How to Get a Job in Another State – 8 Tips From a Recruiter
I’m frequently asked how to find a job in a different city or state, and there’s a reason why so many people fail to find work before relocating. Here are some tips from a recruiter’s perspective on how to find a job out of state.
Check if Your Current Employer has Jobs in Other Locations
If you’re not currently employed in that area, you can apply for jobs in a new city or state; however, you should first check your current employer’s job listings before applying externally.
Contact Recruiters but Don’t Rely on Them
Recruiters cannot assist most candidates in a job search involving relocation, with the exception of those with a hard-to-find skill that isn’t readily available in the local area; however, you must create your own opportunities and obtain interviews.
Address the Topic of Relocation in your Cover Letter
When applying for an out-of-state job, you need to sound certain about your decision. Don’t just copy and paste generic information into every cover letter; you need to grab their attention and explain why you’re relocating to their city.
Position your Resume for an Out-of-State Job Search
When applying for jobs in a new location, you must avoid location-based discrimination. When reading an out-of-state resume, hiring managers have a major concern. You can put your new location, not your current location, in your resume contact information. Putting your new state on your resume puts a hiring manager’s mind at ease and helps convince them that you’re moving.
Utilize Your Network and LinkedIn Connections
In any job search, getting interviews is difficult, but one of the best ways to get them is to talk to your network. Before you relocate, look through your connections on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, which allows you to filter by a person’s location.
Prepare for Interview Questions about Relocation
You need to sound laser-focused when talking to an out-of-state company about moving; you need to have a specific idea of the type of job you want (and research it beforehand) and demonstrate that their job fits with what you’re looking for.
How to explain wanting to move to a company’s state/city in job interviews:
You must demonstrate why you want to move to their city; the best reasons are family and friends, or the fact that you’ve visited the city several times; if you have a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend who has already made the decision with you, mention it.
How to Handle Hectic Interview Schedules (and the Cost of Travel)
If you’re looking for a job outside of your state, ask how much of the process can be done over the phone or via video interview, and if it’s a higher-level position, travel expenses can also be covered.
“Batch” Interviews Together if You’re Talking to Multiple Companies in a State
Following up with companies you’ve had phone interviews with is always a good idea; perhaps they liked you but wanted to meet you in person. If one company is willing to fly you in for an out-of-state job interview, contact the other companies as well.
Final Thoughts on Getting a Job in Another State
If you follow these steps, you’ll have the best chance of landing an out-of-state job; just remember to be patient and persistent. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance in your interviews, I’ve put together a new step-by-step interview guide.
How do I get a job in another state before I move?
How to get a job in a different state
- Use your network.
- Search online.
- Employ professional social media sites.
- Attend a conference.
- Do your research.
- Sign up for email lists.
- Update your resume.
- Create a cover letter template.
How far in advance should I apply for a job out of state?
In short, I’d recommend starting 3-4 months before you need a job, depending on the economy in the city you’re moving to and how in-demand your skill set is. For the reader above, I actually recommended 2-3 months maximum because Nurses are usually in high demand.
Can you get a job in a state you don’t live in?
Yes, you can apply to any job you want, regardless of location, but it will be easier to find work in a city that is actively looking for outside hires due to a shortage of local talent.
Is it harder to get a job out of state?
Finding a job out of state is more difficult, but not impossible, if you persevere. I’ve had plenty of phone interviews from employers hundreds or thousands of miles away, but getting there for a face-to-face interview is even more difficult, in my experience.
How do you secure a job before moving?
Here are some steps you can take to find work before leaving your current location:
- Apply for jobs.
- Contact a recruiter.
- Build a new network.
- Remove your location from your resume.
- Include your relocation plan in your cover letter.
- Research.
Should I take a job out of state?
If you don’t feel like you’re progressing in your current job and your current city doesn’t seem to offer the right opportunities, you should seriously consider relocating. If you want to work in a specialized field where only a few cities offer the best opportunities, you should seriously consider relocating.
Should I move or get a job first?
If you have cash reserves, it may be easier to move first, settle in, and then start looking for work; if you don’t, you’ll have to start looking for work before you move.
Why is getting a job out of state so hard?
The fact is, you’ve got extra forces working against you that make it difficult to even get a hiring manager to consider you when searching for a job in another city or state.
How do I relocate without a job?
The first step in preparing to move without a job is to make sure you have enough money to live on while you look for work in the new city or town, in addition to all moving-related costs. Consider either six months rent or a substantial down payment, as well as food, living expenses, and utilities.
How do I get hired out of state?
How to Find Work in a Different State
- Check with your current employer. Analyze your resume and cover letter. Choose your job search locations.
- Inform your network.
- Find a Recruiter in the New State.
- Search for Jobs.
- Schedule Interviews Carefully.
Can you work from home in another state?
Many states have reciprocity agreements that allow residents to live in one state and work in another without being taxed twice, so you can probably avoid owing more than you’d like. Doing so makes your move official, and you no longer owe taxes in the state you moved from after the move.
Should I apply for a job if I can’t start for 3 months?
In general, it’s best to start looking as far ahead as possible, keeping in mind that some employers may not want to wait months; for the most part, applying one to three months before you want to move is a good idea.