Job Search Tips for When You Want to Relocate

Job Search Tips for When You Want to RelocateJob Search Tips for When You Want to RelocateAre you thinking about starting a job search in an area where you dont currently live? Long distance job searching isnt always easy, but its possible to look for a job when you want to relocate to a new city or state. Many employers will not consider interviewing out-of-state candidates or titelseiteingrelocationcosts unless theyre searching on a national basis for a top-level or hard-to-fill punkt. It isnt just the expense of relocation that makes employers wary. Its also the logistics of arranging interviews when the candidate isnt nearby. That being said, there areways to have a successful job search from afar. Job Search Relocation Tips Get Local Uselocal job sitesas well as national job databases to find job listings in the area where you want to live and work. Look into the chamber of commerce in the city where you want to move for job searching resources and read the local newspaper f or job advertisements.Get More Local Do you have a relative, friend or acquaintance in or near the new location who will let you stay with him or her during the interview process? If so, consider using that address on your resume and your cover letters. Alternatively, limit some or all of your physical address on your resume. Pack up and MoveThis one is not always possible, but its certainly easier to find a job when youre in the city or town where you want to work. Its a boldleap to move to a new community without a job, but if you can get temporary work while looking for a full-time job, it may be feasible.Your job search correspondence is more likely to get a second glance if youre in town instead of hundreds of miles away. If that wont work,mention in your cover letterthat you are planning to relocate and will be available to interview at the employers convenience. Also, be prepared to handle an out of town, or state, interview. Use Your Network Are you a college graduate? Check to see if your college or university has a career network of alumni you can contact. Alumni can help with more than just your job search they may also be able to give you advice on housing, transportation, entertainment and everything else you will need to know about your new community.If you belong to a professional association, contact the local chapter and network with the members. You can also reach out to LinkedIn contacts who live in the area. The more people you can meet in the new area, the better it is. Research, Research, ResearchUse tools likesalary calculators and cost of living calculatorsto determine whether your new salary will pay the bills in the local area where you want to live and workSalary calculators will give you theaverage pay for a specific position in a specific location.Cost of living calculatorswill tell you how far your current salary will go in a new city and/or will compare the cost of living between two different cities.Avoid Great Expectations Don t expect an employer (unless its for that hard-to-fill or high-level executive position) to pay your moving and otherrelocation expenses. You should also not expect a company to pay for you to fly somewhere for an interview. The travel expense is on you.Unless youre much more qualified than local candidates, and they feel the absoluteneed to have you, dont anticipate any of these fees to be covered by the new company. That being said, if you do get the job, you can try tonegotiaterelocation benefits into your new salary. Check Benefits Unemployment benefits may be available if youre relocating because your spouse has a new job in a new city. Check with theunemployment officesin both your current state and your new state to determine what, if any, benefits youre eligible to receive and where you should file your claim. Also look into what job search expenses, if any, might betax deductible.Be FlexibleWhen you want to move sooner rather than later, be open-minded and flexible about th e jobs you are willing to take. Again, its easier to find a local job when youre there, so you may want to broaden your options to make a move. Be careful how you discuss the situation with your interviewer most companies wont be interested in hiring someone who isnt planning to stay long.