Looking for work long distance can be challenging! These seven tips for effective long-distance job searching will help.
Tip #1: Looking for work can be difficult. Looking for work long-distance is even tougher! Fortunately, the Internet makes long-distance job searching easier than it has ever been before. Using a job search engine is a great way to find and apply for job openings in the geographic area of interest. Job search engines like Monster can usually be searched by state or zip code.
There are also many websites dedicated to job openings in a particular locale. A well-constructed Google search should find many of these sites for you. You can also find leads for good sites to use in your search through various directory sites. For example, here is a directory listing of job search sites categorized by state: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/statejobslist/Jobs_by_State_List.htm
Tip #2: Modify your resume to avoid looking like an outsider or to give the impression that it would be costly or time-consuming for a company to move you. If you have not yet moved, and your resume still includes a phone number and address from your current home, your resume will almost always be overlooked for an equally qualified local candidate. When you are targeting a particular geographic area, it is often in your best interest to list a local telephone number on your resume. A very affordable way to do this is to sign up for one of the many VoIP telephone services and request a number that will be local in the area you are moving.
There are also various mailbox and mail forwarding services that will allow you to use an address in the local area to which you are moving, before you actually move there. With a quick Google search, I even found services that will scan and email your postal mail to you, no matter where you are in the world. You may also want to remove the locations of the companies you have worked for from the resume. Just list the company name, your job title, and the dates of your employment to further reduce any red flags that may be raised due to your current location.
Tip #3: Be proactive. Locate and proactively target the companies in the area that interest you. You should certainly post your resume on sites like Monster.com, but don't rely on this technique. It is far too passive. Proactively go after the companies that interest you rather than waiting for them to find you. Try contacting the Chamber of Commerce in the area where you will be moving. They are often an invaluable source of information about companies in the area. Here is a directory of Chambers through the U.S. http://www.uschamber.com/chambers/directory/default.htm The Verizon Yellow Pages is another great source for finding local businesses that you may want to target: http://yellowpages.superpages.com/ Once you have a list of companies that interest you, research each thoroughly and begin networking to get a referral to each.
Tip #4: Subscribe to and read local newspapers. You can also read many newspapers online: http://www.newspaperlinks.com/home.cfm. Besides giving you an insider's view on the local area and the business climate, and giving you a great source of information on local job openings (the classifieds) reading the local newspapers can give you leads on companies you may want to contact or individuals you should be networking with.
Tip #5: Connections will make all the difference! It can be a daunting prospect to network long distance, particularly in an area where you know few people. But, don't let that stop you! Ask everyone you know for names and introductions to people in the area where you are moving. Networking sites like http://www.linkedin.com are another great way to solicit introductions and make connections. Shift from a strategy of sending out resumes to an all-out effort to network and conduct information interviews with people at target companies. Plan a trip to the area and line up a series of informational interviews while you are there. Ask for information, not jobs. Your goal with networking is to gather information, get introductions, and make connections. Networking is the single most effective job search technique and this definitely holds true in a long-distance job search as well.
Tip #6: If you have already moved or are especially anxious to move and need some income immediately, working temporarily as a consultant at a company while you job hunt is a good way to make money, make connections in the local area, and prove your worth. If you have the luxury of taking your time in your job search, you may want to consider doing some volunteer work in the community you have moved to. This is another excellent way to establish the connections you will need to network your way to your next job.
Tip #7: Use a salary calculator to understand the cost-of-living differences. You should be familiar with salaries in the area in which you are looking for work and be aware of how cost-of-living differences might impact your salary negotiations.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Business Articles
Your Fortune is in Your Follow Up!
By: Diana Long | 06/09/2008
Read this article to learn more about how the path to success is consistency in your marketing strategy!
Create True Entrepreneur Success and Security
By: Heather Dominick | 06/09/2008
Did you know your first Energy Point can be found in your body at the base of your spine? This is the area where you house all of your 'security' energy. It is literally about being supported in life. So it makes sense that this will pop up when building a business, right?
Which is Best: Pmp or Mba?
By: John Reiling | 06/09/2008
I have seen many posts out in the forums and blogs wondering whether it is better to go for a PMP or MBA. I think there is great value in both, but I think they serve 2 different purposes. Having earned both a PMP and an MBA, I have some definite thoughts on this, but of course in the end it is a personal decision.
Put Your Children to Work and Reduce Your Taxes
By: Tom Wheelwright | 06/09/2008
What Can Your Children Do For Your Business? As a parent, I'm always looking for ways to teach my children life long lessons about money. One of the best teaching tools I have found is money!
Is Your Marketing Pushing or Pulling People?
By: Jody Gabourie | 06/09/2008
Learn the difference between push and pull marketing, and why you want to use pull marketing in order to build your marketing around constantly and consistently providing value to everyone you come in contact with.
Franchising Tip: Motivate Your Employees!
By: Samantha McCartney | 05/09/2008
Buying a franchise is a great way to become a business owner. In becoming a business owner you will have to learn and practice many different skills to be successful versus just being an employee. In reality you will most likely be transitioning from an employee to an owner/manager. This...
Franchise Marketing: Step it Up a Notch!
By: Samantha McCartney | 05/09/2008
Keeping a steady flow of customers is a task for any franchise owner. You want to keep your current customers and start getting new ones if you want to be a successful franchise owner. Chances are your franchisor provides you with some forms of marketing or advertising. However that may...
Buying a Franchise: Should I Buy Two Different Ones?
By: Samantha McCartney | 05/09/2008
If you are embarking on being a franchisee, you have made a great choice. You will be investing your money and time into something that can bring you great successful personally and financially. You will become your own boss and have great satisfaction in saying you own your own business....
More from Michelle Dumas
3 Essential Interviewing Secrets You Must Know to Quickly Land Your Next Job
By: Michelle Dumas | 27/08/2008 | Business
With an understanding of these three insider interviewing secrets and the preparation that goes along with them, you will have the ability in your next interview to engage in a conversation and paint a picture in the interviewer's mind of exactly how you are the best qualified candidate to meet their needs and help them solve their problems - ultimately winning the job offer.
Is Your Job Search Stressing You Out? How-to Set Realistic Goals
By: Michelle Dumas | 21/08/2008 | Business
Have you been in the job market longer than you expected? Job searching may be stressful, but by resetting faulty beliefs and following some basic, proven goal-setting techniques, you can make it much less so.
How-to Negotiate Your Salary & Get Paid What You are Worth
By: Michelle Dumas | 12/08/2008 | Business
Understanding the process of salary negotiations and following these five simple steps can pay you back many times over with higher compensation in your next position. Know your value and be able to clearly articulate the returns that an employer can expect from hiring you. Never forget that as an employee you are investment.
9 Keys to Job Search & Career Success
By: Michelle Dumas | 02/07/2008 | Business
In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive. But even as the economy slows, and there are increasing numbers of job seekers in the job market, there are many professionals who have been incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. What do they have in common? How are they doing it? Here are nine tips to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.
Benefits of Using Linkedin for Your Job Search and Career Networking
By: Michelle Dumas | 19/06/2008 | Business
LinkedIn is an excellent and very effective networking tool to use in your job search. Here are some simple-to-follow tips to help you make get the most out of your LinkedIn account, generate job leads, and make important connections with hiring authorities and referral sources.
"must Knows" for Working With Recruiters During Your Job Search
By: Michelle Dumas | 13/06/2008 | Business
For most job seekers, conducting a comprehensive job search includesat least to some degreeinterfacing with recruiters (a.k.a., headhunters). But, for many people, this is also one of the most misunderstood aspects of a job search. Here are some quick tips and "must-knows" to demystify the process of contacting and working with recruiters.
The 12 Hour Workday! Enough is Enough! How-to Create More Work-life Balance Now
By: Michelle Dumas | 06/06/2008 | Business
Are you tired of working 10 and 12 and 14-hour days? Do you want more time for yourself or your family? It's okay to admit it! And, admitting that you need more time for things other than work does not mean you are any less professional or any less committed to your work. It simply means that you are setting healthy boundaries to protect your priorities and avoid becoming depleted. Here are some tips to accomplish that.
10 Classic Resume-writing Mistakes to Avoid
By: Michelle Dumas | 03/06/2008 | Business
Is your resume generating disappointing results? Have you been sending your resume for positions that you know you are qualified for, but the phone remains silent? If so, you might want to check it and revise it against these ten common errors.
Business 
