Message #61849

[kellinm]

Good for you for not putting up with a bad situation!  I've lived all over the country and have always found great jobs through employment agencies (e.g. Kelly Temps).  Look online for reputable agencies, set up a appointments with 2 or 3 and get registered with them.  You'll spend an hour or two filling out paperwork, taking typing tests, etc. but once you're done, they'll do the work for you.  Just give each of them a call 1-2 times per week to check in.  They should NEVER charge you fees for finding a job.  Companies will pay your temp agency which then will pay you every 1-2 weeks.  I've started out in temp to hire positions which has been great because they get to see how I work and I can decide if I want to work with them.  Once you find a good fit, the company will pay the temp agency a finders fee and you'll be all set!  

Something to think about - do you want to work for a large company, small business, etc?  This will help narrow the focus for the agency.  Also, if you can, try to find out pay rates for that part of the country.  Pay ranges vary quite a bit so you want to make sure you're at the higher end starting out.  The agency may not pay well but if you can get hired on with a solid company, their rates may be worth waiting for.  Good Luck!