Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search
The decision to relocate to a new city is exciting but can also be fraught with stress. Moving can be overwhelming in its own right. Conducting a long-distance job search can add to that pressure. Whether you’re moving for a spouse/life partner’s job, to be closer to family, or simply to live somewhere different, some tactics and practices can make the long-distance job search more effective and less daunting.
For the sake of argument, let’s assume that you will be conducting a long-distance job search within the United States. International job searches, executive searches, and recruitment are entirely different animals with unique rules. For the rest of you who have decided to start a long-distance job search, here are a few tips to help you pave the way.
Know your availability. You have decided you’re ready to move. You need to have a clear understanding of your date of arrival in your new city.
Address your reasons for wanting to relocate. Be upfront and tell hiring managers and recruiters why you wish to relocate. Most will be interested.
Act like you belong. In your conversations, you should convey that you know something about the new location.
Practice video interviewing. Practice and prepare just as you would for an in-person interview.
Leverage and build your network. This goes without saying, but engaging with recruiters and hiring managers at target companies is particularly important when conducting a long-distance job search.
Have a tactical plan. Know when you plan to arrive, how you will get to the new city, and your costs. Create a timeline.
Know your industry. An out-of-town candidate can make some managers leery. Dispel any reservations by knowing your industry cold.
Manage your expectations. A long-distance job search can be a lengthy process.
Know the market in the new city. When you go into a long-distance job search, it’s important that you understand what the job market looks like in your target city. Are people with your skills in demand? Is there a niche industry in the area? What is the market salary for someone at your level?
The bottom line
There’s nothing more exhilarating, albeit terrifying, than starting fresh in a new place. A long-distance job search can be daunting and seem futile. It doesn’t have to be. People succeed at this all the time. You need to be serious, have a plan, and persevere.