Heya, i'm thinking of going to Huntington beach this summer with 3 friends, not definite yet, somewhere in California anyway. Does anyone know of good job opportunities in HB? when best to apply etc? Any info would be great!!
Check out this thread, i was looking for information as well and i got loads here. www.j1forum.com/discussion/772/j1-2010-where-to-staygo-huntington-beach/#Item_0
I think theres a better chance of someone employing you when you over there from what i've been finding. So i'd say it'll be grand to venture over without a job and find one there.. I'm hoping so anyway!!
hey guys, i was in HB last summer and we got a 3 month lease with huntington villas. you have to show them recent bank statements to prove you have enough monthly income to cover rent. a bit pointless when you arrive jobless but its only what you earned in the last 3 months that counts. we printed off online statements of friends from home who had fulltime jobs cos no names or anything appear on the online versions. there was 7 of us in a 2 bed/2 bath apt but we said there was only 4. $10 airbeds from walmart and happy days! rent worked out just over $200 p/mon each. to get a job there you have to be prepared to fill out about a gazillion application forms. they're a pain in the ass. some places let you do it online so you could do it before you go but a lot of them need a social security number so make sure you apply for that as soon as you arrive cos it takes a few weeks to get it. the day you apply for it though you get a letter saying its on its way and just show this to employers.
I wouldnt worry about how far or how close the beach is to you because there are regular buses that bring u straight onto the SAVAGE beach (nicest in the whole of west coast by far trust me!!!)..and u will also make friends with amercians who have big fancy jeeps and sporty cars!!! The best craic is in the apartments...plenty of american neighbours and plenty of beer pong !!.. i would recommend an apartment over a house because with the heat you will be glad of the swimming pool !!!...we also had a gym and jacuzzi !.. If u head down-town at night they are pretty strict with ID's ..but what we did was we got someone to pass back passports ...the bouncers are stupid when it comes to the photo..a bit of irish charm and ur sorted !! ...TUNATOWN was rocking at weekends... probably the only proper club-like atmosphere in HB ..the rest are all late bars but dey all have dancefloors :-) ..Sharkees and the blackbull are great spots too!!!They all close at 2am but you will always find some party to go back to afterwards..and find yourselves in some rich mansion or condo in a randomers jacuzzi LOL...
Go to the dmv office and order a californian ID.. it may take a while to come but it comes in so handy !!!!..and apply for ur SSN straight away !!!!!!!!!!!
Jobs personally were a first come first serve basis...they are limited so get in there fast..dont be lazy and wait 2 weeks do it asap!!!.. i went over with 7 other people,2 worked in the regency cinema part time,they got that job easily enough..1 worked in a department store called Kohl's..she was screwd around a bit..had to work 4th of july and cudnt get the day off to go to 6 flags (which was 1 of the best days ever !!!!) ... HB wasnt too familiar with J1-ers !!..i applied online to billions of shops,restaurants etc but i had no luck ..no one rang me or emailed back ..not even McDonalds ...i had enough money thankfully to last me the summer..Dianes swimwear seemed to be a great place for Irish girls to get work
RECOMMENDATIONS for the best summer ever: Go to las vegas,we got flights from long beach to las vegas for like $70 and the hotel was like $30 per night..oh and do a skydive !!! Six flags is amazing..one of the best days ever!! Tijuana is awesome just BE CAREFULwhen ur down there !!! Sea world in san diego is pretty cool... Didnt make it upto San Fran but have heard its a must The US surfing open in HB july...
