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How to Get a Job in Another State

Authored by Olga Butyrina (Career Expert, GCL)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau report, about 14% of U.S. residents migrated around the country in 2019, and job search is one of the top reasons for relocation. These statistics prove that you are not alone in your desire to start a career outside your native state. Nevertheless, this step still has its risks and pitfalls, not least of which, you have to prove your advantages over dozens or hundreds of local job seekers. To help you with this task, we have prepared practical advice on how to break into the application process fully prepared and get a job in another state before moving there.

What to do before applying for a job out of state

Typically, the initial job searching stage includes scrolling through job boards and sending out application documents. But when it comes to professional relocation, there are a few additional strategic steps you can take to avoid hasty decisions and painful failures. Your research skills, in this case, will come in handy like never before.

Explore the states to relocate

If you have several states or cities in mind for relocation, take the time to find out the local prices for accommodations, food, transportation, and so on. Remember, you won’t receive your first paycheck at your new place of work for at least a couple of weeks, and in some cases, not for a month. This means that you will have to live on your savings to start with, and a preliminary study of prices will help you plan your budget wisely. Besides, your financial preparedness and awareness will increase the loyalty of the employer. If the company agrees to cover part of the expenses, it is expected that the new employee will be able to command their finances competently.

Explore the local labor market

Some applicants are sure that their services and qualifications are valued and paid equally, regardless of location. This is a typical mistake. Adhering to this belief, you risk spending a lot of time trying to find a job and preserve your usual standard of living. Therefore, study the range of wages in your industry and the demand for your profession when you are looking for a job out of state.

Take a fresh look at your network

If people close to you are still unaware of your desire to move, it’s time to notify them. In addition to encouraging words, you can get real help. Perhaps some of them know local employers looking for valuable talent right now, have landlord contacts that simplify the search for housing, or keep in touch with old friends who will provide insider information and help you settle in. In any case, the more connections you have in the selected area, the higher your chances of getting a position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recruiters regard family or friendly ties as the most acceptable reason for moving, which increases the credibility of the candidate.

How to increase your chances of getting a job in a different state

Once you have gathered valuable insights about the desired area, you can move on to real employment options and begin your application process. To succeed at this stage, remember the four most important steps that will bring the desired interview closer.

  1. Monitor online job boards. Modern job boards provide access to current vacancies in any state. Set your search criteria and select areas, industry, and positions of interest. For your convenience, set up notifications about available vacancies and receive them by email weekly. Study each job description carefully, as you have to prove to the employer your genuine interest in the company and your compliance with post requirements.
  2. Use social networks. LinkedIn and Facebook have a long history of connecting employers and workers, regardless of their location. If you want to maximize opportunities, you should update your personal information and keep yourself active. Your profile should reflect your jobseeker status, your willingness to move, and your areas of expertise. This is the best way to catch the recruiter’s attention. To maintain your activity, study potential employers in the chosen area and monitor their official social network accounts. At the very least, you will receive information on current vacancies. At most, you will better understand their policies and values ​​to customize your appeal.
  3. Update your resume. Some candidates may opt to indicate a local address instead of their current address in their resume to receive a credit of trust and prove the seriousness of their intentions. But this tactic has two main contradictions. First, if you specify a local address, this means that you can come for an in-person interview upon the first request. Second, if you are pretending to be a resident, you can’t rely on the relocation package. Are you ready to refuse the financial support of the company? Therefore, this trick can mislead the employer and lower your chances of successful cooperation. To avoid it, enter your current address and add a postscript as “relocating to [city, state] in [month, year].” After that, customize your resume and focus on the experience and skills that are valuable for the selected position.
  4. Create a cover letter. You should prove that your qualifications, soft skills, and motivation can compensate for the temporary difficulties associated with your move. Convince that employer that your performance will make up for any funds that the company has invested in you. A cover letter will help you to cope with this task and land a job in another state, but only if it is a competent self-presentation. To play it safe, you can check out the best examples of getcoverletter.com builder. But remember that your appeal should contain the following points:
  • The reasons for your relocation. Mention your friendships or family ties as well as the advantages of the local labor market or quality of life
  • The reasons for choosing a company. Turn to your knowledge of the company, its goals, and its mission, accumulated through social networks and the company website. Perhaps the employer offers excellent working conditions and career opportunities, or the company has a developed corporate culture. Use any facts to prove that your choice is conscious.
  • Your qualifications. Focus on essential skills for your industry and profession that will help you succeed in your new position. Always keep in mind the job description as your appeal should reflect the individual requirements of each company.
  • Personal qualities. The employer is looking not just for a qualified specialist, but a dedicated team member. Therefore, prove yourself as the right person and a worthy representative of corporate values.

What to do after a positive response

Job application is only the first stage of the selection process. If you follow the above tips on how to find a job in another state, you have a good chance of arousing interest in your candidacy. But this is only half the battle. When you receive a positive response to your resume and cover letter, take some strategic steps to consolidate success and get hired.

Request a remote interview

Since you are an out-of-state candidate, you can ask for a phone or skype interview. But this format is not a reason to drop your guard. On the contrary, it may be your only chance to make a favorable impression and prove your advantages. Therefore, prepare answers to frequently asked questions and a convincing speech about your move. Use the following rules:

  • Do not say that you apply to every available company hoping for employment.
  • Do not mention that you considered several states for relocation.
  • Do not say that you have never visited the city and do not know anyone there.

Consider a personal interview

The employer will probably not force you to visit the city for a personal meeting. However, this is a perfect chance to prove your determination and genuine desire to join the team. A candidate ready to go the extra mile always has an advantage in the selection process. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to visit the city, do it. Make your visit productive and schedule meetings with all potential employers. It will give you the food for thought and foundation for decision-making.

Prepare to move in advance

This does not mean that you should pack your bags after the employer’s first response. Nevertheless, step-by-step preparations for the move will prevent a job offer from taking you by surprise. Remember, your deadline is the relocation date indicated on the resume. Any delays and excuses can deprive you of the position and damage your professional reputation. To avoid it, follow these tips for relocating to another state:

  • Inform your current employer of your planned move and dismissal in advance. It will allow you to remain on good terms and even get positive recommendations.
  • Notify your landlord. They will begin to look for new tenants, and you can leave the city without financial obligations.
  • Start looking for housing in a new area. Explore districts, infrastructure, and traffic intersections. Contact potential landlords and specify rental terms. Even if your first job interview does not bear fruits, you will have housing options in reserve.

Wrap Up

Relocation is always a challenge as you leave your comfort bubble, familiar surroundings, and even the working place where you have spent the past few years. Such changes often cause stress. To deal with it, remember about your ultimate goal. Visualize it in great detail and imagine your emotions. If you are happy and feel at ease, all the difficulties of moving will become a springboard to future great achievements.

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