When you’ve decided you want to move to a new city, or you’re relocating for other reasons, it can be a challenge to figure out the best strategy for finding a new position. Should you move first? Or, should you try to line up a new job and then relocate? What’s the best way to get hired when you’re here and the jobs are there?
How to Decide When to Start a Job Search:
There isn’t one answer to the question of when you should start job hunting if you want or need to move.
Consider your personal circumstances, as well. Do you have someone in the new location you could borrow a bed or a couch from? If so, you may want to consider moving first, finding a job second.
Another factor to consider is the type of job you’re looking for. It’s quicker and easier to get hired for lower level positions than it is for jobs further up the career ladder. If you’re at a mid-career or higher level position, it’s going to take longer to get hired. You should plan your job hunt accordingly, and be prepared to conduct a long-distance job search. Keep in mind that you may be able to negotiate a start date that gives you the extra time you need to move and get settled.
Top 10 Tips for Finding a Job in a New City:
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Job searching isn’t always as quick or as easy as you think it’s going to be.
Even if you’re going to wait to start a job search, start organizing it ahead of time. Update your resume, start checking out job listings and companies you’re interested in working for, get a list of references ready to use, and have an interview outfit ready to wear.
2. Think Local
When you know the city where you want to work, you can target positions there or within a radius of that location. Use advanced search options to find openings where you want to work. In addition to using the job search engines, check Craigslist frequently – new jobs are posted on the site all the time.
3. Sign Up for Job Alerts
Save yourself a step and sign-up for email alerts to let you know when new jobs that match your criteria are listed. You’ll be able to set them up directly on company websites for major employers, as well as on job listing sites. You’ll receive an email as soon as a listing is posted, and you’ll be able to get your application in right away.
4. Be Available to Interview:
It’s important to have the flexibility to be able to get there quickly when you’re invited for an out-of-town interview. Most employers interview and hire on a tight schedule, and the company may not be willing to wait. If you can’t get there when interviews are scheduled, you may not be considered for the job. Unless you’re being actively recruited, be prepared to pay your own travel expenses. You may want to line up the best modes of transportation in advance, so you’re prepared to book travel when you get an email or call.
5. Don’t Count on a Relocation Package
Employer relocation packages can make a move go very smoothly. If you’re offered one as part of your compensation package, it may cover all the expenses moving entails. There may be even some extra cash included to help you get out of a lease or make a deposit on new housing. Whether you’ll get one, or not, depends on the company and the job you’re hired for. Here’s what is typically included in relocation packages and when employers offer them.
6. Get a Local Address
A local address on your resume and cover letter can help your application get selected. Some employers don’t consider out-of-town candidates because the logistics can be complicated.
7. Tap Your Connections
Who do you know in the place you’re going? Do you have family, friends, professional or college connections there? Everyone you know, and everyone they know, may be able to help you job hunt. Put the word out, very quietly if you’re still employed, that you’re looking to relocate to get job leads and other assistance. Here are some of the people who can assist:
- Facebook Friends
- LinkedIn Connections
- College Alumni Network Contacts
- Networking Connections (attend as many in-person events as you can)
- Professional Associations and Contacts
8. Take Your Job With You
Do you love your job? There may be a chance that you can take it with you when you move. If your employer is thrilled with the work you do and would hate to lose you, they may be willing to let you work remotely. That’s especially the case if you’re available to travel back to the office for meetings. Here’s how to ask your boss if you can work remotely.
9. Request a Transfer
It’s obviously not feasible if you work for a small organization, but if you work for a large company with offices in your new location, transferring may be an option. You may be able to transfer to the same or a similar job, or you may be able to get a different position with your current employer. Review these tips for requesting a transfer and transfer request examples to guide you.
10. Consider a Temp or Seasonal Job
One work option for when you can’t wait to move is to consider working as a tempor taking a seasonal job until you can line up a permanent position. Depending on the time of year and location, there may be plenty of short-term jobs you can do until you get hired full-time.
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