tips on landing a job in a different state

[ilovedoxies]

I've been trying for over a year. I have certain area(s) that I am pinpointing. I have been applying online and just can't seem to get through.

I hope that my resume and applications look ok, I have had people look at them and have taken everyone's advice. In fact I am often the one that is asked to look at their resumes. lol

Anyone that has done this and was able to land a job could you please offer up some good advice? I'm really discouraged, not desparate yet, but discouraged nonetheless.

thanks,

 

[AmyW]

I only have experience with this one time. I got my now-ex-husband a job in the state we were moving to. He wouldn't look for work, so it fell on me. There's many reasons he's EX-husband This was 3+ years ago when the economy wasn't being quite so terrible for job seekers however, and he was looking for a mechanic job. Each industry is different.

Anyway. On his resume (which I played up a lot), and cover letter I made it very clear that he was already moving to the area and would be available for interview on X day. Then he called to confirm they received the resume and asked if they had any questions. We planned on calling back every week but they emailed him in 3 days with an interview the week after we arrived. He got that job. He only worked for 3 weeks before quitting, but that's besides the point

 

[ilovedoxies]

Wow Amy, I can only imagine why he is your X now.

 

[kellyincville]

I would recommend getting a local phone number (ie: a new cell number) for the area to which you are moving.

Also a 'future' address if at all possible in addition to your current address on your resume lets the hiring managers know that you are committed to moving.

 

[carebear]

Try contacting an employment agency in that area. Be sure to explain to them that you are moving there on your own (employers sometimes pay for relocation, so you want to assure them they needn't - it's expensive).

Your cover letter should include WHY you are moving to the area, and by WHEN you will be there - the other thing is that employers don't want to hire you then wait a few months for you to be there.

Research and find industries or companies in that town and actually target them - not just online. Snail mail is still a viable option. Through Linked In or other resources you can get names - send your resume to HR, but also to managers by name.

Good luck.

 

[carlrnlds]

Thanks for sharing. Here are some additional suggestions:

- Go to employment sections of frequently used search engines such as Yahoo, Google or AOL and search your job related keywords
- Specify only location information to show all opportunities available in the specified area.
- Use the Internet to search for the best employers in the other state.
- Go to the official Web site for state and local government (see below) to view a list of state-specific, government job sites.
- Look up Web sites of staffing agencies of the state where you want to work.

 

[ilovedoxies]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will definately take these suggestions to heart.

For various reasons, I have only been concentrating on government and school system jobs right now and they don't always have the opportunity to provide a cover letter because most of them require online applications. I've also noticed that those that permit a snail mail application aren't open long enough to even receive snail mail. Some one them are only open for like 5 days. wtf?? makes me think those are written for someone they already have in mind.

When permittable I've been faxing. I will definately work on that cover letter. Cover letters are such a struggle for me to compose, lol!

I currently work for a state agency and they hire people from other states all the time. I didn't really think it mattered if you were planning on moving anyway, I just assumed they would realize if you apply for the job and get it you'll move straight away. Since government jobs have such a slow hiring process you have plenty of time to give a two week's notice and move.

Thanks again.

 

[mommyray]

Hope it's going well

I've been involved in dozens of employee searches in education administration. I hope it's going well for you and that this post isn't needed -- meaning, I hope you found a job already!!!

For what it's worth, my two cents:

People who talk about themselves as a whole person impress me. A lot of people just stick to their skill set -- and of course, I need to know that --- but I like to get to know them as a whole person in the process.

Calling HR about a particular position is always wise. If the HR agent is helpful and professional, that gives you a good idea about the institution. Even if the market is flooded with applicants, an institution should treat potential employees respectfully, and try to recruit people for open or future positions. If they are not good to you as a potential employee, how are they going to treat you after you're hired? It does not get better! Keep in mind they can be helpful and professional, but also honest -- they very well need to tell you if you are not the right "fit" for a particular job, but if you say you will keep in touch in case something else opens up, they will remember that you dealt with them professionally, and treat you in kind if you call in the future.

Networking really is important. When someone is recommended to me by someone I respect, I will usually give that person an interview. Not everyone is that way. If you don't have a network where you are moving, include one or two "testimonials" about you on your resume, by people in the highest positions in places you have worked. E-mail a few of your contacts to ask for two or three sentences about why you are so terrific

Hope that helps.

 

[ilovedoxies]

Thanks for the reply mommyray. I have given up for the time being. I may resume my search later on but I was just at my wits end with it.

For what it's worth I do list my hobbies and interests on a very small section of my resume.

I totally agree on getting an idea of the whole person. If a person doesn't fit in with the working group then it won't be a happy place for anyone.