Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
Searching out of state for a job is not an easy task. Taking the time to prepare and form a well put together plan is the key to success in a transition of this kind. With so many applicants in today’s job market it will take hard work on an out of state applicants part to get noticed by a company.
The first thing that is essential to a long distance job search of this kind is to determine the type of job that you are seeking. Is it an entry level job or a specific position in a company? Entry level jobs are more difficult to obtain out of the area due to an over whelming amount of local applicants.
Research the area that you have chosen for relocation. Check the area for cost of living and job growth. Do you know someone currently living in the area? If you do then arrange to make a trip to the area for a few days to help in your research. Ask if you can use their local address for your job search.
If you do not personally know anyone in the area then arrange to take a trip and stay in a hotel for a few days. Get to know the local businesses first hand by leaving your networking business card with them as you travel the area using public transportation and a map.
Before leaving your networking business card or your resume with local businesses, first remove your mailing address and list your e-mail address instead. Also list a cell phone number in place of a land line. This will increase your chances of landing an interview when you live out of state.
Setting up an interview is when you will reveal that you are in transition of moving to the area. Be prepared to give an anticipated move date to the employer and your reasons behind the move. Request that a phone or web cam interview be set up initially followed by an in person interview at a later date.
Let the employer know that you are available for an in person interview at your expense if reasonable time is given for you to travel to the location. Make it plain that you are moving to the area and that you will incur all the costs of the move while restating the anticipated date of your move.
It is unwise to move first then find a job in today’s economy. Planning the move while taking any job that is offered to make the move permanent is a better choice than moving first only to find out that the economic downturn has limited the amount of jobs in that area in your field.
Relocating with some form of income and resuming your job search after you relocate is a wiser choice than continuing a long distance job search. You could even look into renting a room in place of a hotel room or a home temporarily to make the move permanent.
