Considering Relocation? 10 Tips to Ease Your Transition

Is the job market in your city stale?  Are you looking for a change?  Consider relocation.  The advent of the internet has made looking for a job nearly anywhere in the world a pretty straightforward process. If you are willing and able to relocate, the world is at your feet.

Nervous?  A few tips to calm your nerves:

• If you can, choose a new city with more than one strong industry.  You may already have your dream job lined up, but new jobs can be volatile.  Make sure you will have other options should your employer or job disappear.
• Read local newspapers online. Get to know the community, its employers and economic outlook, especially job prospects in your field.
• Find out the salary range in your new city, and make sure it matches up well with housing prices.  A big pay raise can turn into a pay cut if the average two bedroom apartment rents for $3000 a month.  As a general rule, your income should be three times your rent.
• Consider a short-term rental.  It may take you a little while to settle into a permanent position.  A commute that seems fine on paper may turn into a 3 hour nightmare in rush hour traffic.  Make sure you’re comfortable with your new neighborhood before making a long-term commitment.
• Make sure your resume reads well in any city. Focus on accomplishments, de-emphasize individual employers, and don’t use industry jargon that may not translate well to other markets.
• Research large employers in the area. What products and services do they sell?  Do they have a new contract? Are they introducing a new product? Have they acquired another company?  Visit their online press rooms and read the business section of the local paper.
• Do you have friends or past business contacts in the area? Ask for their help.  Visit your new city, meet up with friends, and start networking right away.  Take every opportunity to meet new people and learn more about your new environment.  People like to show newcomers around.  If a prospective employer or coworker invites you to try out a restaurant or neighborhood, say yes!
• Do you have to move right away?  Perhaps you don’t have the luxury of looking elsewhere while still employed where you are.  Consider temporary or contract work in your field, while you build your resume and make business contacts.
• Do you have a spouse and/or children?  Consider their work prospects, schools, and overall quality of life.  Make sure your new city will work for your whole family and if at all possible, bring them along on your visits.  If you can’t afford to bring them with you, take pictures of your new neighborhood, bring home brochures for area attractions, and ask about coworkers with children their age.
• Don’t be afraid!  Moving is never fun, but it can be a great adventure.  Do your research and visit once or twice before committing, but don’t be afraid to make your move.