Tips for Conducting a Long Distance Job Search
Have you been thinking about moving to a new city? Are you worried about the chances of finding a suitable job there if you do decide to go? If so, you have two options; you could either move there and hope you find a job before you burn through your savings, or you can find a job before you move. Save yourself the stress and conduct an out of town job search before you move. Without question this is the more prudent choice to make, although it certainly has its drawbacks.
It sounds like a great idea, but is it possible to find a job in a city you don’t live in? There are two schools of thought on the matter of acquiring a job in a different city:
- It’s really hard
- It’s impossible
I mean there’s so much to consider; you need a local address, you need to be present for interviews, you need to know the cultural basics of the city…wow that’s a lot to worry about.
It’s undeniable that you will face obstacles that local candidates won’t have to face, although with the proper planning and execution of a job search strategy you will discover that finding a job in a new city is absolutely possible. We’ve compiled some tips to help you get started in your long distance job search, so don’t give up on the idea of an out-of-town job search just yet!
Embrace the struggle: Conducting a long distance job search is very difficult, although if you are conscious of that and embrace the challenge with a smile you will be in a much better position to conquer it. If you have a specific motivation for moving, such as to be closer to friends or family or to be in a more beautiful and vibrant city, then keep that motivation in mind at times when the search gets tough.
Notify your contacts: Do you know anyone in the prospective city, such as friends, family, former classmates or other individuals? Utilize your personal and professional networks as you would if you were looking for a job at home. They may be able to help you find job leads, or may at least be able to help you get settled in your new city.
Use a local address on your application (if you can): If you have local contacts, as previously mentioned, ask them if you can use their address as your own when you apply (and if you can live on their couch for a week if you get the job). An employer is much more likely to call you back if you have a local address and not one from out of town (and a friend is much more likely to let you stay on their couch if they know you have a job!). Just be ready to take a flight or drive on very short notice to attend an interview if you do get the job.
Don’t be caught off guard! (A few things to keep in mind):
• You may have to pay for travel to attend and interview
• You may have to find a place to live suddenly if you are offered a job quickly
• You will need to pay moving and relocation costs
Do you have experience with long distance job searches? Share it by leaving a comment or submitting it to info@academicinvest.com