10 Tips For Finding A Job In A New City
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Thinking about a change of scenery and moving somewhere new? It does not have to be as stressful as you think. Check out our Top 10 tips on long distance job searches.
1. Know Your Opportunities
Many people choose to move because they know people in the area, to follow their spouse or they have just like the idea of moving somewhere new, but are there jobs in your line of business in the area? It can be hard to establish yourself in a place that has a shortage of jobs in your field.
Also keep in mind the population in your new location and their skills. If there has been an influx in people in your discipline moving to an area recently then competition will be ripe for jobs.
2. Research the City
Know the infrastructure and where the main life of the city is. Research the cost of living such as salary expectations, approximate rent level, cost to eat out/in, transportation costs and if this is affordable for you. Find out where the local amenities are and if you can locate near them. Is there a local club with like-minded people that can help you?
3. Investigate Local Companies
Are there companies in the area that you would like to work for? Even if there are no job openings now, there will be later. Learn all you can about these companies. Send them your CV or try meeting the HR manager through contacts or events, LinkedIn can help here.
4. Set a Move Date (and tell everyone about it!)
Do not be afraid to create a deadline for yourself. By doing this you make the goal real and it becomes a date to work towards. Prospective employers will love seeing this as it will dictate a start date. Mention your relocation date in your cover letters and LinkedIn profile so potential hirers need not ask.
5. Talk With a Local Recruitment Agency
This is a great way to research the local job market. Recruitment companies who work in your area of expertise can give you an idea of the local jobs market, salaries and advise on your CV. Recruiters also will know the area and this can help when relocating.
6. Plan a Trip Before You Move
Telephone and skype interviews are great but there is nothing that rivals face-to-face interviews. If feasible plan one or two trips to where you will be moving to and try to organise as many interviews as possible on these days.
7. Check Offline Advertisements
Local newspapers are a great way of looking at the job marketplace in a new area. You can see if there are many jobs going, which industries are performing well and what level of expertise is normal.
8. Consider Moving without Finding a Job
Once you have decided to move it is a good idea to start planning for it and move regardless. Consider temping to keep you going while you find something else more permanent. Moving can be stressful but following through will be a relief after all the preparation.
9. Use Social Media
Like you have already broadcast on LinkedIn, announce your move on other social sites. You never know who has connection that can help. That college friend you have not spoken to in five years still might come in handy. Using local boards can also is helpful to ask for advice on areas to live in and places to go.
One more thing…
10. Leave With A Bang (in a good way)
Try not to burn bridges, no matter how tempting, and politely bid farewell to everyone. You never know who might have a contact in your new location that can help you move on.
To summarise, when moving, set a date and work toward it. Update your CV and all other profiles to mirror this and do research on the area. Visit, more than once if possible, and talk with local businesses, people and recruitment companies. Use your network to help you settle in and take a leap of faith.
