Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

Hi

We moved to Florida Tampa in 2011, my husband came over on L1 visa with me, which enabled him to get work permit, however it has been a nightmare trying to get employed over here (been searching for 7 months now) Companies do not pay attention to any of the UK experience unfortunately which is 15years in managerial position at large warehousing company + 7 years driving trucks. So we thought go back to school in USA to get valid driving permit - CDL equivalent to the UK HGV, he got top marks in class, however people will not accept him for employment because he has no US experience - it is all UK experience!!!

Any suggestions of companies to go to would be appreciated.

Thanks
Twinkle

Re: Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

Try me for a week! I'll work gratis.

Re: Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

could he get some 'open' written references from the uk companies . 'To whom it may concern' type of thing - extolling his experience and safety record etc?


or even tell them he will work a week for free to show what he can do!

Re: Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

If he can suck it and forget for the time being he has managerial experience, he could try retail work. Retail work over here sucks as there is no fixed schedule,usually 2 week rotations. Staff turnover in retail is high so people who show managerial skills are always in demand but usually, you have to prove yourself on the shop floor 1st.

Home Depot is hiring all around the country at the moment, mostly part -time. However if you can stick it out, they do promote within, holiday/sick pay which is almost unheard of in retail, a stock purchase plan, 401k plus limited health insurance. My son has been working with them for 5 yrs at various times. At the moment, he is part-time (mostly 32hrs wk) but hopefully he will be full time on his transfer to Denver.

Re: Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

I can't recommend any particular companies, but from my experience job-hunting over here in CA I'd say:

- take any opportunity to turn up in person with an application, or at least phone. Many employers are dismissive of foreigners on paper, but are actually a lot more receptive and helpful when you talk to them. Foreigners on paper are weird and inconvenient; foreigners in person have cute accents and seem almost normal.

- get at least one American reference. I could offer appropriate references from three other countries, but had never worked in America; despite this, when I applied for my current job my employer wanted an American reference. I used a friend of mine (with full disclosure she'd never been my boss or colleague), and this was acceptable. One slightly irrelevant American reference is worth loads of appropriate foreign references.

Re: Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

Unfortunately I just think the economy is bad for anyone and it is difficult for anyone to find a job that they like. In fact some companies advertise that if you don't already have a job, you need not apply as if unemployed people don't have a job because of their own poor work performance.

The only thing I can suggest is to have your husband try to contact organizations that assist people in presenting the correct resume, how to present themselves, attitude, and other issues in today's market in finding jobs. Some organizations (generally funded by foundations or benefactors) seem to have good success in helping people find jobs.

Re: Work ? - any suggestions on companies that accept UK employees with permit in FL
 

Networking seems the best way...any local trade/association type events could go to?