Relocating to a new city and beginning a job search is definitely a challenge. I should know.  My family and I as we speak are planning our relocation to the San Francisco Bay area.  While I’m self-employed as is my husband, there are challenges especially when pitching new clients in the area as I prepare to move.  I’m doing ALOT of homework.  Some companies steer away from hiring and employing new residents because of perceived complications and added expenses. As a recruiter and also someone who is just starting to plan for my upcoming move, I love recruiting folks who are in transit or recently relocated. These candidates often offer a fresh take on the environment and geographic area they are relocating to, and I believe are a recruiting gold mine.  I like to snag those soon r ato be or recently relocated candidates and make them an offer before they apply anywhere else.

Looking for a Job in Another State

I would recommend that if you are relocating to a new city or state and are looking for a job or work to consider the following:

• Notify your network. Your network is more powerful and effective than submitting your application on a job board or responding to a newspaper advertisement.

• Survey the area.  Big cities like the San Francisco Bay area are very, very large.  If you are planning on living in a large metro you should target your job search to a certain community or suburb or be prepared to commute by car, train, or metro.  Understand that cost of living prices vary.

• Get a P.O. Box in the new city ASAP. This is a great way to look local. Include in yourcover letter that you relocating and give them the timeline. Depending on the position and the recruiter’s timeline, you might be able to receive a job offer 4 weeks, 2 months, or 6 months out.  Don’t worry you can forward your mail for a short period of time even with a P.O. Box or a friend’s address.

• Connect using Social Networking. Social media sites like Linkedin, Facebook, and others are growing, growing, growing. Don’t be afraid to search for recruiter or hiring manager’s in the area or network and ask for assistance.

• Cold Call your Top 25 Companies. Take a sales approach and make the call. Develop a plan to contact companies either by phone, email, or snail mail. Be creative. I recommend using online rolodex sites like jigsaw.com, LinkedIn, and Twitter to target your conversations.

• Power Networking Lunches are Essential. While you are visiting your new city prior to the move, I recommend having lunch and coffee with as many contacts as possible. Develop a relationship, send emails, and keep your name and face in front of them.

• Research Spousal Relocation Programs. If the reason you are relocating is because of a spouse or family member’s new job, ask if their company offers relocation assistance with a job coach or other job service company. Check the state’s unemployment rules for relocation. Usually you can qualify if you quit your job to relocate because of a spouse.

Moving to Another City & Relocating For a Job

Whether you are moving to a nearby city just an hour drive away or like me halfway across the country, relocating for a job and moving to another city is just one of the many stresses, challenges, and situations you will face.  I’m of the mind that it is best to over prepare so that you can put your best foot forward and increase your chances of landing the right job for you and your family.