How To Get a Job Before You Move in 7 Steps (With Tips)

Moving to a new location is an exciting decision that offers many possibilities and opportunities for growth and development. When you decide to move out of your current area, you may have a lot of questions about the best ways to conduct a job search and get a job before you move. Learning about finding a job before moving may help you alleviate stress and secure employment before leaving your current position and area.

In this article, we explore the benefits of finding a job before moving, outline how to get a job before you move and share some tips to help with your job search.

Benefits of finding a job before you move

There are several benefits you may enjoy when you find a job before you move to a new area, including the following:

Saves money

If you wait to move until you find a new job, you can start earning money right away. This can help pay for rent and expenses that may have been more challenging to afford if you moved without a job. For example, it can help you maintain your savings rather than using it to cover costs while you wait for a company to hire you.

Gives you comfort

Securing a job before you move to a new city may help reduce the stress of relocating. By getting a job ahead of time, you can move in without having to think about whether you can find a job. This can give you comfort and ease your mind.

Allows you to plan ahead

Once you know where you're going to work, it's easier to plan exactly where it's best for you to live. For example, it can help you plan your commute to determine the areas in which it may be convenient for you to live. Also, knowing your salary before moving can help you decide how much you can budget for rent or a down payment on a property.

Related: How To Find a Job in a New City

Makes it easier to secure housing

Many rental companies require you to have proof of income to rent an apartment, home or condo. Your offer letter for your new job can serve as proof of income and help you secure housing more easily. Having additional income lined up may also help you determine your budget for costs associated with moving, such as new furniture or moving assistance.

How to get a job before you move

Here are some steps you can take to get a job before you move out of your current area:

1. Research.

2. Contact a recruiter.

3. Build a new network.

4. Remove your location from your resume.

5. Include your relocation plan in your cover letter.

6. Apply for jobs.

7. Prepare an explanation for your relocation.

1. Research

Before you begin your job search, research areas where you would like to move. Collect information about the job markets and potential companies where you may want to work. It may be helpful to contact the local chamber of commerce and economic development offices to get an idea of the employment outlook in each new area. You can also start researching the salary differences between your current city and the locations that interest you.

Use your research to compare the cost of living, then try to decide where you want to live. Consider planning a weekend trip to the new city to see how you like the area. If possible, set up informational interviews for your first trip to maximize your time and gain useful information about possible job opportunities.

Related: How To Decide Whether You Should Move for a Job

2. Contact a recruiter

Once you've decided on a location, contact recruiters who work for companies in your industry in the city where you're moving. A recruiter is a useful resource to help you learn about jobs in your new state or area. They may know about companies that are hiring and provide you with insight into a company's culture, benefits and starting pay. Also, if they think you're a good match for a job, they may recommend you to an employer and set you up with an interview.

Related: 11 Reasons To Use a Recruiter To Find a Job You Love

3. Build a new network

Begin networking with others in your industry by joining online groups specific to the location you've chosen. Many major cities around the country have groups you can join based on your industry. This allows you to build connections with individuals who can answer your questions about jobs in that new area. They may offer you advice, share helpful tips and recommend you for jobs they know are available.

You can also use your current network and ask if anyone knows about any job opportunities in your future location. For example, someone in your network may know about an opportunity in a different branch of their company. Using your online network may also be helpful for asking about work in your new city.

Read more: The Benefits of Networking: 14 Reasons To Start Your Network

4. Remove your location from your resume

Many recruiters and hiring managers may prefer local job candidates for positions that aren't remote, so they might pass over your resume if they see an address that isn't local. To help increase your chances of a hiring manager potentially considering you, edit your resume to remove your current location. Replace your address with the intended month and year you're planning to relocate. For instance, you might write something next to your name such as, "Relocating to Los Angeles, California, in January 2023."

Read more: How To Write a Relocation Resume

5. Include your relocation plan in your cover letter

When you write your cover letter, include your intentions to move into the area. Let the employer know when you're relocating to show them that you have a plan and don't intend to change it. Briefly explain your reason for moving in a sentence or two, but make sure your cover letter is mainly about your expertise and why you applied for the job opening.

Read more: How To Write a Relocation Cover Letter

6. Apply for jobs

Use your recent knowledge about the area to start applying for jobs that interest you. Apply for positions on job search engines and company websites, and try using a proactive approach to your applications by following up on your application status and continuously checking your email for job inquiries. It may be worthwhile to consider jobs that allow you to work remotely and don't relate to working in a particular city or region.

Read more: How To Apply for a Job in 6 Easy and Effective Steps

7. Prepare an explanation for your relocation

During your initial interview for a job, the interviewer may ask you why you're relocating. Prepare an answer to this question ahead of time to help you show your enthusiasm and genuine interest in moving to the new city. Having your story prepared may help you deliver your answer with confidence, which might make the recruiter or hiring manager want to hire an out-of-state or out-of-area candidate.

Related: How To Prepare for an Out-of-State Interview (With Tips)

Tips for finding a job before you move

Here are some additional tips you may find helpful for getting a job before you move:

• Be honest. Make sure you tell the truth about your location on your resume and cover letter. If a recruiter or hiring manager asks you where you currently live and why you're moving, be honest but professional.

• Budget for interview travel. Many companies require their candidates to pay for interview travel. Plan ahead by making a budget for any travel expenses you may accumulate.

• Remain flexible. Out-of-area jobs you apply for may be out of your time zone. Be flexible with the interview and meeting times to accommodate the schedules of recruiters and hiring managers.

• Plan to pay for your relocation expenses. You may be responsible for all of your moving expenses, so it's important to ensure you can afford to relocate if someone offers you a job.

• Give yourself time. Plan to apply for jobs a few months before you plan to move. Allow yourself ample time to find the right job before you relocate.