Making a geographic move to enhance your career shouldn’t be a hassle. While any job search is stressful, the right position in the right town can be an exciting and rewarding new path in life.
Here are some strategies and tips for your long-distance job hunt:
Develop a relocation strategy.
The average job search takes anywhere from three months to a year. Develop your relocation planning strategy with this time frame in mind.
- Decide on a time frame for your own move. Then, determine whether you can make one or two scouting trips to your new city. Ideally, the first trip is exploratory, so you can investigate housing and get a first-hand look at the area. The second is for interviews and finalizing details.
Research your new city.
Once you have targeted a specific geographic area where you want to live and work, use Internet sites and other available resources to learn as much as you can about it. The bottom line: Be sure it suits you before you make a move.
- Make sure you’ll be able to handle the cost of living.
- Decide whether you’ll be comfortable with the regional climate and cultural offerings.
Gauge the opportunities in your new town.
Find out who the major employers are and which ones are currently hiring. Resources you can use include:
- Geographic-specific job sites.
- Local libraries, telephone directories and chambers of commerce.
- Local college websites. They usually focus on their surrounding areas, as many of their graduates tend to seek work there.
Make a list of employers you want to target and identify key people to contact. A list of approximately 20 is a good start.
- Don’t disregard the want ads. Although only about 5 percent of job seekers find positions there, they remain a viable tool when you are relocating. You can check them out online at classified ad listing sites.
- Read the paper. Learn about regional employment trends by turning to the business section of the local newspaper in your targeted city. If there is a business journal, add that to your research toolbox. Learn about current hiring trends and any new businesses opening or relocating there.
Brainstorm ways to network.
Networking is still the best way to land a job. Contact all your connections and let them know of your plans.
- Think of ways to network with people at your target companies. Professional associations are a leading venue for this purpose. Join them and access their membership directories.
- Now is the time to use all your LinkedIn connections. This means second- and third-level contacts, as well as those in your inner circle.
Consider temping.
If the planned date for your move is looming and you don’t have a permanent job lined up, consider temping. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
At PrideStaff Fresno, every candidate’s job search is an adventure. We love to help you find great opportunities, both temporary and permanent. We’re committed to help you advance your career, whether it’s in your local market or somewhere new. Contact us today to learn more.