Conducting a long-distance job search and attracting the attention of employers outside your home area can be a challenging task. Many employers view local candidates as safer prospects than those who would need to relocate. In addition, working with long-distance candidates involves more scheduling and can complicate the hiring process for the company. Employers also save on relocation costs and interview travel costs by hiring from their local area.
Tips for Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search That Works
What can you do to improve your chances when competing for out of town jobs? The key is to indicate that you are planning to relocate to that area and that you’re flexible – both for interviewing and for starting work if you are hired.
1. Focus Your Job Search
Finding jobs to apply for in the new location is the easiest part of long-distance job searching. You can specify a location in the advanced search options of all the leading job boards and job search engines.
You can also utilize local resources like the Chamber of Commerce, and the help wanted ads in the local newspaper. Both typically have online job postings for available local positions. If you need more help, here’s how to find local job listings, and how to find a job in a new city.
2. Explain in Your Cover Letters
You can make it clear in your cover letters that you’re planning to relocate to the city where the job is located. Mentioning a reason for moving to the area, such as wanting to be nearer to elderly parents or to join a partner, can be an effective strategy.
3. Designate a Specific Location in Your Resume
Your resume is another vehicle for conveying your plans to live in the area where a job is being offered. Some job databases allow registrants to designate a desired location.
4. Be Prepared to Interview
You’ll need to have a plan in place when you’re contacted to interview. Figure out how you’re going to be able to get to the interview location in a timely manner. That might mean an expensive plane ticket unless you can find a last-minute bargain. In addition, you’ll need to figure out how to take time off from your current job. Depending on the level of the job, the company may or may not offer to pay some or all of your travel expenses.
5. Use Your Personal Network
If you’re networking your way into an organization, you might enlist the support of your internal contacts to convey to decision-makers the message that you’re relocating to the area. In addition, your personal network is also a good source of advice on making the move when it actually happens. You’ll be able to find out about housing, schools, and other factors involved in relocating.
6. Consider Making the Move in Advance
Another option is to move to the area where you’d like to work before you have an actual job lined up. That may seem a little scary, but it’s possible with some forethought. For exampling, finding temporary work or taking on some gigs to pay the bills while you’re seeking a permanent position is a way to generate income. But, you need to keep in mind all the various expenses involved with a big move before you pack your bags.
7. Be Sure to Consider All Your Expenses
It’s a good idea to calculate your expenses prior to making your move. In addition to travel expenses for interviews, you’ll also have all the expenses involved with relocating, and there’s the possibility of some downtime if you’re not moving from one job immediately into the next. Some good news, however, is that some of your job search expenses may be tax-deductible. Use these free calculators to check out salaries and the cost-of-living in the location where you are interested in relocating.