Gabrielle to decide which internship will best enhance her experience and future resume.
Debra, a Pediatrics Nurse from Ireland was relocated to Long Island, New York. Since she did not have a work permit, she and her Consultant explored viable options for using her nursing skills. The Consultant provided her with some information about local business customs/culture and helped her develop an appropriate resume to highlight her qualifications and experience. She also provided Debra with interviewing guidelines and research on possible volunteer opportunities that would utilize her training. After exploring several potential organizations, Debra decided to volunteer for Doctors Without Borders, and after a few months on the job, this organization was so impressed with her work that they sponsored her for a working visa.
Rumela, a Pakistani Medical Doctor, trained in India was completing her residency requirements in the U.S. Her husband was being transferred to Milan, Italy. Our Consultant did extensive research with the Italian Consulate and educational institutions to determine whether Rumela's degree would be recognized, and if she would ever be able to practice medicine in Italy. The Consultant provided information about the requirements for passing the medical boards as well. The Consultant explored possible opportunities with U.S. airbases as well as facilities in France. She recommended that Rumela begin language training here and then continue once she got to Italy. Armed with information about the potential opportunities for the future and a practical timeframe, Rumela moved to Milan and continued her language training. As soon as she felt proficient, she began taking classes at a local medical school to prepare for her medical boards. Rumela was very grateful for all the information she received before she relocated so that she was well aware of her options and limitations, and could formulate a realistic plan for her career while in Italy.
 Angela, a Junior High School teacher from Cincinatti, OH was relocated to Singapore. Since Angela had never traveled outside the US, the Consultant provided cross-cultural and country-specific information, especially related to business and social protocols. She encouraged Angela to join the American Club and network, and she introduced her to some local contacts. Given Angela's background in education, the Consultant suggested that she consider teaching English to private clients, which seemed very appealing and would utilize Angela's strong teaching skills. Together they developed and distributed a promotional brochure, and after several months, Angela began teaching both classes and individuals English, which she found very rewarding.
 Cheng, originally from Hong Kong, relocated from Canada to California and was seeking a job in healthcare. After providing him
with information on the process for obtaining the necessary documentation for
work, the Consultant helped him reduce his 11 page CV to a marketable US resume
and assisted him in developing effective cover letters. Cheng expressed interest in exploring opportunities in both industrial and educational environments, so the Consultant provided extensive research on both. She also coached him on business/cultural issues, proper attire, body language and interviewing strategies. Together, they prepared for each interview and then debriefed them once they were over. The Consultant also provided guidance through the salary negotiation process. Today Cheng has an excellent job doing medical research for a large university hospital.
 Marta is an Attorney from Brazil who relocated with her husband to Austin, TX. Even though she had taken care of obtaining the proper work permits, Marta was still unable to practice law in Texas until she passed the Texas Bar exam. In the meantime, her Consultant suggested taking some paralegal courses as a way to begin getting connected in her new community and provided Marta with several options for getting this paralegal training. Simultaneously, they developed an appropriate resume and cover letters and the Consultant coached Marta on the American interview process. Through her extensive network, our Consultant identified an Attorney in Austin who needed an assistant for her one-woman office. After bringing the two together, this Attorney interviewed Marta and hired her on the spot. Today Marta is using her paralegal training and continues to prepare for the Texas bar while she is learning and "practicing" Texas law as this Attorney's assistant.
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Gabrielle is a German gynecologist who recently relocated to Westchester County, NY from Frankfurt, Germany. Her visa does not allow her to be employed in the US at this time. Gabrielle's International Consultant met with her and gave her extensive information about the area and local work culture. Together they decided that she could possibly gain valuable work experience through doing an Ultrasound or In Vitro Fertilization internship with a hospital or medical clinic in the NYC metro area. The Consultant developed a comprehensive CV targeted for the NY market. She also conducted extensive research through the internet and made phone calls to local medical facilities to secure information about internship opportunities. After uncovering six potential internships, the Consultant worked with Gabrielle to compose cover letters to send with her resume. The Consultant also developed a phone script for the Gabrielle to use in making follow up calls. Gabrielle has been very grateful for the consultant's assistance, especially the Consultant's knowledge of German and her sensitivity to cultural differences. The Consultant is currently working with Gabrielle to decide which internship will best enhance her experience and future resume.