04/15/2016
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Oddly enough, even people who know better make these simple mistakes when they look for a job in a new city. A hiring manager told me that she just hired for a position. The first few candidates were not local, she immediately discarded these. She never even looked twice at them. And, yet, she herself was looking to move and was seeking a job in a city 60 miles away. She told me that she'd looked for a year for that job, applied to dozens of jobs without even a nibble at her very nice résumé. She said that she had cried several nights into her pillow with frustration feeling she somehow was not good enough to be considered.
I told her she knew better. She is an excellent candidate, but she's being eliminated before they look hard at her.
Tip #1: Make sure you have a local address on your résumé. It's very simple, people want to have an easy time interviewing and hiring. They frequently discard non-local candidates because the interview process is longer--snarled in delays in getting candidate in town--and they feel these distant candidates don't have a connection to the community and will leave as easily as they arrive.
Use a local address. Use the address that you intend to move to if possible, if not use the address of a friend or a local post office box. Or don't include an address at all.
This tip alone can increase your responses dramatically.
Tip #2: Consider building local ties. Local ties can be memberships in organizations. Join professional organizations like young professional organizations, or join social clubs like Toastmasters.
Pay particular attention to organizations that tie to the job. If the job entails a lot of networking, then join a networking group. If the job involves social work, follow a local organization on LinkedIn.
If the organization can get your face in front of the hiring manager (even if only your LinkedIn profile picture) that's even better. You want to build a relationship.
Connect to people who live in the area. Professional connections are best, but social connections have value too. Social connections show that you are serious about this move. Even signing your child up in little league can show commitment. Make sure that the Professional Connections are listed on your résumé, and make sure that professional and social appear on your LinkedIn profile.
Tip #3: Make sure that at least one of the references that you provide is local. Using a local reference shows you have connections to the area.
If possible that local connection should be a non-relative, and a current connection. Make sure that this reference is aware that you are in the process of moving or are already moved. They need to know that you can start immediately. Both professional and social references are good. (As always, ask your reference what exactly they will say).
Source: Ezinearticles.com.
Susan Riehle is an author & speaker, artist, engineer, business founder x 2, and teacher,. She writes and speaks on career advice, business and entrepreneurial topics. She captures these experiences to convey the lessons of a full life and a productive, satisfying life--encouraging others to run, not walk and inhale deeply the oxygen of living. Susan's new Amazon #1 Best Seller Kindle book about job hunting, interviewing and negotiation, Make Me an Offer I Can't Refuse, is available exclusively on Amazon.
© 2016 Susan RiehleThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.