So you say you want to move? Great! Are you waiting for the perfect job to be posted, for you to apply online, them to offer you the job, you accept, and they pay for your moving expenses? Please don’t wait for that because it doesn’t happen in this industry. If you want to live in New York, LA, or any other major market, you have to make the move! It’s scary but it’s an adventure. Here are the steps you need to take before renting the van:
Start with your resume. Is it perfected for your industry, and does it highlight your most relevant information and strengths?
Do your research. Have you researched LinkedIn for all contacts and alumni in the area? Try using the “Advanced” search to filter contacts in your designated zip code, alma mater, and other keywords representing your interests. How are you connected to the people you need to meet with? Ask your mutual connections to assist you with reaching out. You need the contacts in a new city to gain the insider information on everything from subway routes, to highways to avoid, to up and coming businesses, to the best salons, to YOUR NEW JOB.
Visit. If you can’t move immediately to the destination or if you trying to figure which city to move to, schedule a trip! Schedule meetings with all of the connections in the city that you researched. Give them plenty of time to fit their schedule, and if you are thinking about a larger city – research the closest coffee shops or ask them for their favorite restaurants. If they seem very busy or if their office is more remote, offer to take them coffee. This will allow you to see their office and the culture of the company. Win-win. FACE TO FACE is much more efficient than email. Prepare for these meetings with questions for the contact. Don’t have any expectations for them to give you a job! These are informational meetings, and your only hope is to walk away with another contact/friend in the city and more knowledge about what they do, how to get plugged into the city, and perhaps another contact to reach out to. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they love about their job and about their greatest challenges. Meet with as many people as possible.
Follow up with an immediate thank you and stay in touch! You want to maintain your relationships. Every contact is helpful.
Repeat those steps until you meet someone that changes your life and steers you to your job in your new home. Your connections are going to give you the necessary information you need to make the move and to strategically land your job. You must know the people BEFORE the job ever opens up or is posted online. Be proactive.
Make the move. Need more time to meet people? Go ahead and make the move! Sleep on someone’s couch if need be. The more time you spend there, the more contacts you will make, the more information you will gain, the more secrets will be shared, and the greater your chances are of hearing about your job!
Best wishes!