Are you planning to move to another part of the country?
Finding your dream home and actually making the move is only part of the problem. Unless your current company has a branch in the state you are moving to, you are going to need a new job.
Trying to find that can be tricky at the best of times, but it can be particularly difficult in a different state. Without connections, it isn’t easy to start over and get a foot in the door.
That’s why I decided to share all my tips and advice on how to get a job in another state to make the move a lot easier.
Contents
Steps for Finding Your Next Job
It can take time and patience to find the perfect job. However, if you are moving to another state, you may want to start working as soon as possible to minimize costs. Here are some ways to help make sure you find a new job as quickly as possible.
Research is Key
The first step to finding your next job is doing as much research as possible. If you have already decided where you are moving to, you need to research job opportunities in that state. This will help to reveal the type of jobs you can expect to find in that area.
If you have not yet decided where you want to move to, you have a lot more flexibility in terms of options. If you work in a particular industry, research the best parts of the country to find industry jobs. Narrow the search to a couple of locations and focus on corporations in that particular state.
Update your Resume
Moving to a new state is the perfect opportunity to find a job that will take your career to the next level. If you have been working for a single company for numerous years, your resume is likely to be outdated. Take the time to add your latest work experience to your resume and highlight the valuable skills you have gained.
Create a Cover Letter Template
A strong cover letter is an essential tool that can open doors when you are contacting companies. Ideally, your cover letter should always be tailored according to the job you are applying for. However, creating a template that includes your key skills and strengths will save you time in the long run.
Send out Letters of Interest
Letters of interest are ideal for introducing yourself to hiring managers and potential employers. They are similar to cover letters and allow you to present your key skills and attributes. This gives you the chance to let a company know you want to work for them, even if there is no vacancy.
If you are lucky, a vacancy may just have become available in the company you want to work for. Because the role has not been advertised yet, your letter of interest will be well-received. Make it clear exactly what you have to offer and the type of role in the company you are looking for.
Sign up for Email Lists
Many large companies feature careers sections on their website where you can create a personal profile. This allows you to upload your resume, which will be reviewed by hiring managers. A good option if the job you are searching for is not available straight away.
Signing up for email lists can also give you an edge on the competition. When the company posts a new job opportunity, you will receive an email notification so you can apply. It is a good idea to sign up for a few email lists so you can take full advantage of new opportunities.
Use your Network
It is time to work your connections and reach out to your personal and professional contacts. If you have friends and professional contacts working in the same industry, let them know you are available. They may be able to put in a good word for you at their company or inform you of vacancies.
Do an Online Search
The internet is a useful tool for searching for open job positions and companies to contact. Start by searching for job opportunities in your industry and narrow the search by the state. If you know the city you will be moving to; this will help to narrow the search even further.
Utilize Professional Social Media Sites
Numerous social media sites cater to job hunting professionals. Recruiters regularly use these sites to post job opportunities. Make sure that you upload your resume to a selection of professional social media sites so recruiters and employers can find it.
Attend Networking Events and Conferences
Attending a conference or networking event is a great way to make contacts that can lead to job opportunities. These give you the chance to meet other people in your industry and present your skills and expertise. Make sure you bring a selection of business cards with you and follow up on the connections that you make.
Submit Applications
After you have done your research, you should have an extensive list of companies to apply to. Make sure that you know the name of the hiring manager and use it during your correspondence. Sending a personalized email is likely to be much more effective than simply sending a generic email to each contact.
You should select at least one unique aspect of each company you are applying to and mention it in your cover letter. Keep a detailed record of each correspondence you have sent along with the date. It can take time for some hiring managers to get back to applicants, so keeping track of applications is essential.
Tips On How to Get a Job in Another State
If you are applying for a job in a different state, you may not have a new address yet. Using your current address is likely to lead to confusion, so it is best to avoid using an address. Read on to discover some other tips that can enhance your chances of success.
Be positive about the move
Make it clear that you are moving for positive reasons that will help improve your career and life in general. Be prepared to explain your reason for moving and keep the conversation light and positive.
Research the company
Take the time to do as much background research as possible into the company before the interview. Find interesting and unusual facts about the company that you can mention during the interview. This will show the hiring manager that you are truly interested in the job.
Highlight your special skills
Take the time to work out which skills you have that make you stand out from the crowd. When you contact a hiring manager, it should be clear exactly what you have to offer. You should highlight the value that you will bring to the job and the company as a whole.
Timing is everything
Pay close attention to the time zone and schedule of the company you want to apply to. Whether or not your phone call or email is well received can depend a lot on timing. Try to contact the company on a Tuesday or Wednesday during the late morning or early afternoon.
Apply for a temporary position
Temping is a good way to make industry connections and get a foot in the door. Signing up with a temp agency is a great way to launch your career in a new state. Many temping positions can lead to full-time work if you make a strong impression with the hiring manager.
Make it clear you are really moving
If the hiring manager or potential employer sees you are living in another state, they may dismiss your application. Therefore, it is essential to make it very clear that your move to their state is a done deal. You should reveal this in the first paragraph of your introduction letter along with the date you are moving. If possible, also include the date when you would like to start your new job.
Give yourself plenty of time
If possible, start searching and applying for jobs as early as possible. It could take a couple of weeks to find the job that you are truly interested in. As soon as you know that you will be moving to a new start, it is time to start the job hunt.
Need More Info And Advice On Job Hunting?
Well, let’s start with our advice on resume writing to get you in the door. Take a look at our Best Cover Letter Format and How To Write A Letter Of Interest, as mentioned above. Next is our Motivation Letter Writing Guide, How To List References On A Resume, the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, and How To List Education On A Resume in 2023.
Next is the all-important interview, so check my guides on What Are You Most Proud Of, How Would You Describe Yourself, how to Answer Why Best Candidate Position, as well as How Do You Handle Stress, and What Are Your Career Goals? And don’t forget about the Best Questions To Ask In An Interview for when it’s your turn!
Also, we’ve found some great reads for interview advice with the Physician Assistant School Interview Guide, Get That Job!: The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview, The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Interview, BeMo’s Ultimate Guide to Multiple Mini Interview, Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers.
Or what about the Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions, Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers, and the InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing all available online.
Final Thoughts
In the best-case scenario, you will be able to find your new job before you actually make the move. However, interviewing for different jobs while you are still living in another state can be difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, it is important to come up with a strategy that makes the interview process as simple as possible.
Try to arrange your preliminary interviews via the phone and the main interview by video call. Make sure you choose a time and location where you can talk to the interviewer openly and without being interrupted. If you have to have in-person interviews, try to arrange several in the same few days to minimize travel time.
All the very best with your relocation!