If you’re in the process of trying to find a new job in a new city or state, the process can be difficult and frustrating. Even if you’re a stellar candidate, you might find yourself dealing with more rejection than local candidates, which can make it easier to get discouraged. Here are a few tips that can give you some help finding a job in another state and convince recruiters to take a chance on you as a candidate.
Networking is Critical
In general, the name of the game in applying to a job out of state is risk reduction. As an out-of-state candidate, you’re automatically seen as a bigger risk to recruiters, so the more you’re able to create ties to the area and the company, the better. One way you can do this is by dedicating extra space and time to the research phase and establishing a network in the place you’re looking to move. Going in to a new job out of state with a warm introduction rather than a cold one is always going to be a better strategy. So what do you do if you don’t have ties to the area? Consider expanding your network from colleagues, friends, and family to alumni if your school who might be living and working in the same area. Search functions on Facebook and LinkedIn can help you narrow down the results.
Highlight Your Unique Skills and Experience
If you have a skillset that’s unique or in higher demand, make sure to highlight that! This includes skills that might benefit the company outside of your position. For example, if you’re a content writer, but you also have web or graphic design skills, make sure to highlight that! Job placement can sometimes depend on those small things that help give you an edge over other candidates. At the same time, make sure you’re being strategic about what you’re sharing so that jobs know that you’re being proactive and care about the position that you’re applying for, rather than casting a wide net and hoping for the best. If you need help finding a job that highlights your specific skills, consider reaching out to a staffing agency in your industry to help maximize your skills.
Be Candid and Specific About Your Desire to Relocate
You not being local to the area will be the elephant in the room when you apply, so it’s important to show recruiters for the company that you acknowledge that by addressing it head-on. There are a few ways to do this. If you know for certain that you’re relocating, put phrases like “Relocating to _______ on _____(date)” on your résumé. Also, utilize the opportunity in your cover letter to discuss your desire to relocate, and the reasons for it. Are you relocating to be closer to family? Does the area provide more employment opportunities or chances for advancement? Be sure to discuss that. Also, if you’re able to relocate quickly or on your own dime, that can be attractive as well, but know that it might keep you from receiving relocation assistance if you do.
Stay on Top of Social Media
Because your LinkedIn profile will be the first chance that people have to interact with you over other local candidates, it’s important to make sure that your profiles are up to date with all of your qualifications and skills as you need them. This is especially important if you’re reaching out to recruiters in your industry to try to get help finding a job. This is another step that shows a recruiting agency that you’re serious about moving to their city and working in their industry.
Trying to get help finding a job out of state can be a daunting, frustrating process. It requires a greater degree of precision, persistence, and dedication than local jobs might, but if you’re strategic in your search and able to show recruiters that you’re serious about the process, it can pay huge dividends. Just remember to keep your head up when things seem difficult, and your next interview could be the one.
