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Before the age of the Internet, you had to take a lot of risks finding a job in a new city. Oftentimes, finding a job meant walking into business buildings and asking receptionists if the company was hiring. Sometimes that meant you needed to move to the city without a job lined up.
Today, there are job sites aplenty used by employers to post openings. Yes, it's easier to find jobs almost anywhere, but that means it's easier for everyone else, too. And since a lot of employers cater to local talent, if you want to land a job in another city, there are a few things you need to do to make yourself stand out.
Here are five things you should consider during your job search.
Leave your address off of your resume
Physical addresses are only important for people who want to visit you or send you a package. Potential employers won't be doing either of those things, so your email should suffice.
Granted, you should put your phone number on your resume, and your area code may tip your employer off to your location, but putting your state and city on your resume is seen more easily and, thus, passed over.
Be clear on why you want to work in that particular location
Cover letters are a pain to write, but according to a blog post from Career Builder, "Not only is the cover letter an opportunity to sell yourself for the position, but it also is the best way to explain your current situation." Use the cover letter to briefly explain why you're qualified and why you are looking for a job in that city.
If employers see you're endeared to that city, whatever the reason, they'll see you're serious about the job and the commitment to relocating.
Bonus tip: Cover letters set you apart as someone who is willing to put in the extra 30 minutes to write something.
Make connections with current employees
Maybe your location isn't going to give you the leg up in the hiring process, but knowing someone on the inside definitely will. LinkedIn is an awesome way to make connections and network, so use that tool to overcome distance. Find and join some groups on LinkedIn with professionals in your same industry who are based in your desired geography. Don't be shy in reaching out and letting those groups know you're looking to relocate. Someone might know of opportunities.
It is pretty common for non-local candidates to have their resumes tossed aside due to the logistics of relocating a potential new hire and the costs involved. If you're willing to relocate and cover your moving expenses out of your own pocket, it's definitely worth mentioning that in the cover letter (or interview) so that the employer takes that extra cost out of the equation when considering you for the job.
Prep yourself for the move
You don't actually have to sign the contract and pay the deposit on a new place to live, but try to decide on a location in advance. You should also indicate in your cover letter that you are planning on moving to the area where the job is located within the month. That will show your commitment in moving for the job.
Search the job boards in the city or town you're looking to move to
Local job boards and news sites can link you to job openings that have not yet opened up (or may never open up) to national boards. So, if you're certain you want to move to New York City, take a look at a city paper and peruse their jobs section. Doing so will give you a local advantage.
Begin your own job search today on KSL Jobs.