Trying to find a job from a distance may not be easy, but if you incorporate these tips in your efforts, you're more likely to have success.
1. Know the type of job you want and the specific ways you are qualified.
- Don't limit your search to job titles. Rather, recognize the broader criteria you desire in a job. Doing this will increase your options in the marketplace.
- Be clear about your skills and abilities and how they relate to the positions you seek.
2. Review and update your professional documents.
- A current résumé is essential to your job search.
- Do job possibilities warrant a portfolio of documents to supplement your résumé? Appropriate for the interview stage of the job search, a portfolio is a collection of materials that might include: a résumé, letters of reference or recognition, writing samples, articles written or presentations delivered, or other representations of your work.
- Identify references and notify them of your job search and interest areas. You may need to coach them about the specific skill set you'd like them to emphasize. Once you are a candidate for a job that requires references, send your references a job description to prepare them.
- Create a list of skills you have consistently used during your work history. Keep in mind those skills you enjoy using and be ready to give concrete, brief examples of times when you have effectively demonstrated them.
3. Become familiar with your target location.
- Subscribe to the on-line edition of the local newspaper, especially the Sunday edition. Pay attention to articles on businesses, expansions, and notices of promotions and hew hires, as well as job postings.
- Plan exploratory trips whenever possible to conduct informational interviews and network with key professionals. The longer you can stay, familiarize yourself with the environment, and meet people, the more likely you will hear of job opportunities.
- Contact the Chamber of Commerce, Office of Tourism, and the Department of Labor to request a relocation packet. Access the Chamber’s on-line directory of members. The State of Maine, like all states, has specific on-line information for people who wish to relocate here.
- Identify employers that hire for your targeted positions. Visit their websites for job postings and info on new developments.
4. Check out key resources in your industry or career field.
- Research the professional associations affiliated with your target job/s in the Encyclopedia of Associations, available at most libraries. It's a great resource that gives association descriptions, officers' contact details and info on local meetings and national conferences.
- Connect with the career services office at your undergraduate and/or graduate
schools or register as an alum on line. Request a list of alumni/ae working in your field near or in your target location.
- Tell friends and family about your plans to relocate. Ask if they know anyone who lives and works in your target location and if they would be willing to send an e-mail introducing you.
- Most major cities have a "Craig's list" website. This on-line resource has become increasingly popular with people who are relocating. Check out the site to find anything from jobs and roommates to furniture and housing.
- You may choose to contact headhunters/recruiters/executive search firms. Search these firms by location or industry at I-Recruit.com.
- Be familiar with the salary ranges in the new locale for the position/s you are targeting. The informative and comprehensive site, The Riley Guide, has links to salary surveys.
- Once you have an interview, do as much research as you can on the company/organization. Be prepared to ask intelligent questions that show you've done your homework.
Finding a job from afar requires creative and varied approaches to your job search. Resist the temptation to limit your strategy to combing on-line job postings for hours on end.
Get out and meet people, especially those who can help you make connections in the state to which you want to move. These networking conversations will help you feel as though you are making progress and will increase your success.
Research consistently shows that talking to people remains the most effective way to get actual job leads.
_ _ _ _ _
Barbara is currently accepting applications for her ninth annual Women's Retreat in Provence. Click on the link for photos and more details!
_ _ _ _ _
Barbara and Heart At Work associate, Amy Jaffe, will co-present a workshop:
"Averting Quarterlife and Midlife Crises in Your Workplace: 5 Key Retention Strategies" at the 2008 Annual Human Resources Convention in Rockport, Maine on May 8.
Subscribe
