Moving to another city without a job: Where should I st...

Have you found yourself moving to another city without a job, and now you’re wondering “Where should I start?” In today’s tough economy, personal initiative is more important than ever. It’s not unusual to have hundreds of applications per any available job; so your job is to convince the hiring company that you’re the perfect candidate for the position.

Helpful tips for moving to another city without a job:

• Establish yourself as a local. Many companies prefer hiring locally in order to avoid traveling and relocation expenses.
• Consider using a job recruiter who specializes in your field. Monster.com and theladders.com are good resources to start with.
• Use modern technology to your advantage. Create a LinkedIn profile, then make sure to complete it and indicate that you’re open to job opportunities. This is a great way to network and establish mutually beneficial relationships. It’s also ideal for positioning yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
• Begin networking. Getting a job is sometimes just as much about who you know as what you know. That makes networking extremely important. Join local organizations and associations, get involved, and be open about seeking employment.
• Utilize online resources. Websites like careerbuilder.com, simplyhired.com, indeed.com and snagajob.com can help target your search to the field you’re interested in.
• Update your resume and make it great. Your resume is the first impression you’ll make on potential employers. Make it good. Make them remember you. Sites like resumebuilder.com, resumecompanion.com and resumetemplates.com are good online tools to get you started.
• Set yourself apart from the crowd. If you lock in a person-to-person interview, be prepared to be creative. Hiring executives are normally looking for someone who is sharp, confident, and reliable. Respond to questions quickly and creatively. Research the company ahead of time – know who they are and what they do.
• Prepare for your interview. Think of potential interview questions ahead of time and rehearse how you’ll answer them. And when an interviewer asks if you have any questions, make sure you have smart ones ready. Most people appear more confident when they’re prepared.
• Follow up after the interview. A thank-you note is both common courtesy and a great way to reiterate your interest in the job.   

Moving to another city without a job doesn’t have to be an overly stressful or hopeless endeavor. Get a plan of action ready so once you get there you know where to begin. Know your field of expertise, your target area, and the companies you’re most interested in. Once you’ve made it to the interview process (phone or in person) make it clear that you are, in fact, the right person for the job, that you’re completely committed, and that you’re absolutely worth the risk.