6 Steps to Relocating for Work

TheMuuj

If you’re struggling with your job search and feel you’ve exhausted every lead provided by your local network, it may be time for you to broaden your horizons. The world is a big place filled with lots of opportunities; why would you limit your career options to a single city? Of course, when we suggest that you relocate to find work, we’re not suggesting that you just pack a duffel bag and set off into the great unknown. Relocating to find work demands careful planning, especially if you have a family. These six steps will aid you in your long-distance job search as you contemplate a new life abroad.

1- Research your target locations

The first thing you need to do before you relocate to find work is figure out what areas best fit your personal and professional needs. For example, a rural town known for its farming community may not be the best target location for a software engineer who’s allergic to hay. Climate, culture and cost of living are all important factors to consider, and there are a number of online resources, such as AM’s destination archive, that can aid you in your research. You should also seek counsel from your contacts abroad, if only to let them know you’re looking to relocate to find work.

2- Determine your job opportunities

Once you’ve selected a few locations and advised your extended network that you’re willing to relocate to find work, assemble a list of job prospects, making sure to include recruiting agencies and companies with branches near you. You can get this information online by visiting area-specific job-search websites or by searching through your target city’s virtual phone book. Don’t be shy about cold-calling potential employers to see if they have an opening. You can even offer to do a preliminary phone interview to spare yourself an unnecessary trip.

3- Investigate the legal requirements

Should you land a position overseas, it’s imperative that you acquire all the necessary permits and visas before your official date of employment. That’s why you should always start the legal process as early as possible when you relocate to find work. Determine every document and authorization you’ll need to start a new job in your target location, and draw up the paperwork in advance. Keep in mind, however, that you may not be able to complete this task until an employer has made you an official offer.

4- Establish a budget and timetable

If you followed our previous tips on how to relocate to find work, you should have all the information required to establish a comprehensive strategy for your job hunt. Your strategy will largely deal with determining when you hope to move and how much money you can set aside for travel expenses, security deposits, unforeseen complications, and of course, long-distance communication. Keep in mind that it may take you longer than you expect to secure a position, so make sure you can afford your rent or mortgage in both your old and new locations if need be.

5- Plan an initial recon trip

Don’t rely solely on long-distance research to select your new location. There’s only so much you can learn through internet articles and third-party accounts. That’s why it’s important to visit your target city at least once before you relocate to find work. You need to make sure the area suits your personal needs as well as your professional ones, so try to get a sense of the culture, and make a point of checking out housing. You should also schedule your trip to coincide with a local career fair if you can, and try to fit in a few job interviews.

6- Plan a second logistics trip

At this point, you should be confident of where you want to relocate to find work. The purpose of this second expedition is to finalize any remaining details regarding the logistics of your move and to secure a worthy job offer. As such, you should contact every employer and recruiter on your list of prospects and set up as many formal interviews as possible in order to spare yourself multiple trips. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the company is willing to pay for your travel expenses, but make it clear that you’re making an inquiry, not a request.

Broadening your career horizons

These six tips will help you relocate to find work. However, you should keep in mind that long-distance job hunts are usually uphill battles. Employers are often reluctant to even consider candidates from out of town because of their limited availability for job interviews and the cost of their eventual relocation, should they be selected. That’s why it’s important that you remain flexible in your objectives. Don’t dismiss any offer before giving it careful consideration, and always keep your options open. You’re about to start a new life, after all.

Provided by AskMen.