Wibble Wobble

Hi B.E.,

I am going to LA in June on a J-1 visa but still have no job (or accommodation) sorted. I've posted my resumé online, looked through job websites, even left my phone number on them publicly.

But I still haven't found a job, and need one by the end of January at the very latest. Has anyone got any advice or tips? I'm thinking about cold-calling random places in LA to ask if they are hiring for the summer, but that doesn't sound very good.

I only need an hourly-wage job because the visa only lasts for up to 4 months, and most of those jobs will probably get taken by US college students during the summer

Thanks if you can give any advice

Duncan Roberts

Call BUNAC and ask them if you can get their US job directory. Aside from that, people aren't hiring in general right now let alone hiring low level jobs for 6 months in the future. Theme parks and the like are prime for that sort of work but they don't usually give you a job this early.

Jerseygirl

What sort of job are you looking for...flipping burgers or an internship? I assume with you saying a temporary hourly paid job you are looking at something like flipping burgers...if so I think you are applying a little early. If you are looking for an internship...many are unpaid positions. Also in many cases employers are looking for someone who they may be interested in taking on full-time after they graduate with a degree...you're only 17 which could be a disadvantage.

Wibble Wobble

Thanks both for your replies.

Sadly the BUNAC Job Directory only has 1 job in California, and its on an island (which I'm not interested in).

I would work as an interm but only if paid, so I guess I am looking at "flipping burgers"... although I've worked at McDonalds before which wasnt too bad!

I think after the new year I'll start emailing and phoning places.

Jerseygirl

You'll be wasting your time and money. Normally you could easily get that type of work by walking into a restaurant or store...but the economy has taken a nose dive...who knows what the job market will be like in 6 months time. Even in the best of times no-one is going to hold a job like that open for you.

Duncan Roberts

I'll tell you the reply, if you get one at all. Apply in person when you get here.

You are trying to apply for jobs 6 months in advance that are usually hired within hours of applying and have an extremely high turnover rate. Maybe you will strike it lucky but chances are you won't.

Bill_S

Maybe I'm missing something... who is the sponsoring institution for your J-1? Shouldn't you have worked out the details of employment with them? Which program category are you in?

Duncan Roberts

My guess is BUNACs Work America. No requirement to get a job or anything else before you get there. I landed in New York with 1 night of accommodation and that was about it!

naomi

When I had a J1 visa (Work America) I just walked into places. For restaurant/fast food type work that really is the norm. You may also want to consider joining a temp agency when you get there for office-type work that may pay a bit better.

Naomi.

Jerseygirl

In previous posts the OP said last month that he was 17 and was hoping to get J1 visa after his first year at university. Maybe he could confirm that he now does in fact have a visa.

Duncan Roberts

If that's the case I would bet money he is signing up for BUNAC's work america program. If he is, unless there is some major problem, he will get the visa. It probably won't be until the day he leaves though, or much closer to the time he leaves.

Jerseygirl

I thought it was only available during a uni course...if the OP is 17 he will most likely not be starting uni until next Sept.

Wibble Wobble

Yep, I'm going on BUNACs Work America program. I'm in university just now (being 17 at uni really sucks by the way!) so should get the visa, almost everyone does.

Ducan and Naomi: knowing you have both been through this and survived makes me feel a lot better, thanks

Mummy in the foothills

If you are in LA you could always try applying Disneyland and Universal studios

md95065

... or you could just try hanging out on Santa Monica Boulevard ...