As CAREEREALISM states, it can be quite the challenge when searching for a job out of state. However, there are several things you should take into consideration before you even begin to prepare to apply non-local jobs.
1. Ability to relocate
The first thing you should think about is your realistic ability to relocate. Many companies will not offer relocation assistance, depending on the level of the position. Take into consideration your finances as well as anything tying you down to your current residence.
Do you have a mortgage?
Do you have enough in savings to cover moving expenses?
Before you jump the gun and start applying to and interviewing for non-local jobs, do yourself a favor and save some time by considering your financial ability to actually pick up and move.
When you understand your abilities and limitations when it comes to relocating, you are better able to have realistic conversations with companies about non-local opportunities.
2. Familiarity with the area
What area are you interested in relocating to and why? This is a huge question that you need to have a solid answer for.
If you are thinking about relocating, I would recommend that you stick to areas that you have been to before. Knowing an area can help you to understand what life would be like there. This can help you to make logical decisions when it comes to relocating for a job. The last thing you would want to happen is for you to pick up your life and move it to another area, only to discover that you hate the location.
For example, I once had a friend from Florida whose heart was set on moving to New York City. Although she had never been there, she had a vision of what living there would be like based on books she had read and movies she had seen. Once she landed a job and moved to the big apple, she suddenly realized that the vision she had of the city was nothing like the real thing. After so much hard work and quite a bit of money spent on landing the job and moving herself from Florida, she ended up taking a loss and relocating back to Florida, only to start her job search over again. Don’t let this happen to you!
3. Connections in the area
One of the things that might have been helpful to my friend who relocated to New York City would have been having connections in the area. It is always easy to adjust to a new place when you have friends or family there to show you around and give you quick tips.
Having connections in a new place could help you to make a long-term home, limiting the chances of you ending up like my poor friend from Florida.
What are some other things you would take into consideration before applying to out of state job opportunities? Please share your tips in the comments below.
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