If you intend to move to another state, you will likely need to get a new job. Don’t assume that; if you are currently employed, there may be an opportunity to work remotely. Gallup reports that 43% of employees work outside the office, at least partially. So, you might have the chance to take your job with you when you move.
Check with Your Current Employer
If you are currently working, contact your HR department to find out if there are offices in the new location you intend to move to or if there is an option to work remotely.
Analyze Your Resume and Cover Letter
Does your resume include your current address in bold at the top of the page? You might consider removing your address or adding text indicating that you will be relocating.
Select Job Search Locations
Are you planning to move to Northern Connecticut, for example? Jobs in Hartford, Worcester, Boston, and other cities may be possible, even if none of those cities are located within Connecticut. When entering locations in job search engines, consider nearby states if they are close.
Inform Your Network
Reach out to your contacts to inform them of your future plans – this includes friends, family, current, and former colleagues. Ask people you know if they are aware of any job openings or have connections in the new location. If they do, ask them to make introductions and arrange informational interviews with those new people.
Search for a Recruiter in the New State
A recruiter can be a valuable resource for understanding the job market in the new state. They may know which companies are hiring and which areas are attracting the most interest. Learn how to find a recruiter and gain further understanding of how they can assist you in your job search.
Search for Jobs
Set up job alerts. Are you receiving daily automated emails with jobs in your current state? Be sure to change the location parameters so you receive information about available jobs in the new state.
Start networking online. Join local networking groups online. If you belong to any networking groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media sites, check to see if there are local branches in the new state that you can join.
Create a list of local companies. You might consider creating a targeted list of companies near your new city. You can then follow these companies on LinkedIn, learn more about job vacancies, and try to schedule informational interviews.
Schedule Interviews Carefully
Initial interviews, which are often conducted over the phone, are easy to manage. But when companies want to meet in person – which is a good sign for your candidacy – things can become more complicated if you are moving far from your current home.
You have a few options:
- Request a video interview: Previously, video interviews were rare, but they are now more frequently used. Find out if the company is willing to conduct this type of interview – and if so, follow these tips for a successful video job interview.
- Ask if the company can cover travel expenses: If a video interview isn’t an option, inquire if the company is willing to cover travel expenses for the interview (flights, rental cars, hotel accommodations, etc.). Think carefully about the company before making this request – a large multinational company may be accustomed to flying candidates, while a small charity may not be.
- Try to schedule all interviews within the same timeframe: If you’re an interested candidate for several companies, see if you can schedule interviews on the same day or within a few days of each other to minimize travel time and expenses.
Be
Ready to Discuss Your Move
Are you moving because of a spouse, education, family illness, or just a change in circumstance? There are many reasons a person might relocate, and you should be prepared to provide an answer if the topic comes up in an interview. Reports from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that some of the most common reasons for moving include:
- Change in marital status
- Establishing your own home
- Other family reasons
- New or better housing
- Cheaper housing
- Getting closer to work or facilitating a move
- New job or transfer
- Job search or job loss
Final Tip: Be Honest
It may be tempting to add a new address to your resume and LinkedIn profile, and set up a Google Voice number in the area code of the new state long before you move. But it’s better not to be misleading about your geographic location. For example, if the hiring manager believes you’re currently living in Indianapolis, it’s reasonable for them to want to schedule an interview in the next few days. If you’re still living in Oregon and haven’t moved to Indiana yet, you’ll need to explain why you won’t be able to attend an interview next Tuesday morning. Hiring managers may feel deceived or frustrated in such situations. It’s best to be straightforward. In your cover letter, you might say something like:
“I will be moving to Indianapolis in April, and I am particularly interested in XYZ Company and the Systems Administrator role, which aligns perfectly with my experience.”
That way, hiring officials will know exactly what to expect and won’t feel misled.
Conclusion
It might be possible to take your job with you. Check if remote work is an option in your current job or if a transfer is possible. Technology can assist you in searching for a remote position. It’s easy to communicate with contacts in the new location online, and you might be able to schedule video job interviews. Organize your remote job search with the same care you use to organize your move. Having a plan will make it easier to get a job.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-find-a-job-in-another-state-4783432
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