Where are all the Jobs?: How to Lobby For a Job in a Different State

Friday, July 29, 2011

How to Lobby For a Job in a Different State | Career Rocketeer

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How to Lobby For a Job in a Different State

Posted: 29 Jul 2011 03:30 AM PDT

They say finding a job is a basically a full-time job in itself. Your hours are consumed tailoring your resume, your social networking platforms need to be updated constantly, and you network more than you thought was humanly possible.
However, what happens when your dream job is in a completely different state? Your job search will probably get a little more difficult because you not only have to compete with job seekers in another location, but also you're not in the location, leaving you at a disadvantage.
However, it's still possible to lobby for a job in a different state if you really want it. Here's how:
Do your research. Before anything, it may be a good idea to research as much as you can about the state you would like to relocate to. Can you afford to live there? Will you be okay with a different climate? Can you see yourself there long-term? It's probably better to find out the answers to questions like these sooner than later.
Further, do yourself a favor and look into the company's hiring policies, specifically bringing on people from out of state. Many companies work closely with their communities and would like to have someone on board that knows the area. If you're not that candidate (or don't plan to become that candidate), you may be wasting your time.
Say you are willing to relocate. It may seem obvious to you, but if you don't blatantly indicate that you're willing to relocate, employers aren't going to know. Additionally, many employers may not want to fit your relocation bill, something else you should indicate you're willing to cover.
It may also be a good idea to indicate the areas you're willing to relocate to on your social networking platforms. For example, if you want to move to New York City or Chicago, say so in the biography, status, or about me section of these platforms. So, if an employer looks up your LinkedIn profile, they will have a greater affirmation that you're serious about the position.
Go to the location. This is probably the easiest yet most difficult step when it comes to lobbying for a job. Why? Well, on one hand, you should go to the location to get a real feel of the city. On the other hand, you may have to pound the pavement, networking with people you aren't familiar with. However, going to the location is a necessary step when you want to relocate. It not only shows your dedication to the position, it also gives you the chance to meet with people face to face, an act that could make or break your job search.
Unfortunately, it may take more than one visit to the city of your choice before your job search is complete. Don't get discouraged, though. Like a "normal" job search, things take time. So, be proactive, prepared, and above all ready for a change at any moment.
Have you lobbied for an out-of-state job? If so, how?

Guest Expert:
James Alexander is Vizibility's founder and CEO. He's the guy with two first names. If you 'Googled' his name in 2009, you would never have found him. Now, he ranks within the first few results of a Google search. Find James in Google at vizibility.com/james.