Landing an out-of-state job has rewards and benefits, but it may also have temporary pitfalls as you decide to relocate your family. Starting over in a new location represents a fresh start, a way to take your professional life in a new direction and the promise of more career satisfaction down the road.
Finding an out-of-state job takes a little extra effort on your part. Take these tips to heart so you can make the journey as easy on you and your family as possible.
1. Dig Up Information on Your New Digs
Moving to an unknown, new location could be scary simply because you know nothing about it. Get to know the city by finding out as much information about it as possible. Where are the best neighborhoods? How long is your commute? What cultural opportunities await you? Do other firms hire people on a regular basis?
To relocate your family, you may also consider how many great companies have employment opportunities. Even if you decide to switch gears to a new firm after getting your first out-of-state job in a new city, you want to be sure other employers could use someone with your talents. Note how far away these companies are from each other so you can gauge commutes for more than one business.
2. Explore Your Current Company
As the American economy improves, more employers consider relocating employees to new areas, so moving to another city in your current position is a possibility. Get to know your firm's relocation policy. Talk to human resources to know what you're getting into, because an out-of-state job may turn into a position overseas.
3. Network Early and Often
Get to know someone in your new location soon by using social media websites such as LinkedIn. Find relevant staff on the company's website, and contact the correct people in human resources. See if there's someone with similar talents, skills and educational status so you can have some talking points with potential co-workers. Make sure to call human resources and get acquainted with someone in that department since those people are responsible for hiring you in the first place.
4. Check Out Industry Sources
Sometimes, the key to an out-of-state job rests with industry sources. Peruse websites that specialize in your field of work, your niche industry or your area of expertise. These sources of information may have insider tips, the names of contacts in HR and industry-specific job postings not found anywhere else, and you'll probably face less competition there than on generic job search websites.
5. Contact Local Colleges
Get in touch with local colleges and universities because their career centers also have insider information. Career centers know what firms are currently hiring. These professionals also offer services such as career advice, resume critiques and tips on who to contact at local employers.
An out-of-state job could make your life more hectic and more rewarding at the same time. Make sure to go through all of the regular protocols regarding a job search such as polishing your resume and writing a dynamite cover letter.
Photo courtesy of Piyaphon at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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