| Finding a Job in a New Town |
| By
Tracy A. Bumpus, CPRW, JCTC |
|
| Securing new
employment is hard enough when you are familiar with the area and are living in
that location, but finding a job in a new town that is far distant from your
present location can be even tougher. The unfamiliarity of the economy, the
geographical layout of the city, the job market, and the local culture can
combine to make for a tremendous hurdle in job searching. |
|
| Some useful tips for
making a relocation-related job search easier: |
|
| If possible, wait
until you get there to get a job. I realize that is not always possible due to
financial situations, but it can make a big difference on finding satisfying
employment. Taking a job without knowing about the area can end up as a
nightmare. You may find yourself working for less than market value, working
for a less than desirable organization, or working in a location that is very
inconvenient or possibly dangerous. |
|
| Subscribe to the
local newspaper as far in advance as possible. You will learn about schools,
crime, jobs, industry, and community direction through the local paper. Watch
the classified ads-not for job openings, but rather to gauge the employment
market and get an idea concerning the demand for your skills. |
|
| Contact the local
Chamber of Commerce. They will send an information packet concerning the
community and local businesses. You can use this information to compile a list
of prospective employers. |
|
| Send a letter of
introduction. Rather than sending your résumé out before you
arrive in town, send a letter of introduction. A letter of introduction is a
document that is similar to a cover letter only longer. It is sent without a
résumé but the content contains much of the same information that
your résumé contains. It will initiate contact and begin
generating interest in your qualifications among employers. |
|
| Do some
informational interviewing over the phone. If you feel comfortable doing so,
contact employers and talk with the HR directors. Ask them for ten minutes of
their time, explain that you will be moving to the area soon, and would like to
know more about the company and the local industry. Do not ask for a job! Only
ask for information. If they say, "We don't have any openings at the present."
you say "That's okay. I'm really just looking for some information at this
time." |
|
| Follow any
networking connections that you have in the area. If you know someone that
already lives in the area, you have a definite advantage. Talk to that person
and get information concerning the community and employment. Give him/her
copies of your résumé to distribute to anyone who might have need
of your talents. |
|
| Work with recruiters
or staffing firms in the new location. A good way to get your foot in the door
is through temporary or contract work. Temporary work will also provide you
with income while you are continuing to look for a job. |
|
| Finding work in a
new town can be challenging, but it is possible. Be organized, stay focused,
exercise diligence and you will succeed! |
| ### |
| Tracy Bumpus, CPRW, JCTC is
Executive Director of RezAMAZE.com, a career services firm that specializes in
working with professionals in the high tech and engineering industries. Mrs.
Bumpus has been published in six national best selling job search books and has
written for the National Business Employment Weekly and Contract Professional.
Mrs. Bumpus can be contacted through her web site at
http://www.rezamaze.com or via email at
tbumpus@rezamaze.com. |
|
