Follow tips for landing job in a new city
Thinking about applying for a job in a new city? It’s done every day, but it’s anything but a simple career move. Even if the city offers many high potential jobs, don’t let your enthusiasm cloud your reasoning. There is a lot to consider and many variables to check out. In short, do your homework so you are not harboring any doubts.
This is especially important if the move involves a spouse and children. Keep in mind, you’re not just taking a job in another city, you’re also making a major lifestyle change. Everybody involved in the change has to be on board.
Career website Glassdoor.com offers the following tips to assure a successful move:
• Speak to your connections. There’s a good chance that you know a few people in the city you are considering moving to. Speak to them and let them know you are looking for a new position, stated Glassdoor.
You may be pleasantly surprised to discover other potential job avenues. Or they may be willing to introduce you to business owners they know, and arrange interviews. Personal recommendations provide an immediate leg up on your competition. Additionally, they may be able to help you with other aspects of your move, such as finding a place to live.
• Consider job options. The goal is to locate organizations that offer an effortless commute. That’s not always possible, especially if you’re considering a highpowered job that’s an hour away from your new living quarters. How great it is to be able to live within walking distance or a short bus or train ride from your workplace. Before seriously considering a job, find out what kind of a commute you’ll have. The better you know the city, the better your chances of avoiding commuting issues.
• Sign up for email alerts. Many career sites offer email alerts, which offer not only information about specific jobs but also about the location of the company. This is priceless information for candidates considering relocating to the new city. A company may make you a salary offer you can’t refuse. It may be substantially higher than what you’re earning. Additionally, there may be performance bonuses, and opportunities for advancement. These are all powerful inducements which have to be weighed against other important factors such as the cost and standard of living of the city you’re considering moving to, all of which impact your disposable income. Email alerts, for example, can provide data on the cost of living in the cities you’re considering. This is valuable information because cost of living statistics is always changing. Most important, the cost of living varies dramatically in cities throughout the U.S., which means annual salaries are relative, and must comfortably cover your living expenses in the new city you choose to build your career. For example, the five most expensive cites to live according to Inc. magazine are San Francisco, California; New York City; San
Jose, California; Oakland, California; and Washington, D.C. And Glassdoor ranks the following cities as the top five locations for jobs: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
St. Louis, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Hartford, Connecticut.
• Interview availability. Be ready for online interviews, and when possible, face-to-face interviews. In fact, it’s to your advantage to go out of your way, within reason, to be available for one-on-one interviews. Many employers insist on interviewing candidates in person. Others are more flexible and are amenable to interviews via Skype. If you do a Skype interview, make sure you are dressed professionally as if it were an in-person interview.