Road Map for Long-Distance Job Searches
By Deborah Walker
Finding a job in the city where you live is hard enough;
trying to find a job hundreds or even thousands of miles away can
be even tougher. Not only are you fighting against the job market
in a city you don’t know, you’re also dealing with
three big challenges:
Challenge #1: Lack of a business network in the new
city
Whether you realize it or not, many job openings are filled
before they even become public knowledge. This hidden job market
consists of business and professional contacts who may let you know
of job openings in their area or even offer you a referral. But how
do you break into the hidden job market in a long-distance job
search?
Solution: A career coach can help you
identify potential networking opportunities even in a long-distance
job search. By developing and using a networking strategy, you will
be able to make meaningful contacts in your chosen city. And
knowing someone in the right company or industry can make the
difference between wanting the job and getting the job.
Challenge #2: Reluctance of employers to choose
outside talent
When an employer can choose among many qualified candidates
who are already local, why should he choose you? Outside talent
actually represents a greater risk to employers for a number of
reasons. Reimbursing relocation costs and ensuring a good fit for
the employee in both the job and the region can be costly. And what
if the employee moves, then doesn’t like the area? How do you
get an employer to take a chance on you?
Solution: A high quality resume can help
showcase how you are actually adding value for the employer above
and beyond the local candidates. A effective resume will:
-
Demonstrate your superior industry knowledge
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Highlight your strong transferable skills
-
Show proof of value through accomplishments with real bottom-line results
Invest in the services of a resume coach to help you craft a
targeted marketing message that gets you noticed as a top candidate
by employers, no matter how many local people apply.
Challenge #3: Long-distance interviews
There are a lot of downsides to long-distance interviews, both
for you and for your potential employer. Someone has to pay the
cost of travel. You have to maintain confidentiality without
arousing your current employer’s suspicions as you take time
off for the interview. And the time involved is much different than
just taking a long lunch. Is it worth it for you to use up your
valuable personal leave for a gamble that might not pay off?
Solution: There are many interview strategies
that can actually help you maintain the confidentiality of your job
search and use the travel/interview time to maximum efficiency.
Hiring a career coach to tailor these strategies to your particular
job search situation can make your job search shorter and more
effective. With the guidance of a career coach, you can minimize
your risk while improving your job search skills.
While no one enjoys embarking on a long-distance job search, there are many ways to make it easier on yourself. Investing in career and resume coach can make your job search easier by providing you with a road map to get you exactly where you want to be. With this valuable tool in your back pocket, you’ll travel the career roads with ease, no matter which city or job you choose. And that type of guidance is always worthwhile.
