9 Tips for Conducting a Remote Job Search
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors & CMO, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
Looking to move to another city, state, or country?
Trying to secure a job before you move there can feel daunting. It doesn't have to. If you follow these tips, you can jump-start your search, and maybe even land a position before you move.
Tip #1: Choose a single location. You can't conduct a targeted job search if you don't know where you want to work. Saying, "I'm open to moving anywhere," or, "I have a few places in mind," means you can't focus your efforts properly. You must pick one and get down to the business of building the right strategy for that job market.
Tip#2: Set a "move by" date. Hiring managers and recruiters won't take you seriously if you tell them you are planning to move there once you get a job. You need to start saying, "I'll be there by ___ date," so people know you are committed to the move.
Tip #3: Create a targeted "bucket list" of at least ten companies you want to work for. Identify the businesses that are doing really impressive things in your field, industry, area of expertise, etc. and do your homework on them. Learn as much as you can about their operations in the area you want to locate to.
Tip #4: Identify five people at each organization to connect with. You need to meet people at the companies on your bucket list so you can learn about the organization and what it might take to earn a position there. These people can also guide you on any unique aspects of the job market in your chosen location as well. Reach out via social media or email and introduce yourself. Let them know you are relocating to the area and were hoping to learn more about it so you could prepare yourself for you job search. Many people love to act as the 'Welcome Wagon' to their town and will be willing to share with you.
Tip #5: Join virtual groups designated to the local area. Many national associations have local chapters. Those chapters often start groups on Linkedin, or have local websites. Contact them and become a member. This will give you access to fellow professionals you can try to connect with and offer the inside scoop on what's happening at the local level in your profession.
Tip #6: Turn connections into meetings. As you connect with people who work for companies on your bucket list, let them know when you'll be in town and invite them to coffee - your treat. Try to schedule as many of these as possible. The more people you meet face-to-face, the more likely they will be to recommend you for a role at their company if one comes available.
Tip #7: Plan a trip to your location specifically for job search. Setting up a week, or at least a few business days in the near future will give you a reason to say, "I'll be in your area that week and was hoping to meet with you." Plus, it will motivate you to get in gear and try to fill the visit with as many networking meetings as you can.
Tip # 8: Save six months worth of living expenses for when you move. Even if you don't have a job by the time you move, if you've done the tips above, you should have a good start on the process. However, that doesn't mean you'll land a job right a way. Be sure to have enough funds to support you so you can search without feeling overwhelmed by finances.
Tip #9: Go all in. If you really want to relocate, you need to commit to the entire idea. No turning back. People can feel your hesitation. You need to be 110% ready to move and make sure it shows. That way, those you meet will sense you mean it and be more willing to assist you. Nobody wants to help someone professionally who might change their mind at the last minute and make them look bad.
What other tips can you suggest for a successful remote job search?
I'd love to see your ideas in the comments below.
If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.
P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of a popular career advice site,CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program,CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!
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CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here !
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9yThank you for this post. I am currently in the process of relocating from Atlanta to Los Angeles. As an Independent Contractor, I completed contracts with my Atlanta clients and did not renew any projects due to constraints with project length. Explaining relocation and a new job search has been a daunting task. The way this structure is outlined definitely makes this process seem doable. Finally, a battle plan! Thank you!
SVP Patient Integration at MEDx eHealthCenter.BV
9yI found it was easier and more successful to reach out and connect for positions in a foreign country than to attempt to interview for local positions.
Writer & Former Creative Writer
9yThanks for the valuable information.
Lawyer,Writer,Entrepreneur
9yThank you so much for valuable informations and insights you give us,i am the one who has such a move in mind,but no way to realize a dream yet;there is a obstacle-financial nature which prevents many from reaching their goals.Anyway i am passionate about desire to change my life,and one of your suggestions i accomplished today,finding some groups here to correspond to my interest.