RE: Long Distance Job Hunting

[Janet Valade <janetv -at- systech -dot- com>]

I think some of the answers depend on the individual circumstances. For
instance, where do you want to move? Some places have such a great job
market that there is no need to get the job first. Just move, then find a
job. For instance, the San Francisco Bay area or Boston. 

Are you looking for a job that will pay your relocation? I have found that
to be difficult. Many places don't seem to want to. They also seem to assume
that you expect them to. So, if you don't need moving assistance, you need
to make it clear immediately that you are planning to pay your own moving
expenses.

Another is the difficulty of the move. Most people that are hiring probably
own homes, have children in school, etc. so that moving is a major,
time-consuming ordeal.  And they think of it that way for potential
employees. They may have to wait quite a while for someone to actually start
working. They weigh that into the equation when selecting new hires. If
moving is not such an ordeal for you, it helps. I found that when I stated
up-front, in my cover letter, that I was an apartment dweller and that
moving was a simple, minor thing for me, I got many more responses.

However, I have a friend who has done this twice. The company paid the
moving expenses, temporary housing costs, gave him time, etc. The first time
he moved, the housing market was down. He went ahead and his wife stayed to
sell the house. They never got a decent offer so, in about 7 months, he quit
and moved back. Even after that, another company about 2 years later, hired
him and moved him from one coast to the other. Very generous moving. At this
time, the housing market was a little better and he was able to get out of
his house. So, I guess to some extent, it depends upon the uniqueness of the
skills you offer and the conditions in the job market you are moving to.
Partly a question of luck, too, I'm sure. And probably the type of company.
Large, established companies are more likely to have policies, procedures,
and money for hiring relocaters.

I think jobs advertised on the Internet are from companies who are more
likely to look favorably on people in distant areas. When you post on the
Internet, you know you are advertising to the entire country. People who
only post job ads in the local paper are possibly deliberately limiting
their advertising to local folks. But, you never know. Also, sometimes you
can change minds.

Janet

Janet Valade
Technical Writer
Systech Corporation, San Diego, CA
mailto:janetv -at- systech -dot- com