How to Job Hunt in another City or State
Moving to another city or state ranks high on the stress meter and this stress can be increased tri-fold when a person doesn't know how to begin searching for new job or career prospects. Some people might be lucky and work for a company or corporation that also has a branch in another city or state and a transfer can be put in. Not only does this ensure that the recipient of the transfer has a job waiting for them, but also temporary housing, motel and travel expenses might be furnished or reimbursed.
If a person is fortunate enough and has the financial support to do so, a temporary stay in the city of choice in order to job search can be done. Just let potential employers know what start date is feasible and leave them with contact information both for the temporary stay and the residence in which still a resident. Or, someone might have the financial means to support living in a new city for a few months prior to finding a job. In these cases, it can be easier to job hunt when actually on location.
However, for those who want to find the jobs prior to the move, there are a few tips that can be followed in order to find the places and business that might be hiring. In the past, a task such as this might have been impossible, but today with the resources the internet holds, finding a job in another city or state can literally be at your fingertips.
Newspapers: Most newspapers also offer an online edition of their paper. Try going to any search engine and type in something like "newspapers for Chicago Illinois." Peruse the classifieds and find out what is out there. Classified ads have either phone numbers, PO Boxes or use a mail system through the newspaper to receive resumes. Any business that states a potential employee must come in to the business for the application process will have to be ruled out for the time being. Newspapers can also be obtained through subscriptions and mailed to your home outside of the newspapers home city or state. Subscription information can be obtained from either the online sites or looking up the contact information in the phone book or online phone book services and asking about subscriptions.
Phone Book: Call the Chamber of Commerce (again, a search on the internet can yield the contact information) and ask if they can send you a phone book. From there, you can peruse the yellow pages for the areas of business you are interested in and send resumes out. The Yellow Pages have phone numbers and addresses. I have secured many jobs by sending resumes to all the Day Cares listed under the "Child Care" section of the Yellow Pages. Businesses can also be found through a search at yellowpages.com. Try searching businesses using the key words of interest much like looking through the actual phonebook. A name of the city and state or zip code is needed to find businesses in that area.
Friends: Don't forget to use friends as resources. If there is a friend that lives near or in the area of the desired move, ask them to do a little footwork. Perhaps they can send a newspaper, get the contact information for subscriptions or pick up a phone book to send. Offer to reimburse the postage. When we moved across the country 6 years ago I had friends in the town we were moving too. They sent me a phone book and I started sending out resumes. I knew more about the town then they did due to the phone book and internet.
Internet: The internet tends to be the biggest source of information as well as a great place to search for jobs. Try sites such as Cragislist.com, Monsterjobs.com, and CareerBuilder.com. A person can search for jobs, post resumes and even apply for jobs online. Also, a search for something like "Polk County jobs Wisconsin" or "Peoria Illinois city jobs" may yield a website devoted to Polk County or the city of Peoria and these sites should have a lists of jobs somewhere. Try looking for a link that says: jobs, career opportunities or employment. If you have the skills to work at a top corporation such as Time Warner, AT&T, Coca-Cola for example, try searching their sites for job opportunities. Often these sites list all the states and cities that they are hiring in and may even offer relocation expenses for the right person.
Always be prepared for a job with a work history (including length of time and contact information), a resume, and references. Procure references prior to moving because it could be difficult to contact the person after the move and there may be a delay in them sending it to the new address or to the company. Ask co-workers, previous employees, or other professionals that are familiar with work habits for a reference letter. Try something like "you know I am moving to New York State in a few months, I am searching for jobs prior to moving and was wondering if you'd type a reference letter for me."
Any certificates, training, or degrees that will help in a job search can also be copied prior to sending out applications and resumes. Having a complete package to send will be more thorough and look more efficient to the potential employer. Also, it will ease their complications of trying to find your references when they reside in other states or cities. Sending a Self-Adressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) is also beneficial and may result in a quicker written response from potential employers.
Cover letters are also important to have. A cover letter on top of all the documentation is an introduction to the potential employee and the materials being presented. It needs to catch the employer's eye and draw them into looking further into the resume and considering the person for employment. Any job-searching person needs to have more than one resume. One should be general that will fit any job being sought and there should also be at least one resume that is job specific, more if a person has adequate references and training in other fields. A cover letter might also want to state when or how interviews can be procured. Perhaps a person is willing to fly in for an interview or interview over the phone. Generally, it is acceptable to state "If considered for a position I am willing to conduct an interview upon moving to New York, I expect to be in town by June 10th 2008."
A basic, or general resume, should showcase the best of the employee. If a person has many past jobs, just show the last 3 or 4 (or even only 1 if the length of stay was over 10 years). Any gaps in employment can be explained in the cover letter for example, "I did not work between June 2000 and August 2005 due to staying at home to raise my child." Whereas, a job-specific resume will show only those jobs that pertain to the position being sought. For example, a Day Care position will show only those related to children or personal home and health care. Gaps in employment will be explained such as "from Jan 2002 through Sept 2004 I worked at jobs that did not pertain to the child care field."
Another way to prepare is to also purchase 8x11 sized brown (manila) envelopes for mailing resumes. Never assume you know how much postage it will take, but rather take envelopes to the post office. Resumes can be mailed in business-sized envelopes but they look neater when not folded up lying on a potential employer's desk. Also, the larger brown envelope will be more noticeable and less forgotten in their "IN" box. Purchase resume paper (available anywhere paper products are sold) and print or copy a resume onto the resume paper. It is a more coarse paper and stands up better than regular printing paper. It also looks neater and more professional.
Just remember, that if you have a tendency to move a lot companies might consider this in a negative light when reviewing an application or resume. Businesses want stability and reliability and don't want to worry that their employee will take to a "flight of fancy" and move again. Numerous moves may have to be explained, for example military services or company ordered job transfers would explain numerous moves.
By taking the time for a little research and preparation, a person can move to another city and alleviate the stress of job-hunting in addition to all the other needs that go hand-in-hand with a long-distance move.
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Last Updated : Apr 30, 2008
