Moving to a new city is exciting! It offers fresh possibilities and opportunities for growth, development and expansion. It’s also a stressful undertaking, requiring you to learn to navigate new neighbourhoods, find a new place of residence and secure new employment. Job hunting in an unfamiliar metropolis can be a challenge. Should you relocate and then find a job, relying on savings as you search for employment? Should you job search from afar and move once you find work? How do you find work in an unfamiliar location? How do you get noticed and convince potential employers that you’re the right fit for their position? The following are some tips and strategies for finding a job in a new city.
- Do your homework: Research the job market in the new location. Check out companies that are leaders in your industry. Visit the new locale to familiarize yourself with living and working conditions. What pace of life do you observe? What amenities (parks, museums, schools, etc.) are available? Do you know anyone in the area? What is the weather like? Research the local Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association and/or Betterment organizations. This gives you an understanding of who you should get to know when you arrive in person and what’s happening in the new location. Look into service clubs and meetup groups to assist with future networking. Ask them for details about the new location. Information gleaned helps you decide if you truly wish to relocate and, if so, how quickly and easily you may settle in.
- Create business cards: As you are about to meet a number of new people, be prepared to share your specialty and how they can reach you by creating business cards.
- Think broad: Target positions in the desired city and within a radius of that location. Use advanced job search options to help with this endeavour.
- Sign up for job alerts (email and/or text) on company websites as well as job listing sites enabling you to be one of the first applications received.
- Join LinkedIn groups specific to your desired location: This makes it easy to connect with professionals living in the city to which you are relocating and to begin building a new network. Pay attention to the discussions. Search for people working for companies that interest you and introduce yourself.
- Make yourself available for interviews: Be prepared and willing to be flexible regarding interview scheduling. Research the best mode of transportation in advance. Schedule interviews during a time that’s convenient for the interviewer and never cancel at the last minute. If potential employers request a virtual interview, treat it as you would an in-person event.
- Don’t bank on a relocation package: Some companies offer relocation packages (packing service, moving company and insurance coverage, home selling assistance, temporary housing, travel reimbursement, etc.), while others do not. Be prepared to make your own arrangements, if needed.
- Tap your network: Any family, friends, professionals (LinkedIn contacts) and/or college connections (alumni associations) you have in the new city may be helpful. Let them know you intend to relocate and ask for assistance.
- Consider a job transfer: If you work for a large company with offices in a new location, transferring may be an option. Request a transfer to a similar job or a brand-new position within the corporation.
- Be open to a temp, seasonal or freelance job: If your move has a tight timeline, consider working as a temp or taking a seasonal position. A short-term job can take you through till you find full-time work. Consider long-distance freelance work to keep yourself busy and earning during the transition.
- Remove your location from your resume: Recruiters/hiring managers often prefer local job candidates. To increase your chances of being considered for a position, remove your current address from your resume. Instead, add the date of your planned relocation.
- Include your relocation plan in your cover letter: Use your cover letter to let potential employers know about your relocation plan. Briefly explain the reasons for the move.
- Prepare an explanation for your relocation: Prepare to explain during interviews why you’re relocating. Deliver your reasons with confidence and show your enthusiasm and interest in the new city.
- Find a recruiter in the city you’re relocating to: A recruiting agency can connect you to potential employers, advocate for your talent, provide expert advice and help you find a suitable position. They know the local job market; who’s hiring, who’s planning to hire and the open roles that aren’t yet publicly posted. Their extensive networks and strong relationships with client companies, means they know what employers want. They can save you time and money.
Finding the right job in a new city takes time and energy but it’s possible to land a solid position in the new location. Do your research. Have patience. Be persistent and ask for the help of a qualified recruiting agency. Soon you’ll live and work in your new location.
Looking for a new position in a new city? Interested in some expert advice and assistance? Call the Calgary recruiting agency, Equation Staffing Solutions at 1-844-367-9618. We are a reliable, innovative, collaborative agency here to support you in your search for a position and/or personnel. Our experience will assist you! Contact us today.