No matter why you want to move to a new area, a new job is likely among the top considerations. Unless you've already secured a position or have some especially good fortune, finding a job close to your home is incredibly important. Let's look at how you can job hunt far from your current home and start finding a fresh role before you make your move.
Explore and use your network and resources
In many cases, the more local you can appear to be, the less hesitant a recruiter or other decision-maker will be about bringing you into the interview process or pulling the trigger on a hiring decision. A reference from a reputable local professional can add extra weight to your resume and candidacy. And a local address can go a long way toward avoiding potentially complicated issues related to your current distance from the position you're looking for. You should look at your existing network to identify a number of potential advantages, including:
- A past coworker or supervisor who can help you build connections in the local business scene that are relevant to your past experience and educational background, or provide a locally-based reference.
- A friend or family member who will let you use their address as a temporary base of operations, if only on paper. A local address on a resume is especially valuable. If they're willing to let you stay there as a house guest when you have to conduct an in-person interview, that's even better.
- Anyone who might be able to share tips about open positions and other opportunities in and near the area you plan to move to.
When it comes to having a local address, not everyone can be so fortunate as to have a friend or family member in those areas. In these cases, Forbes contributor Liz Ryan offered some detailed advice that can help catch the eye of a hiring manager. Track down the manager's physical address and mail a resume along with a letter that emphasizes your value to the company and reasons for potentially moving to the area. You can also provide an assurance that should a position be offered, you're ready, willing and able to relocate on short notice (as long as that's actually true, of course).
In all cases, if you reach out for assistance from your professional or personal network and receive some help, be sure to show appreciation and be ready to respond in kind in the future, should the need arise. Networks are two-way streets, and an acknowledgment that you're grateful and happy to provide similar assistance can help maintain stable, positive relationships.
Approaching interview availability
In an era where phone and video interviews are increasingly common, especially in the early stages of the job hunt, having in-person availability isn't as large of a problem as it was in the past. However, you still will likely need to make your way to your new city at some point to have a face-to-face meeting, assuming you make it this far along in the hiring funnel before your move. The Balance Careers suggested looking into travel options ahead of time to make the trip cost effective. If you're familiar with the choices available to you, it's easier to act and not worry as much about wasting money or finding a schedule that aligns with your needs. This is situation where you may want to reach out to a local friend or family member to secure a place to stay instead of renting a hotel room, if possible.
Job hunting in a new city can be complicated, especially if you start the process before you move. Whether you're still looking for a role or are settling into a new position once it comes time to move, turn to the expert movers and packers at Atlas to help make the transition as smooth as possible.