Advice for Relocating & Finding Employment
Relocating is rarely easy. Finding a new place, packing, traveling, unpacking, etc. You're in a doubly tough position if you're relocating and looking for employment. You can make this process easier if you plan ahead and adequately prepare yourself for the challenge.
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Research
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Begin by researching employment opportunities.
You may not always have a choice in where you move (i.e. a spouse is transfered or gets a promotion that sends you across the globe or state,) but if you have any say in the matter, check out the local job market for your industry before giving the green light to the move. Take a look at the 3-5 year projected growth in the new city and consider how it will affect your industry. Once you make the decision to relocate begin your job search by calling staffing firms in the city where you are moving. After making initial contact, set up a phone interview to discuss the employment opportunities you are interested in and your availability. Provide staffing firms with a copy of your resume and the best way to reach you during the move.
Start Early
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Visiting your new community before relocating often eases the transition process and gives you access to employment resources and connections in the area. Take advantage of a pre-move visit by visiting places you'll likely frequent upon arrival (check out the local school, community center, kid or dog park, church and local branches of any organization with which you are affiliated.) Introduce yourself to anyone who will listen and explain your situation and the type of work you do. Leave a business card with anyone who will take it. Also ask for theirs in return and follow up with a call or email a week or two prior to your move.
Consider Your Employment Options
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Relocating often means geographically expanding your job search. Look for employment opportunities in nearby towns and cities accessible by car or public transit. You can search for jobs within a given distance from your new home using online employment sites like Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com or Yahoo!'s HotJobs. You can also read local papers online and browse their classified sections.
Highlight Transferable Skills
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You may not find a job doing whatever you did before you relocated, but surely there are other employment opportunities that would benefit form your skills and and experience. Identify your accomplishments and the monetary benefits you provided for past employers. Use this as a basis for a cover letter that includes how your skills fit the new position and what you bring to the company. When sending out resumes and cover letters in advance of your move, if possible, use the new address. Employers often won't consider out-of-area applicants.
Network in the New City
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Research and join at least one professional association in your new city and begin attending meetings for the local chapter of a national professional association to which you belong. Also, check out any mixers, breakfasts, conferences or lectures related to your industry in the new city. You should also reach out to your current network of connections to see if anyone can introduce you to someone living in or near the town where you are relocating.
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