2008 Woodie Awards
The Career Coach: Relocating After Graduation?
Marian Cacciatore
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News
Question:
I want to relocate to a new city after graduation. What advice can you share with me?
~Graduating Senior
Answer:
Relocating to a new city can be difficult depending on your skills, experience and the type of job you are seeking. Without knowing the specifics.
I have listed 10 steps to "jump start" your long distance job search.
Step 1 - Learn as much as you can about the new city.
Make sure you research the cost and quality of living and the local climate. Contacting the Chamber of Commerce, local Visitors Center and conducting Internet research is a good place to start for this type of information.
Step 2 - Generate a list of professional industry associations and organizations in the area.
The local Chamber of Commerce membership directory is a good place to start for this information. Once your list is generated, visit the related company and association Web sites to uncover jobs that may otherwise not be posted.
Step 3 - Make a list of anyone you know who lives in the area OR individuals who work for organizations who may have a branch or office in your new city.
Begin networking with them by contacting them and asking them for any relocation advice. Do not ask them for a job….you will get more valuable information if you begin by seeking their advice.
Step 4 - Create a strategy for relocating.
Developing a timeline for when you'll make the move and then back up dates to determine whether you'll be able to make one or more scouting trips to the area before you relocate.
The ideal would be to make two trips -- one exploratory trip to expand your network, conduct informational interviews, and investigate housing, and a second trip dedicated to job interviews and finalizing details.
Step 5 - Develop a relocation budget.
Can you can afford to make the move if you don't have a new job lined up at moving time?
For lower or entry level jobs, some job seekers have opted to seek temporary jobs with staffing agencies during the initial exploratory visits.
I want to relocate to a new city after graduation. What advice can you share with me?
~Graduating Senior
Answer:
Relocating to a new city can be difficult depending on your skills, experience and the type of job you are seeking. Without knowing the specifics.
I have listed 10 steps to "jump start" your long distance job search.
Step 1 - Learn as much as you can about the new city.
Make sure you research the cost and quality of living and the local climate. Contacting the Chamber of Commerce, local Visitors Center and conducting Internet research is a good place to start for this type of information.
Step 2 - Generate a list of professional industry associations and organizations in the area.
The local Chamber of Commerce membership directory is a good place to start for this information. Once your list is generated, visit the related company and association Web sites to uncover jobs that may otherwise not be posted.
Step 3 - Make a list of anyone you know who lives in the area OR individuals who work for organizations who may have a branch or office in your new city.
Begin networking with them by contacting them and asking them for any relocation advice. Do not ask them for a job….you will get more valuable information if you begin by seeking their advice.
Step 4 - Create a strategy for relocating.
Developing a timeline for when you'll make the move and then back up dates to determine whether you'll be able to make one or more scouting trips to the area before you relocate.
The ideal would be to make two trips -- one exploratory trip to expand your network, conduct informational interviews, and investigate housing, and a second trip dedicated to job interviews and finalizing details.
Step 5 - Develop a relocation budget.
Can you can afford to make the move if you don't have a new job lined up at moving time?
For lower or entry level jobs, some job seekers have opted to seek temporary jobs with staffing agencies during the initial exploratory visits.
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