Author Topic: Long Distance Job Search  (Read 3380 times)

Falke401

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Long Distance Job Search
« on: August 23, 2017, 07:42:23 AM »
I currently live in Arizona and plan to move to the Massachusetts/Rhode Island area.  With that said, I need a new job.  For anyone that has done a long distance move, how did you find your job?  Was it through job boards, friends, family? 

brute

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2017, 07:48:35 AM »
What kind of work are you in? As a software/AI guy, I just post my resume up with what state I want to be in, and get 10 calls a day. For my wife who is an avian bioligist, she works connections, applies to dozens of jobs, custom tailors her resume, and gets one interview offer 6 months later in a state we don't want to live in. So I'd say your methods will have to be more aggressive the less marketable your skill set is.

Falke401

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2017, 07:58:48 AM »
Without saying too much, I am currently a data analyst for the government.  I have my MBA and working on my PMP. I hope to get into project management, but it will likely be difficult without ever having a project manager title. 

brute

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2017, 08:04:53 AM »
Without saying too much, I am currently a data analyst for the government.  I have my MBA and working on my PMP. I hope to get into project management, but it will likely be difficult without ever having a project manager title.

Ah cool. I previously worked for one of the national labs in new mexico. I actually got my current position by looking for affiliated groups in the area I wanted to move to. 1 phone call, 10 minutes, and I had a new job and a relocation package. So yeah, work the connections first, especially if people where you currently are like your work.

MsSindy

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2017, 08:42:15 AM »
Obviously work any contacts you have.

If you're applying off of boards or just directly to company's be sure to put in your cover letter your plans to relocate and the timing.  If you're planning on visiting the area, mention the timing as well.  Whenever I'm hiring and I get resume's from out of state, I'm always curious as to why they are applying - so help the recruiter make that connection.

YummyRaisins

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2017, 06:51:58 PM »
Use your network, as others have said. If anyone in your current network knows someone at a company you are interested in, ask for an introduction or if they'd be willing to reach out to that person on your behalf with your resume/cover letter.

In your cover letter, it may be a good idea to convey why you want to move to the Northeast. This will be something HR or the hiring manager is concerned about, so best to deal with it there.

When I did my long distance search, I made a short list of the companies I wanted to work for and monitored their careers pages for new listings. All applications had a custom cover letter and resume. If possible, find out who the manager is and address your application to them and not "Dear sir or madam". Follow after a few weeks if you have a contact.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with info relevant to the types of jobs you are applying for. Also clean up other social media you have since hiring managers may look at it.

MsSindy

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2017, 07:08:06 AM »
.............

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with info relevant to the types of jobs you are applying for. Also clean up other social media you have since hiring managers may look at it.

Yes, this!!  I always Google/FB a candidate I'm interested in.... I've seen a couple of interesting things.  One in particular was a guy who had a Blog with some very hateful ideas of certain people.... I didn't think he'd be a good fit with our team culture :)

marielle

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Re: Long Distance Job Search
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2017, 07:11:27 AM »
Posting to follow. What if your reason to relocate is simply wanting something new/different? Or just having visited the area once and developing an interest to living there?