Question Proposed on LinkedIn: What’s the best way to be doing a job search after relocating to another state?

Others’ Responses:

– AI can’t say for sure because I’m still looking to relocate from Florida to Wisconsin, but I can tell you what does work and what not to do. Understand you’ll be heavily-discriminated against because you’re out of state. 1. Do not be tempted to put a “local” address on your resume or cover letter. I added my in-laws address to be local, but was crystal clear in my cover letter that I was still out of state and relocating. The last thing you want to do is start off with a dishonest relationship. Take your address OFF your resume. Only include your name, e-mail address and phone number. 2. Do get a “local” phone number. You can get one for free through Google Voice. Find out where you want to live and apply for a number with a local area code. Google Voice will automatically be forwarded to your real cell number. This will at least give the perception you’re local without being dishonest. 3. Be prepared to pay for your own relocation. I was getting very little response until a recruiter suggested I put in my Cover Letter, very clearly, that I am taking care of my own relocation and am not expecting assistance. This is the #1 hurdle you have to overcome because companies don’t want to pay for relocation. Ever since I added that, I’m getting responses to nearly all applications. 4. Build your network on LI. Obviously, you’re unable to meet face-to-face for coffee and network with people from a thousand or so miles away. Let all your Facebook friends know you’re looking and what you’re looking for.  5. Do take a trip out, if possible, and meet with local recruiters and staffing agencies. Bring two forms of ID, because many can’t look for you until you are guaranteed to meet their requirements.

– I recently moved from Wisconsin to Texas. I disagree that you’ll be discriminated against because you are from another state. If you haven’t relocated yet, you are at a distinct disadvantage because local candidates are instantly available and you probably are not. Once you have relocated, the biggest disadvantage you’ll have is the lack of a network of people. Networking is huge and building your network will take some time.

– From your question…sounds like you have already relocated. Look up organizations you are interested in on LinkedIn. Connect with local (to you) recruiters in those organizations. Once connected…message them. Do not ask for an opportunity or if they can open doors for you. Rather let them know of your interest in their local organization and ask for advise on how you would be able to open the doors to that organization yourself!

– That’s a challenge! I’ve relocated from Columbia, SC to Atlanta, GA six months ago and it’s like playing devil’s advocate. When I was living in Columbia, SC, it was a challenge for me even after I graduated from college in 1994. It seems like it got harder after I obtained my Paralegal Certificate in 1997. Not only that, it got harder after I got my P&C License in 1999. I relocated to Charlotte, NC in 1999 but got employment that were dead-ends positions because it wasn’t what I wanted to do but I only did it to pay the rent. Now that I have my Life, Health & Accident License, the job search it self is a joke. I got three years of experience in employee and voluntary benefits and I love it. Now, I’m contracted with companies that offer 4th quarter contracts and the pay is great but I wish it was ongoing. Within the past couple of weeks, recruiters have been contacting me for a Benefits Analyst position and another for a Group Benefit Account Manager position. It’s a matter of getting the interview and a job offer. Unfortunately, those positions are temp-to-perm but I wish it was direct hire. Commission Sales only positions is something I have no desire to do unless it includes salary plus commission with health and retirement benefits. I’ve done sales before in the past but I can’t afford to do because of charge-backs and I can’t afford to go without a paycheck. The job search has been a 20 year struggle for me and still as of this day.

– I came from different country not from different state, I speak different language and English is my second language, I got a job after 60 days from my date of arrival to the United States! Here is my strategy: 1- Before relocating: do intensive research activities about the State/country using many labor market websites and resources such as O*Net and Department of Labor websites. 2- Make sure that you have an “Excellent” resume not a “good” resume. Hire a professional and well-known resume writer to get an excellent resume. 3- Go to the Career Centers at Community Colleges and Universities, and spend long hours there for job search activities. 4- Attending job clubs once a week at Workforce Centers. 5- Networking/Volunteering “exclusively” with Employment, Workforce, and Career Services Centers is a unique solution to get a job rapidly. 6- To hire a Career Coach is the best and last choice if you really experienced a hard luck/time with job search activities. 7- Speak more than one language and having a professional certificate(s) are “real” solutions and is a power to get a job in a very short of time.

– Don’t forget your alma mater. Although you may think you are career challenged because you have have switched careers quite a few times, you may be surprised how many of your college classmates/peers have done the same thing. Psychology is a great education for dealing with people. It just may be too broad as it can be applied to many things. I say you should stay close to the aspirations you had when you chose your major and then the career options you believed to be best for you upon graduation. Your alma mater’s career office is a great place to start. Also, I have found when moving to new areas, that each geographical area has a specialty that it is known for. e.g. when I moved top Orange County, CA, I got into the computer hardware industry which thrives in this area. Therefore there were many options for me to choose from so I could find the right people like to work with.

– I recommend you reach out to a recruiter who specializes in your industry. Often times, resume’s can get lost in the “black hole” of job boards. Get noticed and work with a recruiter who can focus on the area you are planning to relocate. Good luck!

– Use all resources, Networking,career fairs, Walking in to businesses Temp agencies,there are many avenues available to you. I recently moved to California from Minnesota. Theses are the avenues that have worked for me.

– Local recruiters are a great resource but a national recruiter is just as helpful. Utilizing a recruiter is a great way to make sure you are represented fairly and accurately.

My Response:

– Target 5 companies in the area and research like crazy to locate hiring professionals or HR employees in the organization where you can send your credentials. Also utilize recruiters, because they will work for free and help you land a job in the new market. Also, the key ingredient is to network, network, network, so search networking groups and sponsored business functions and get yourself out there.