Tips for the Long Distance Job Search
Long distance job hunting is even more difficult than just plain old job hunting. Especially in times such as these when budgets have been cut to the bone, companies are less interested in looking for candidates outside their general vicinity. Nevertheless, there are some people—for example moving to the area because a spouse’s job is relocating, or just want a change in scenery– looking for jobs outside of their current location. Here are some tips for increasing your exposure.
1. Highlight your specialization.
If you are looking for a job in a high demand city, like New York City, the problem you will face is that NYC already boasts just about any skill set a company will need. Therefore, your best bet for getting noticed is to be very specialized or have high demand skills.
If you are not specialized, then….
2. Be a network building pro.
The reality is most jobs come from networking. So it makes sense that you need to build a strong network within the area you wish to relocate. These need to be strong networking relationships, not 300 of your closest acquaintances through LinkedIn. Your network should include people who can attest to your work performance or you as a person, and would recommend you for an open position. Start with people you know. If you do not know anyone in that area, look for association meetings to connect—ideally in person, but if not in person then virtually. Also, look for location-based groups to connect with via the Internet. Have conversations with people; let them get to know you. Once they get to know you they will want to help.
If you are striking out on the networking front…………
3. Relocate first.
If you are not having any luck in your job search but are still fully intent on moving to a specific area, then sometimes you just have to take a blind leap and move. You will increase your accessibility factor greatly. Why would someone fly you in for an interview when there are plenty of local people who could do the job? This is one of those life decisions that you will need to enter into cautiously, and after analyzing all the pros and cons. Even moving may not be enough to help land you the job that you are looking for. You have to be ready, if necessary, to adapt to short term solutions in order to meet your financial obligations.
If you are relocating to a lower demand area………
4. Market yourself as a big catch from the big city.
If you have your sights set on moving from the Big Apple to Tulsa, the best tactic will be to present yourself as having big-city know-how that the prospective company can benefit from. Your potential roadblock will be the perception (or reality) that you are too expensive. Being more open about your salary requirements will assist in overcoming this potential hurdle.
Good luck job hunting!
November 14th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
BEST ARTICLE EVER. HOPE I LAND A JOB SOON ANYWHERE IN THE USA
FRANCISCO FDT
OBJECTIVE: Seeking for an Accounting position where my education and work experience can be fully utilized in attaining company goals.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Major: Accounting)
Laguna College of Business & Arts (1981) Philippines
Certified Public Accountant Philippines
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
March 2008 to Present SYNAGOGUE ACCOUNTANT-
Southern California Nessah Educational & Cultural Center
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
June 22 2005- July 31 2007 ACCOUNTANT
Elias Aziz Lavi CPA Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Duties: Responsible for Accounting Data Classification & Journal Entries using
Quick books Enterprise 07. Tax Preparation for Individuals, Partnerships, C & S-Corp
using Lacerte 2005/2006/2007
PHILLIPPINES:
Nov 2003 - FINANCE MANAGER
Jan 2005 Testech Inc. Philippines
Duties: Directed and oversaw the full spectrum of routine financial and management accounting, including the day to day bookkeeping functions, preparation of local statutory accounts, and maintenance of a clean set of Financial Statements detailing every item on the balance sheets and profit & loss statements including variances to forecast through executive reports, General office administration, human resources, information technology and facilities administration. Managed office staff of 9
Nov 2002 - FINANCE MANAGER
Mar 2003 Fastech Synergy, Ltd. Philippines
Duties: Responsible for overseeing treasury functions and coordination with bankers. Supervised reconciliation of all bank accounts and adjusting entries. I Handled credit, approval, collection and control, service price and gross margin percentage settings.
May 1997 - COST ACCOUNTING SECTION HEAD
Nov 2002 Integrated Device Technology Philippines
Duties: Preparation of “forward looking” budgeted financial statements through quarterly cost forecasting based on a 6 quarter, 26 work week volume loading, product mix, and equipment transfer and wafer inventory plans. Monitoring and analysis of actual expenditures against forecast thereby identifying deviations from plans and arriving with recommendations for improvement and cost savings measures
TECHNICAL SKILLS: Proficient in Yardi Management Software, Quickbooks enterprise 09, Lacerte 05/06/07/08/09, Rakefet, SAP, CostSys, MS Word, Access, Excel and Internet.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Excellente Sir,