Any tips for job hunting out-of-state?
Hey monkeys,
I'm looking for a job in the SF/San Jose region and wanted to see what other advice you all had to make the process more seamless. So far after looking at forums from advice and talking to my sales coach, I found out:
I need to have my pitch down pat, with a compelling reason that lets it be known I will be in the area permanently. Something more than just, "it's cool".
There's a better chance for me to land a job if I make myself seem local, meaning I get a local number from Google Voice and/or put a local address on resume
Head-hunters definitely make it easier for getting interviews, as the companies will take their word that you want to move out there
Look into your alumi network. @Gentleman and Scholar" mentioned that there's bound to be someone that works into my target industry, and the very least I should connect with them and see if they know a recruiter or open positions within their company
Per @luv2speed" on eating the cost of hotel and flights. Sometimes people cancel or reschedule. That's why it's best to line up multiple interviews in a row to increase odds of success. It's tough, but it can be done!
What other advice did you monkeys have for people searching for out-of-state jobs?
I followed pretty much what you suggested and... - changed address on monster to destination - got local VoIP phone number - changed LinkedIn to destination country/city/state (- that also brought up local jobs on LI)
when I checked facebook I found a few friends who moved to the destination and I spoke to them to figure out the local job market, who to speak to, which recruiter works on what, etc.
re flight costs: I always ate the costs and booked a "vacation" and also went to visit friends, ex colleagues, take company tours, informal meetings, networking (..) - that was very useful and helped build a local network.
edit: couple of things about addresses on resume vs. actual location: a few years back I started to remove my entire address from my resume. Whenever someone in the HR chain asked I just told them a local zip or made up the location and acted like I have lived there forever - "gosh, I wish I wouldn't be near interstate xyz due to traffic..." If a bank or external vetting agency wanted to do a financial background check I gave them my real address and this address doesn't necessarily go back to the line manager or the client! If someone really checks and asks why they don't match I tell them my credit cards and accounts would be at my gf's place. - that question never came up though.
I second this. The phone may not be as necessary -its up to you. You can also open up a PO Box or use a friend/connections address on the resume.
Target bigger companies, they are usually more flexible. Headhunters/staffing, are hit or miss. If your out of state they may disregard you if you cant show up later today, or tomorrow. They range from not flexible to very flexible.
If they insist on meeting when you are not in the city, you can tell them you have x interview in a local city and won't be able to make it. Do not say you are not there yet.
Talk as if you already are in the process of signing your lease during the interviews; it shows that you are committed to moving.