Even if you’ve set your move date with a Des Moines moving company, it doesn’t always mean everyone in your family has found a job. Sometimes a spouse or family member is left scrambling to secure a job; even after a move date has been picked. If you’re the one looking – it can be a stressful time, as you know it will be important to secure something a quickly as possible. Here are some of our best suggestions for finding a job quickly in the Des Moines area.

Professional Associations: If you have a degree in a professional field, one of the best places to start looking for a job might be on an association website. For instance, if you have a degree in marketing the American Marketing Association has a very good job portal for people in the field. Looking into associations for your field could be a good place to start in order to view more high quality job openings.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is one of the best places to search for job opportunities because it allows you to get introduced to possible employers through mutual contacts or connections. View LinkedIn jobs in this special section of the website: http://www.linkedin.com/jobs, find a job that interests you and then search for 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree contacts that could introduce you to the hiring director for the company. You can also use LinkedIn to get additional information about companies that interest you – send messages to people that work for the company or department in order to get a real feel for what life would be like working for that employer.

Hire a Head Hunter: If you really want to get serious about finding a job, look into hiring a professional head hunter that will do the looking for you. There are numerous options in the Des Moines area including:

·       Kelly Services: http://www.kellyservices.us

·       Man Power: http://www.manpower.us

·       Jacobson Staffing: http://www.jacobsonco.com/

*Picture credit to USACEpublicaffairs under the creative commons license.

If you’re calling your Des Moines moving company and planning on settling into Des Moines this summer, let us give you some tips for must-do events. Not only will this be a summer to remember, but these events will help you get out and meet people in your new community.

Free Flicks

Date: Thursday, July 5, 2012

Location: City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department

Des Moines Art Center

4700 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50312

Stop by the park at 9:00 pm for a free outdoor movie. On July 5, enjoy the 80’s classic, “Farris Bueller’s Day Off” on the park’s 25ft jumbo screen. For more information visit: www.dmparks.org

Music Under the Stars

Date: Sunday, July 8, 2012

Location: Iowa State Capital – West Terrance

Come out on July 8 at 7 pm and enjoy music by Des Moines Metro Concert Band and the Metro Big Band with special guest Max Wellman. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket! For more information visit: http://www.starmusicdm.org

Beaverdale Farmers’ Market

Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Location: Beaverdale Park

34 Street and Adams Street

Des Moines, IA

Stop by this free farmers’ market and pick up some fresh and local produce. The market is open from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and admission is free.

*Picture credit to leewrightonflickr under the creative commons license.

If your Des Moines moving company has you moved in this spring, you might be looking for ways to enjoy your new city. Check out these events to start getting to know your new city a little better.

West Des Moines Farmers’ Market & Music in the Junction: Located at the Historic Valley Junction, the farmers’ market is a weekly event that plays host to over 100 vendors selling produce, flowers, arts and crafts. Catch a shuttle at Hillside Elementary School in between 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on May 3 and then enjoy Music in the Junction from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Both events are free.

Annual Tulip Time Festival: On May 3-5, 2012, stop by Pella to enjoy all-things-Dutch including beautiful tulips, attire, food and a parade. Wear your best Dutch outfit and come celebrate the 77th anniversary of this festival with tours through Pella’s authentic Dutch town.

Chocolate Wine & All That Jazz: On May 3, 2012, attend this fun benefit event for the Civic Museum Association. Enjoy local desserts from some of Des Moines best restaurants, a live auction and jazz music from the Metta Quintet. You can purchase VIP tickets or reserve a spot in the Party Tent, check out the website for more details: www.civicmusic.org

Cinco De Mayo: On May 5, 2012, West End Salvage will be hosting a Cinco De Mayo celebration that you won’t forget. A $30 ticket will get you food and three free drinks. Check out: http://www.seedesmoines.com/calendar/calendar.php for more information.

*Picture credit to PseudoGil under the creative commons license.

If your Des Moines moving company has you moved in by spring break, you might be looking for ways to enjoy your new city this spring.

Here are a few ideas that will be easy on your wallet and will help you get to know your new city.

Buy local: Do your grocery shopping at the local farmer’s market on Saturdays from May through October. The event brings in nearly 200 vendors – plus entertainment for the whole family. Located in downtown Des Moines, you can count on the farmer’s market to happen from 7 am to noon, rain or shine.

Take a walk: Did you know that Des Moines has over 100 miles of trails for your family to explore? Check out Des Moines park page to map out your adventure: http://www.dmgov.org/departments/parks/Pages/default.aspx

Dream High in the Sky: Learn about hot air ballooning and its history as an intriguing past-time at the National Balloon Museum and U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame. Admission is free for visitors who are 12 and under, adults are $3. Learn more: http://www.nationalballoonmuseum.com/

With these free events and attractions, your first spring break as a Des Moines native will be a lot more budget-friendly and fun for the whole family.