Expert: Robert Clark - 3/5/2011

Question
Hello Robert,

I have been looking for work in Grand Cayman for quite some time now and have not been able to get much help.  I have applied directly to several (Big 4) firms on the island and have also submitted my resume to a few recruiting firms.  I was really interested in moving a few years ago but was told I didn't have a chance without a CPA.  Since then I have obtained a CPA and obtained 5 years of public accounting experience. I have since then over the past half year been applying but continue to get no response.  Is there a better way to get a job?  I know you mentioned the recession is affecting the island but I see on company websites they are hiring. I'm really confused because I would love to live there but find it impossible to get anyone to return my emails or applications.  

Thanks for your help.
David

Answer
David
As you are probably aware, before a job can be offered to an expat, the employer has to prove that there aren't any Caymanians that can fulfill the role.  The normal way of achieving this is to advertise the post in the local press, the Cayman Compass or Cayman NetNews.  Up to the autumn last year, the latter paper was available for free online (http://www.caymannetnews.com), but there website has been down since then and there isn't any indication when it will return.
Unfortunately the Cayman Compass website (http://www.caycompass.com) only has the articles online, so your options would either be to buy a subscription to the newspaper, or to subscribe to one of the websites that collect all of these adverts (check some of the links on my page at http://www.gotocayman.com/index.php?title=DirectoryE#Employment_agencies).  JobInTheSun (http://www.jobinthesun.com/jms/jspreview/search.cfm) lets you search the available jobs (showing just the job title), for more information you have to subscribe :-(

The NewResident website (http://www.newresident.ky) has lots of good advice.  For some sectors, it does suggest registering with an agency.  I know that some of these do hire staff directly, and then subcontract their staff to the banks and financial companies, etc.  

I believe that a lot of companies now don't reply to either letters/resumes sent to them on-spec or in reply to adverts unless the candidate has been successful, mainly because of the cost to do so.  

I guess that one factor that would help you is if your had previously worked for one of the big names in your industry, or already had experience of working for an off-shore financial organisation.

Good luck with your continuing search!

Regards
Robert