Which comes first: The job or the move?
Trying to find a job in a new city can be daunting, but it is doable.
It's easier to find a job when you're already residing in an area, but most people don't have the luxury of moving without a job.
So if you need the job to make the move, you'll have to conduct your search long distance. And with some creativity and some diligence, you can do just that. Use these tips to find the job before you make the big move.
Research Employers and Contacts
Research is key to any job search, but it is especially essential to a long distance job hunt.
HotJobs can help you find job listings in virtually every geographic location in the United States. It also provides international listings.
You should also read the business section of local newspapers in the area you're moving to on Yahoo! News here: http://news.yahoo.com Business news will give you an idea of the employment picture in your desired location.
To start building a network in another city, call the city's Chamber of Commerce and request a membership directory. You can also contact local professional associations. Tell friends and colleagues about your plans to move and ask them for contacts in the area too.
Then, once you've finished your research, make a list of potential employers and contacts to get in touch with.
The Scouting Trip
After you've done your homework on potential employers, the next step is to make a scouting trip to the city you plan to move to. Using your list of employers, try to set up informational interviews at as many companies as possible.
Don't forget to schedule meetings with as many local recruiters as you can too. Recruiters can offer you a wealth of job searching advice particular to a region.
Also, try to attend a networking function or two. Shake some hands. Get some business cards. And try to arrange in-person meetings with people you have contacted from afar.
The Cover Letter and Resume
You don't want to disqualify yourself for a job because an employer thinks it's an inconvenience to deal with an out-of-state interviewee.
Ask a friend or relative living in your target city if you can put their phone number and address on your cover letter and resume. Be sure that they're willing to convey messages to you about possible interviews.
If you don't have a friend or relative in your target city, you may want to simply be candid in your cover letter and state that you are relocating. Include a moving date, so that employers will take you seriously. If you're available to interview in-person even before you move permanently, state that too.
Make Your Move
Most people are surprised by how expensive it is to relocate.
If your new employer offers to cover your relocation, ask if they'll provide you with a lump sum to pay for the costs or if you'll be reimbursed for expenses instead. This will affect how you budget your move.
If your employer doesn't offer relocation assistance, pick up BeverlyRoman's "Relocation 101" and "Insider's Guide to Relocation" for practical advice on every aspect of moving, including devising a budget and getting organized.
