New city, new house, new friends, and a long-distance job search!

When it's time to hit the bricks and find someplace new to live, you're likely to be faced with a long-distance job search, and that means quite a few application rejections – more than you'd get if you were looking for a job close to home. The world is getting smaller all the time, especially with how fast technology changes. That, plus the competitive nature of a global economy, has made it easier to break out of your comfort zone when it comes to your career. 

Reimagining yourself in a new setting – a new city, state, or even country – comes with a unique set of challenges that you have to meet head-on. That's okay, though, because you've hit the long-distance job search jackpot. Here, you'll find five tips for conducting your long-distance job search that will help turn the sound of crickets into a ringing cell phone. 

Why is a long-distance job search so hard?

Competition is keen amongst people who are local to the job you're applying to, making it so much harder for you to land an out-of-state job. Not only that, but employers are left with a few questions when they get an application from someone outside their geographical radius.

  • Did this job seeker apply for this job by mistake?

  • How long after we decide to hire this person will it take for them to start working?

  • Will this candidate expect us to pay their relocation fees?

  • What if we hire this person and they decide they don't like living here?

That's a lot to overcome! Here's how you do it.

1. Know your industry

During your long-distance job search, start by combing through online trade journals and magazines to develop a rough target list of companies in your new locality. Then, check out the websites of the companies you're interested in to learn how long they've been in business, their average annual earnings, each company's standing in the marketplace, and who's in charge.

If you can relay details about your new location and the company you'll be working for, you can head off any questions about whether you intentionally applied for a long-distance job. Check out sites like Glassdoor for company reviews and Dun & Bradstreet and Plunkett Research for market data about prospective companies.

2. Know your availability

Sure, you want to jump right in and start applying to out-of-state jobs. But first things first: Figure out a time frame when you can actually move. 

  • Are you selling your house first? 

  • Are your kids down with being uprooted in the middle of the school year? 

  • How many loose ends do you have to tie up before you can rent your moving truck?

  • Are there projects at your current job that you have to finish first? How long will that take?

Be prepared to have an honest conversation with yourself and prospective employers about your availability time frame. 

3. Know something about the people you'll meet

Dig into the wellspring of information you'll need to gather about potential colleagues by checking out websites of companies in your industry, finding names, and Googling them or searching for them on LinkedIn. 

Forging solid connections with prospective leads will be easier when contacting people you already know who may know someone who knows someone. With some effort and a little luck, your LinkedIn connections can make six degrees of separation seem more like two. 

You can also try to conduct an informational interview  – a technique meant not to ask for a job but to tap into intel such as industry jargon, an organization's culture, and insider tips – because there's just no substitute for familiarity in an unfamiliar place.

Related: The 8 Best Questions to Ask at an Informational Interview

4. Know how to get to the top of the hiring list

Face it: During your long-distance job search, you're an outsider. You know you want to bridge the gap between contacts and your extended network. To do it, you must overcome any perceived objections in order to re-establish yourself in your field. 

Emphasize the positive: your relevant skills and experience, your determination and ability to conquer challenges, your flexibility and comfort level with learning new things, and your enthusiasm for relocating to the desired city. Let them know this isn't just a thing of whimsy. You've given it great thought and are ready to jump in with both feet. 

5. Know the location

Once you feel sure of your destination, continue to make yourself familiar with the local community when you apply for jobs out-of-state. Social media can be a big help when checking out the local scene, identifying thriving businesses, and strategically tagging upcoming events.

City-Data.com will give you insights into the local economy, demographic data, crime rates, and job prospects. Peruse the hometown newspaper – they're not as much a thing of the past as people think. Attend local events and start getting your name known in local circles. 

Recruiters and staffing agencies can be your friends! Connect with someone who helps people navigate the local job market. As they say, most people land jobs based on who they know. Go get to know some people. 

Long-distance job search, infinite possibilities

Whether you are just starting out or have years of relevant experience under your belt, if you're applying for jobs out of state, infinite opportunities abound. With some leg work and a little know-how, your next career move may be your best move.

Click on the following link for more job-search advice.

TopResume's professional resume writers can help make sure your resume and cover letter prove you're the best person for a job – at home or thousands of miles away. Ready to make a move? Let us help with your resume!

This article was originally written by Elaine Boylan. It's been updated by Marsha Hebert.

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