Dos and Donts of Long Distance Job Hunting
Long distance job hunting, while more common and more accommodated than ever, is still drastically different from a local job search. While searching for employment in diverse locations can have exceptional benefits and can boost your career, it must be well thought out and planned.
In searching for a job at a distance, research the areas you are considering. Research the median incomes of that area for your occupation to determine if a move is worth the expense and effort. Also research the cost of living in the area and compare the increase or decrease from your current home with the increase or decrease in median income. An increase in salary of 5% will actually set you behind if the cost of living increases by 15%. Likewise, a decrease in salary of 5% may be well worth it if the cost of living is decreased by 15%.
Also research the cost of housing in the area. If you prefer to rent, search the local paper to see what the average rent payment is for your desired unit size. If you want to buy, research local real estate brokers to see how much the average house of appropriate size costs. Also, remember to consider the neighborhoods you are looking at and their distance from your preferred employer and other perspective employers. A decrease in rent of $50 does you no good if it increases your transportation cost by $150.
Next, decide if the area you are considering is really the type of area you want to live in. Look at local crime rates to see if the area is safe. Also, consider local events and attractions to determine if you are going to be comfortable and entertained there. See if your hobbies are available in close proximity to the area.
If, after this careful review, you decide that you want to move, plan this move carefully. Start by ensuring that you can afford to move. Make sure you have money for moving expenses such as moving van rental, meals, lodging and deposits. Try to think of every expense you had the last time you moved, even if it was just across town, and make sure that you can cover all of those expenses as well as others that may come up. Remember that you may not be able to stay in the home you are buying or renting right away, so you need to be prepared for this as well.
Once you are financially prepared to move, begin searching for jobs in the area and contacting prospective employers. Have a resume ready that you can fax to employers for their consideration. Read the local newspaper to keep up with job openings, new businesses opening or businesses expanding, businesses closing or downsizing, and general job trends in the area that relate to your occupation.
Once you have started looking for a job, you should also start looking for a place to live. Try to visit the area if possible so that you can get a good feel for the neighborhood you want to live in and then start looking for homes in that area. It is generally a good idea to try to secure a place to live one to two months before you move.
After you've begun looking for a job and a home and you are certain that you want to move to the area, it is time to do so. Remember, again, that you may not be able to move into your home right away so you need to know what you are going to do with your personal effects in the mean time. If it will only be a few days before your place is ready, it may be most practical to leave these items in the moving van. If it will be longer, it may end up being cheaper to rent a storage area for a month and move your personal items into it.
If you have not secured a job by the time you get to your new area, do not waste time getting into the job market. This does not mean that you have to take any job you are offered, but be actively searching for employment. Also, take this time as an opportunity to learn the area. Get a map and locate areas of interest as well as prospective employers. This is also a good time to locate places to get your common necessities such as groceries, gas and other day to day needs.
Lastly, once you have determined that you are content and want to remain in your new area, begin settling in. Explore the area to find the types of places you are interested in. If you are interested in the night life, begin going to local clubs and other night attractions. Also, it is time to get to know your neighbors and make new, local, friends. Don't be shy or reclusive. Get out into the world and make yourself comfortable in your new home. Once you have done this, you have successfully and smoothly changed your geographic place in life, and possibly your location in your career as well.
