Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search

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Have a certain location in mind you would like to work? Are you open to relocation for an internship or full-time job? If so, this blog has you covered! Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for a long-distance search and how you can make sure you are getting noticed by employers.

Research the area.

If you are location bound, you know just the place to start searching for a job! Just don’t forget to filter by “location” so you can narrow your search. If you are open to relocation on the other hand, it is important to find out where you are willing to go. Do you see yourself somewhere warm all year round? Or how about a city versus a rural area? Reflect on what is most important to you! If you are interested in global cities or cities in the U.S., check out GoinGlobal’s “Career Guides” tab for more information on what it is like living there (i.e. city overview, financial considerations, cultural advice, etc.). Access GoinGlobal through your Handshake account by searching “GoinGlobal” in the search bar of Handshake’s Resource Library. Doing this research can help you feel more acclimated when you move to a new place.

Know the industry.

Whether you are location bound or open to relocation, make sure you know the engineering “hotspots.” This refers to locations that are in higher demand for certain engineering roles. You may find trends that indicate certain industries tend to be concentrated in various areas geographically. The “Employers” tab in Handshake is just one of the resources where you can learn about the different locations of a certain company. This is often found in the “About” section.

Know the expenses.

Are you considering a location that has a higher cost of living than where you reside currently? Not sure? Look no further than the cost of living calculator which gives you a breakdown of price differences in multiple areas such as housing, groceries, and health care. Additionally, if relocation costs are not included in your offer, this is another expense that can add up quickly.

Mention your relocation in your resume and cover letter.

For the resume, include “open to location” at the end of your objective statement. This way the reviewer not only knows what position you are seeking, but where you are willing to work. For the cover letter, mention it in your first paragraph after you list the position you are applying to. One sentence or two sentences here will do as you don’t want to draw away from expressing your interest and relevant skills.

Network, network, network.

If you take away one success tip from this blog, remember to network! Start by using your personal networks by asking them if they know of anyone that lives in the area you are interested in. Once you have identified someone, ask if they can introduce you to this individual or for their contact information. Bonus if they are within your industry! Having these conversations can help you learn about their transition to the area and maybe even lean about companies who are hiring. If you do not have any connections in your location of interest, utilize the LinkedIn alumni tool to find Ohio State alumni that are working in that area. Connect with them and ask how they like living there, the work they do, and any other job search tips they might have to offer. One last strategy is to attend virtual employer hosted events/info sessions if you are unable to travel to your targeted area. You never know what opportunity may be presented to you!

Plan a visit.

Never visited the location you are targeting? Plan a trip during one of your school breaks to check out the area. This can also be a great opportunity to meet up with those that you have relationships with, or whom you have been connecting with since you started your search. Hold an informational interview with this person and offer to buy them a cup of coffee for their time if you would like!

Now that you know the steps to take when conducting a long-distance job search, plan out what you need to do next. Remember to set reasonable goals along the way. And if you are not sure how to plan that next step, ECS is here to assist!

“Go where you feel the most alive.” - Unknown