How do I start applying for out of state jobs? (Welcome Minneapolis and Raleigh)

[Nerdly]

I searched the forums and found a few threads, but still looking for advice. If anyone has certain posts to read, please provide them for additional reading.

High level, I have two questions to ponder:
1) How do I adjust my resume to apply for out of state jobs, specifically, how do I mention the relocation aspect?
2) Has anyone dealt with a similar battle between two cities (or two lifestyles... money vs style of life)

Background
I'm currently working in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My wife and I are both in the accounting/finance profession with 3-5 years of experience. However, we've noticed we could potentially take advantage of better pay vs cost of living in certain cities or enjoy better weather with similar pay in other cities. We both make ~$60K per year.

The Dilemma
Two cities we have agreement on are Minneapolis, MN and Raleigh/Durham, NC.

When I look at open positions on Indeed.com, each day Minneapolis has more than double the amount of new open positions compared to Green Bay, and Raleigh is in between the two.

As I look at pay, Minneapolis jobs appear to have a $10K-$20K premium compared to similar positions in Green Bay, and Raleigh is at or slightly above compensation of Green Bay. (if anyone has personal experience, please share).

My wife and I are already fairly mustachian, but we have student loan debt to deal with (~100K total). The wife could likely transfer to an office in Minneapolis; however, neither of us have any ties with NC.

Comparison
Minneapolis
Pros
Potentially better pay for similar responsibilities for each of us
Walkable (currently 15 minute commute for wife, I walk or ride bike to work even in the cold)
We have visited friends many times and have always enjoyed it
I would be able to drive to in person job interviews (although would need a full day)
Still would be within driving distance of family
I could complete job search on my own and wife could transfer once I obtained a job (minimum time without paychecks)

Cons
Lifestyle inflation
Cold
Vikings fans? :)

Raleigh/Durham
Pros
WEATHER
Similar cost of living (at least apartments), but more outdoor activities included such as racquetball, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, and pools
Supports a year round active lifestyle (neither of us do any winter sports and essentially hibernate during Wisconsin winters)
Slower pace of work? I've heard stories work life balance is better, but cannot confirm (we currently work ~2,400-2,700 hours per year)
New experiences (Minneapolis would be new, but we'd be comfortable due to knowing the area and friends)
Many 'stable' state jobs available

Cons
Wife and I would need to overlap job searches and could lead to tough decisions if one is employed and one isn't
Difficult to interview in person
Family is important to the wife and we would likely need to fly back to Wisconsin a few times per year ($$$$)
Only visited once, aren't familiar with the areas and whether we really would enjoy the area (however, neither of us are extremely fond of our current area except for family and friends)


Additional info: neither of us hate our jobs, so time is on our side for the search. I'd be okay living here another year or two. Our current income is $120K gross, and our mortgage + insurance + utilities = ~$800, plus I'd estimate $200 per month for repairs (we own an older home with older roof, furnace,etc). My wife and I could make a 1 bedroom apartment work (no plans for children) in either city, but a two bedroom may be nice for an office/work area.

Job Search
My resume is formatted with a header that includes my name and contact info. The next section is a professional objective (could probably fit 100-120 words). I use this to essentially avoid a cover letter. In the past, I have explained my interest in the position and why I would be a good fit (it worked for my last job change). I spend the bottom 2/3rds with professional experience followed by education and certifications.

How do I let employers know that I am willing/want to move to their city? Should I work with recruiters? Any suggestions for recruiters for these two cities (Roberthalf, Parker Lynch, Skywater?)

Additionally, are there any other recommendations from the information I have provided?

Thanks!

[caliq]

Vikings fans = dealbreaker ;)  Especially coming from Green Bay!

I don't really have any advice on your actual questions, because I have very limited experience with the subject.  But DH relocated from a half hour outside Green Bay to upstate NY for a job right before we met  -- he didn't make any changes to his resume, but he was in a pretty technical field.   

[jpo]

I didn't tweak my resume at all when searching for a position in another state (ended up in Raleigh).

I wouldn't do business with Robert Half unless I was really pressed for a job, but I'm not in accounting so YMMV.

You can always credit card churn for free flights home to cut down on costs.

[humbleMouse]

Just going to chime in and say that I have lived in Minneapolis for over 20 years and it is a nice place and very easy to live cheap.  I wouldn't be too worried about "lifestyle inflation".  Winter is terrible, but it is cheap to live here and culturally there are lots of artists and music to experience for not much money.

[stache4adventure]

I'm currently in Salt Lake City and I'm getting flown out to the Twin Cities next week for an interview. I'm really hoping it pans out because I would love to relocate to Viking country ;). In terms of professional experience, I have my masters degree and I'm finishing up a 2 year fellowship. As far as this position goes, I didn't do anything differently than any job I have gone after out here in Utah.

I think the biggest thing you have to take into consideration is whether or not your field is saturated with applicants in that area... If so, most employers are going to look through the local commuting area first because it's a much smaller investment to interview them in person and not have to worry about paying for relocation. If there are enough qualified applicants then you're probably SOL. And even though you aren't looking for them to pay for relocation and willing to drive out for an interview, they will simply pass to avoid the trouble.

Something I have done that has had a little success, at least in getting me on the phone with someone, is putting an local address on your application materials. Whether it be a friend or family member. Then, if you are contacted, you can tell them that you will be relocating there sometime in the near future because your SO just got a job in the area. One of you would have to do this anyway after one of you found a job.

Hope this helps and SKOL Vikes!

[purplepants]

As far as helping you choose between the two cities, I don't have a lot of advice except that Raleigh is a lovely area and the weather is fantastic as long as you don't mind the heat.  I've been enjoying 60-70 degree temperatures all week, but in July and August you'll be looking at humidity and heat indexes of 100+, so that's something to consider.  I personally love it, but it's not for everyone. 

Raleigh is full of transplanted Yankees, so I wouldn't be shy about applying for jobs in this area.  There are plenty of companies here that would be willing to relocate the right candidate.  I'd recommend a cover letter that expresses why you'd be a good fit for the job (and mentions your desire to move to Raleigh). 

I know there are a couple of temporary accounting agencies (Accountemps and the like) here, so if one of you was able to secure a position here, the other could do some temp work while waiting for the right opportunity.

[Zamboni]

Regardless of where you are looking, you need to have a sentence right at the start of your cover letter that indicates something like "I am planning to move to Raleigh, NC within the next 6 months."  Otherwise employers might be wary of spending resources trying to hire someone who is not seriously considering a move.  This worked really well for us when we were planning a relocation.

Are you willing to pay for your own relocation, or are you hoping the company will pay?

Anyone who follows up will want to know why you are planning the move. So think of some good reasons for that exact area.  Is there a graduate program at a local University that your spouse is interested in?  That is an easy reason that people will believe.