5 Tips for Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search

5 Tips for Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search5 Tips for Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search5 Tips for Conducting a Long-Distance Job SearchOn the hunt for a job in a new city? Learn how to relocate with success using these job-search tips. We live in a brave new world. Technological changes, along with the competitive nature of a global economy, have made it necessary to break out of your comfort zone when it comes to your career. Reimagining yourself in a new setting a new city, state or even country comes with a unique set of challenges that are best-met head on so that you are not met with surprises down the road.Theres nothing more exhilarating, albeit terrifying, than starting fresh in a new place. A new culture, new climate, new neighbors, and a new job all can make the prospect of moving exciting, yet applying to jobs out-of-state can seem daunting.If youve been trying to find a job in a new city, you may already be used to the sound of crickets rather than a ringing ce ll phone. Competition is keen amongst the locals, making it so much harder to land a job out-of-state. When you have made the decision to start a long-distance job search, here are a few job-search tips that will help you pave the way.1. Know your availabilitySure, you want to jump right in and start applying to out-of-state jobs. But first things first Figure out a time frame when you can actually move. Are you selling your house first? Uprooting the kids in the middle of the school year? If youre currently working, you will have to tie up some loose ends with your current job before you lay the groundwork for a new one. 2. Know your industryDuring your long-distance job search, start by combing through angeschlossen trade journals and magazines to develop a rough target list of companies in your new locality. Then, check out the websites of the companies youre interested in to learn how long theyve been in business, their average annual earnings, each companys standing in the mark etplace, and whos in charge.Want an inside look at these companies and their open jobs? Try Glassdoor, which has tons of company reviews written by previous and present employees. To hone in on an industry, market research sites such as Dun Bradstreet and Plunkett Research are helpful. Community newspapers can help you feel at home with the area make sure to check out the ads to become familiar with your business competitors.3. Know something about the people youll meetDig into the wellspring of information youll need to gather about potential colleagues by checking out websites of companies in your industry, finding names, and Googling them. In many cases, youll be directed to LinkedIn profiles of the top performers. Forging solid connections with those prospective leads will be easier when contacting people you already know who may know someone who knows someone. With some effort and a little luck, your LinkedIn connections can make six degrees of separation seem more like two. C onduct an informational vorstellungsgesprch a technique meant not to ask for a job but to tap into intel such as industry jargon, an organizations culture, and insider tips because theres just no substitute for familiarity in an unfamiliar place.Related The 8 Best Questions to Ask at an Informational Interview4. Know how to get to the top of the hiring listFace it During your long-distance job search, youre an outsider. You know you want to bridge the gap between contacts and your extended network. To do it, you must overcome any perceived objections in order to re-establish yourself in your field. Emphasize the positive your relevant skills and experience, your determination and ability to conquer challenges, your flexibility and comfort level with learning new things, as well as how much enthusiasm you have for the employer. Less well-known firms in allied industries may be more willing to give you a look, so dont just apply to big-name companies.5. Know the locationOnce you fee l sure of your destination, continue to make yourself familiar with the local community when you apply to jobs out-of-state. Social media can be a big help when checking out the local scene, identifying thriving businesses, and strategically tagging upcoming events. City-Data.com will give you insights into the local economy, demographic data, crime rates, and job prospects. Peruse the hometown paper, put regional job fairs on your to do list, and immerse yourself in reading about the place. Acquaint yourself with local recruiters and you may initially nab a phone or Skype interview. Finally, you may want to plan a visit so that you can schedule face time with three or four prospective employers mentioning, of course, that any relocation expenses would be on your dime, not theirs.Whether you are just starting out or have years of relevant experience under your belt, if youre applying for jobs out of state, infinite opportunities abound. With some leg work and a little know-how, you r next career move may be your best move.Click on the following link for more job-search advice.Ready to make a move? Let us help with your resumeRecommended ReadingBefore You Relocate for Work Ask Yourself These Questions7 Job-Search Statistics You Should KnowRelocation Tips for Proactive Job Seekers