what is the best way to actually get a job before you arrive ?

The inside scoop is that unless you're at a high level in a professional field, the likelihood of your even getting a response to an employment enquiry from off island is next to nil. So many people say they are coming and never make it here, the attrition rate of newbies is very high and the only way to find a job here is to physically be here. You should bring with you sufficient money to get you by for a few months while you look for jobs. Bear in mind that landlords generally require first, last and security deposit for a rental and you'll require deposits for utilities if they're not included in the rent, cable/satellite, internet connection, etc. Last but not least, getting around without your own vehicle is extremely difficult. You can find an "island car" for $3K and then figure in insurance, registration, etc. $10K is a reasonable figure to bring with you for two people to get started.

Hope that helps!

Old Tart,

Thanks so much for your response, it is very helpful and appreciated....In your opinion, which do you think is the best island to get a higher Level position? St. Croix,? St. Thomas? for a Director of IT, Educator/ Teacher, Corporate Training.. and which island is better suited for residential living versus a better island for employment? again any feedback is helpful, negative or positive.. thx : )) Is the new trend on St. Croix and St. Thomas, to live or work? It looks like some new businesses are coming into the islands?

Or is that not something that is common down there? As I would think this would be a win - win for both parties? especially for people doing a PMV and are professionals to cut down on costs, and the estate owner who is not regularly in the islands and wants his house watched and managed?

The economy throughout the USVI (and STX in particular) has been severely impacted by the closing of the oil refinery on that island and at last account our unemployment rate was over 10%. Things are pretty tough right now all around. I don't know what "new businesses" you've heard are coming here but I can tell you that many established businesses have closed in the last six months and there are more to come. St Thomas is the commercial hub. I may be wrong but I think the IT market here is pretty saturated. Educators and teachers are always in demand but the salary ranges leave much to be desired. Both islands are good for residential living and there are many options available. Some people love STX and some equally love STT and STJ - that's an almost impossible question to answer. Corporate training opportunities? That I can't help you with.

Sorry not to sound more positive but we really are in quite a slump right now, pretty much the same as in most areas of the mainland.

I don't understand the question about the "new trend" being to "live or work." Can you explain please what you're asking?

If you're asking for a free housesitting/caretaker spot while you're down for your PMV, they can be found, but know that there are a lot of people here who are professional housesitters/caretakers with references, etc. It's a pretty tough gig to find if you're trying to just find something short term - most homeowners are wary of someone coming down to visit for a short time without any references, if you could even find a possible spot.

Or is that not something that is common down there? As I would think this would be a win - win for both parties? especially for people doing a PMV and are professionals to cut down on costs, and the estate owner who is not regularly in the islands and wants his house watched and managed?

These sorts of positions rarely go to newcomers but to established residents who know their way around and know who to go to and how to get things done.

One suggestion would be to consider if you could telecommute - Corporate Training is something that can be done over the web, and you could travel back for in person jobs. Same thing with IT. Old Tart is pretty spot on about teacher/educators.

There is a new initiative on STX to create a virtual workforce. You might check into that if it suits your skills - here's the website:

http://www.connectspacevi.net/

There are some IT jobs here (STX), but realize you are competing with a lot of workers laid off from Hovensa for those types of jobs. You'll really need to apply in person, get your foot in the door, network.

You might try the larger resorts, both on STX and STT regarding IT jobs. Call, don't e-mail or write. And expect a lower salary that you are used to.

stx has a teacher shortage

Get a list of ECD pcompaniess and send out resumes just as one would do anywhere else.
More than 1/2 of rental inquiries come from people relocating from the states for a job these days.
Locals know how to go about this on their own

If they respond and you have qualifications they require, you can get job in your desired field,
You may also check with employment gov agenciy as most companies who are recruiting usually and/or must post with them

There are qualified trainers on island already, and many of them have nurtured relationships with local govt agencies so they can get training contracts. The Department of Labor (VIDOL) now only offers free online training courses, where as just a few years ago, they contracted with local providers for live training. The training opportunities now seem to be with VI Housing Authority in Public Housing, training for senior citizens, and in community centers when VINGN is completed and operational.

UVICELL (University of the Virgin Islands Continuing Educationing and Lifetime Learning) center is currently running ads for instructors. UVICELL offers courses on licensing prep, and other credential courses, so you should contact them.

IMO, the best way to prepare yourself to relocate to the USVI is to have grant writing skills and contacts.

what is the best way to actually get a job before you arrive?

Same as stateside. send resumes. follow-up with phone calls. arrange interviews. Adds are running for teachers and para=professionals.

what is the best way to actually get a job before you arrive?

Same as stateside. send resumes. follow-up with phone calls. arrange interviews. Adds are running for teachers and para=professionals.

In order not to mislead, a distinction should be made here. Responding while off island to a nationally advertised position is one thing; responding to a locally advertised position while off island will generally not garner any responses; sending out blind enquiries to island businesses is generally a futile and time wasting effort.

what is the best way to actually get a job before you arrive?

Same as stateside. send resumes. follow-up with phone calls. arrange interviews. Adds are running for teachers and para=professionals.

In order not to mislead, a distinction should be made here. Responding while off island to a nationally advertised position is one thing; responding to a locally advertised position while off island will generally not garner any responses; sending out blind enquiries to island businesses is generally a futile and time wasting effort.

yep. Same as stateside. The OP is seeking a professional position.

Most ads run on career.vi will answer a stateside inquiry, I know more than a couple people that landed interviews while still off-island. Indeed.com is a good one, too.

Also be willing to take a job doing something you have no experience or background in whatsoever 🙂
-I did well with that one. And am now, 3 yrs. later about to start a job that falls in line with my educational / stateside background.

100% true, my background is IT and after months of searching and putting out resumes I ended up running a small cafe - didn't have a day of experience in the restaurant industry. Where did I get my first contact that led to my first IT job? Made him lunch at that cafe every other day. Being professional and talking to people is everything on these Islands.

Once you are on-island, non-professional networking in the VI counts. Voluteer organizations. Tennis. Sailing. Your neighbors. Your kids school. all good ways to network. Being nice counts. Word gets around.