Applying For An Out-Of-State Job

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Your job search might alert you to opportunities far from your hometown. While you are willing to relocate, many companies are hesitant to interview, let alone hire, out-of-state applicants.

If you want to relocate out-of-state or away from your hometown, realize many companies will not pay for relocation in the current economic environment unless they cannot find a local candidate. Here are a few techniques you can use to increase your chances for an out-of-state job:

• Find a mailbox company (or a friend) with an address perceived as within the commuting distance for the job. Also, get a phone number (use Skype or Google Voice) to get a phone number that is in the area code where the job is.
• In the cover letter, mention although you are currently working in another city, you have begun the transition to the new location. This is true if you have established an address and phone number in the new city.
• I do not recommend that your resume list name, email address and phone number only. That bare-bones information can get you eliminated from the application, since the company will assume you are hiding something.
• In the cover letter or email that accompanies your resume mention that you are open to relocation. Even better, if you already have plans in place to move to the state, let the company know when you will be a resident.
• The easier you make your relocation for the company involved, the more likely they will be to consider you. You may want to consider paying for your own transportation to the interview.

Of course, the most important consideration is your resume and cover letter highlight the skills, accomplishments and experience that companies in your target state are looking for.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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3 Comments

1. 

   Natasha

   May 4, 2013 at 10:26 PM

   I have been doing all these things except for getting a phone number that’s local. With everybody having cellphones as their primary phone these days, I really don’t think a non-local number is a big deal.

   Having said that, I have run into A LOT of companies that won’t even give me a chance. I finally changed my resume and cover letter so that it has my new address on it (I already have housing lined up) and made reference in my cover letter that I’m currently still working in Georgia and am attempting to procure employment while in the process of relocating.

   Reply
2. 

   Blakqween

   March 14, 2013 at 11:54 PM

   I have been applying for out of state and there have been something i was not doing right. Thank you for this info

   Reply
3. 

   vld

   March 12, 2013 at 4:21 PM

   I am extending my job search to out of state; this was helpful information.

   Reply