10 Tips for Finding a Job in a New City

10 Tips for Finding a Job in a New City10 Tips for Finding a Job in a New CityWhen youve decided you want to move to a new city, or youre relocating for other reasons, it can be a challenge to figure out the best strategy for finding a new position. Should you move first? Or, should you try to line up a new job and then relocate? Whats the best way to get hired when youre here and the jobs are there? How to Decide When to Start a Job Search There isnt one answer to the question of when you should start job hunting if you want or need to move. One of the biggest factors to consider is your finances. Can you afford to go without a paycheck, pay for health insurance, and cover relocation expenses? If you have cash reserves, it can be easier to move first, get settled, and then start a job search. If you dont, you will need to start looking for a job before you move. Consider your personal circumstances, as well. Do you have someone in the new location you could borrow a bed or a cou ch from? If so, you may want to consider moving first, finding a job second. Another factor to consider is the schriftart of job youre looking for. Its quicker and easier to get hired for lower level positions than it is for jobs further up the career ladder. If youre at a mid-career or higher level position, its going to take longer to get hired. You should plan your job hunt accordingly, and be prepared to conduct a long-distance job search. Keep in mind that you may be able to negotiate a start date that gives you the extra time you need to move and get settled. Once youve decided when you want to start looking for a new job, the next step is to figure out how to get hired. Review these tips for finding work when youre relocating to get started. Top 10 Tips for Finding a Job in a New City 1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time Job searching isnt always as quick or as easy as you think its going to be. Even if youre going to wait to start a job search, start organizing it ahead o f time. Update your resume, start checking out job listings and companies youre interested in working for, get a list of references ready to use, and have an interview outfit ready to wear. Here are ?10 easy ways to organize your job search. 2.Think Local When you know the city where you want to work, you can target positions there or within a speiche of that location. Use advanced search options to find openings where you want to work. In addition to using the job search engines, check Craigslist frequently - new jobs are posted on the siteall the time. 3.Sign Up for Job Alerts Save yourself a step and sign-up for schmelzglas alerts to let you know when new jobs that match your criteria are listed. Youll be able to set them up directly on company websites for major employers, as well as on job listing sites. Youll receive an email as soon as a listing is posted, and youll be able to get your application in right away. 4.Be Available to Interview Its important to have th e flexibility to be able to get there quickly when youre invited for an out-of-town interview. Most employers interview and hire on a tight schedule, and the company may not be willing to wait.If you cant get there when interviews are scheduled, you may not be considered for the job. Unless youre being actively recruited, be prepared topay your own travel expenses. You may want to line up the best modes of transportation in advance, so youre prepared to book travel when you get an email or call. Review these tips for preparing for an out of town interview. 5.Dont Count on a Relocation Package Employer relocation packages can make a move go very smoothly. If youre offered one as part of yourcompensation package, it may cover all the expenses moving entails. There may be even some extra cash included to help you get out of a lease or make a deposit on new housing. Whether youll get one, or not, depends on the company and the job youre hired for. Heres what is typicallyincluded in relocation packages and when employers offer them. 6.Get a Local Address A local address on your resume and cover letter can help your application get selected. Some employers dont consider out-of-town candidates because the logistics can be complicated. 7.Tap Your Connections Who do you know in the place youre going? Do you have family, friends, professional or college connections there? Everyone you know, and everyone they know, may be able to help you with your job hunt. Put the word out, very quietly if youre still employed, that youre looking to relocate to get job leads and other assistance. Here are some of the people who can assist Facebook FriendsLinkedIn ConnectionsCollege Alumni Network ContactsNetworking Connections (attend as many in-person events as you can)Professional Associations and Contacts 8.Take Your Job With You Do you love your job? There may be a chance that you can take it with you when you move. If your employer is thrilled with the work you do and would hate to lose you, they may be willing to let you work remotely. Thats especially the case if youre available to travel back to the office for meetings. Hereshow to ask your boss if you can work remotely. 9.Request a Transfer Its obviously not feasible if you work for a small organization, but if you work for a large company with offices in your new location, transferring may be an option. You may be able to transfer to the same or a similar job, or you may be able to get a different position with your current employer. Review thesetips for requesting a transferand??transfer request examplesto guide you. 10.Consider a Temp or Seasonal Job One work option for when you cant wait to move is to considerworking as a temp ortaking a seasonal job until you can line up a permanent position. Depending on the time of year and location, there may be plenty of short-term jobs you can do until you get hired full-time. Suggested Reading If you want examples, here ishow to mentio n relocation in a cover letter.?