Ask-A-Recruiter: Optimizing A Long-Distance Job Search

Contributed by Caroline Ceniza-Levine of SixFigureStart

I have been planning a move to another state, where I don’t have a job yet. Should I just move and try to find a job when I’m there? Are employers more interested in candidates who are instate rather than long-distance?

Moving to a new geographic location without a job is obviously riskier than moving with a job in hand. However, while a long-distance job search poses unique challenges, you can be successful with enough planning.

Try to do as much of your research and networking as possible before you move:

You still need to research local opportunities, despite less access to local businesses. Subscribe to the community newspaper for the classifieds. Search the Internet for information on local firms and for job sites with positions in your target market. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for information on local area businesses.

Networking is also more difficult when contacts are further away. Expect more long-distance phone calls, FedEx charges, and email check-ins. Your aim is to decrease the time and space between you and your target location. This means, being almost immediately accessible via phone and email. Make sure you are accessible in your target location’s time zone if there is a difference.

Show firms that you are committed to relocating:

Set a date. A firm move date signals that you are serious and have a plan. It also forces you to stick to a schedule with your search.

Firms in this economy may not cover your travel expenses for interviews and may be hesitant to invite you for interviews thinking you will expect travel reimbursement. Don’t let this become an issue. In communications with potential employers, make it clear that you will be in your target area at specific times. The firms then save travel costs by seeing you during one of your pre-planned visits. You might even finagle an interview this way. If a firm is somewhat interested and realizes that you are in town sometime soon, they may just book the interview to take advantage of your visit.

In other words, think about the disadvantages of a long-distance search and plan to overcome them. The rigors of the long-distance job search may push you to conduct a more exhaustive search and actually become your advantage.

Learn how to look long-distance and other job search secrets from group or 1:1 coaching with SixFigureStart, 212-501-2234 or www.sixfigurestart.com.