As the job market in some areas shrink, it may be necessary to look for a job out of the local area. This could expand your search from the immediate surrounding towns to locations 50 miles or across the country. Most online job search engines contain vacancy information for across the United States. The key to successfully finding a job out state is organization and preparedness.

So which comes first the chicken or the egg – or in this case the location or the budget? The first thing you need to determine is the feasibility of locations. Finding a job across country where you have no family or friends for support is very different from moving to a location with family and friends you can rely on to help you get settled, or for support. If you are traveling light weight (no house to sell, few belongings, no family to change schools or jobs) the move is entirely different then if you’re a single parent with a child in school or a spouse who is successfully working.

How soon can you start working? If you are unemployed, it may be a bit easier; however, moving to another location is not as easy as simply giving an employer two weeks’ notice. During the interview you will need to tell the employer how soon you will be relocating to the area. They may not want to wait six months. You may only have thirty days after the job offer.

What about moving first and then looking for a job? This may not be a wise decision unless you know the job market is plentiful in the desired location. What happens if you are unable to get a job? You will be in a new location with new bills and no means of paying them.

What happens once you get the interview?

Interviews over the telephone are considered to be telephonic interviews. Keep in mind, however, that while more and more employers are considering Skype, for the most part interviews are usually over the telephone. Being at your phone on time is exactly the same as showing up on time in person.

If you are fortunate enough to be one of the top candidates, you may still need to go in for a face-to-face interview. Depending upon the job and the position, this may be under your own steam using your own funding.

While expanding your job search to a cross country search will increase the possibilities, it will also open up an entirely new set of logistics you will need to consider.