OUT OF STATE INTERVIEWS

The ease with which you can secure an out-of-state position depends on a variety of factors, including your marketability. If you’re in a high-demand field, with the right credentials, you shouldn’t have any problem getting potential employers to pick up your travel costs for interviews and cover relocation expenses if hired.

Finding a position in a lower-demand field will require a more creative approach. If you have a preference for a specific city that both interests you and has the kind of positions you are targeting, do your homework and consider moving to that location to conduct your search from there.

In any event, the following tips should increase your chances of conducting a successful long-distance job search campaign:

• Put together an excellent marketing package: impressive resume, targeted cover letters and a portfolio, if relevant.

• In your cover letter, always state unequivocally that you are moving to that city. This will help to dispel concerns that you may be mass mailing and not serious about relocating to that specific locale.

• Take advantage of the internet to get to know your target cities and employers in great detail that in the past would have only been available by being there.

• Use family, friends, alumni of your college and any other potential contacts to gain useful information and to start a network in your destination city.

• Join a national professional association in your field and contact the local chapters, assemblies, or affiliates in the cities you’re considering for information and leads.

• At the very least, plan at least one visit to each target city, at your own expense if necessary, and set up interviews with employers of interest.

Your best bet is to hook up with anyone you know who lives in that area. If you don’t have family or friends there, tap your college alumni association for potential contacts. Even if you don’t know them personally, most fellow alums should be more than happy to share insights about the area. Navigating the job-market maze in a different city will be much easier if people living there can offer their eyes and ears to your job search.

Join a professional association related to your field that has chapters both near your present home and in the desired city you want to move to. This network can prove extremely helpful. Develop a target list of potential employers that fit the profile you’re seeking. Then check out their websites for employment opportunities and contact information. Work on polishing your presentation to strongly articulate your strengths as a candidate.

Make it clear that you definitely are moving to their city, as employers sometimes are reluctant to hire recent college graduates from out of state. If at all possible, a well-planned visit will enhance your chances of receiving an offer.