Relocation 101 – Part II
Relocation 101: Finding a Job outside Your Residence
(Part Two of a Two-Part Series)
While most would admit it’s much easier to find a job when you search within the city where you reside, it is possible to find one outside your current residence. Whether you’re looking within a specific area or for “anyplace but here,” you can find what you’re looking for as long as you follow a few simple rules.Here are 7 things you can do to increase your chances of finding work in another city:
1. Use online job search engines
The internet has made the world a much smaller place. Many companies post jobs to sites like www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com. In fact, there are even job sites that specialize in the accounting profession like www.jobsinthemoney.com and www.accounting.com. You should start searching these sites to see if you can find a good match for you.
2. Search want-ads
But not all companies use the internet when looking for job applicants. Many still post openings in the want-ads. And just because you live out of town doesn’t mean you still can’t access this valuable job-search tool. Here’s an internet site where you can find want-ads in just about any city: http://www.newspapers.com/
3. Consider working with a recruiter
Good recruiters are well-connected when it comes to job openings. They will be aware of more opportunities than you would find in the want-ads or through the internet. Unless they work for a specific company, you’ll need to pay them a flat fee to match your skills with the type of employer you’d like to work for.But the cost is often well worth it. If they do work for a specific company, you need to realize that they’re working to fulfill the company’s needs rather than yours.
4. Post your resume and mention your desire to relocate
You’ll get even more exposure as a potential job applicant if you post your resume to the internet. This can be done on most job search sites. Potential employers that you would not have considered may contact you in reference to a position. This can multiply your options.
5. Get help from contacts, and network any chance you get
Now’s the time to look at everyone you know, professional and personal contacts alike. Let everyone know of your plans to change jobs and see what leads you get.Also be sure you continue to network, especially when traveling for job interviews, etc. It will be the perfect time for you to meet other professionals who might be aware of job opportunities that match your interests.
6. Reduce employer risk
You become much more appealing to potential employers if you can reduce the risk they take in hiring you. Tell them upfront of your desire to relocate, and if you’re in the process of moving, let them know. This will assure them of your intention to move. And if you can afford it, let them know they need not reimburse you for the cost of the move. Many companies will offer a relocation package that will pay a certain amount of your moving costs. But this makes you the more expensive candidate and may deter some employers from hiring you.
7. Offer unique skills
One of the best ways to get a leg up on local competition is by having unique skills or job-related credentials. Consider ways you might enhance your resume, because employers will probably hire local applicants unless you have something more to offer.UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper Designation Can HelpIn less than 60 hours you can complete the Professional Bookkeeper Course which will train you in the practical application of small business accounting. The Professional Bookkeeper Program also offers you the opportunity to earn a professional designation, which will strengthen your resume, showcasing what might give you the lead on the competition. Don’t wait to increase your value to potential employers. Learn more about the PB Program today. Purchase our introductory video for $9.95 or watch online for free.It is possible for you to get a job outside of your current residence, you just have to work a little harder to find what you’re looking for and to convince potential employers that you have more to offer than the candidate down the block. Don’t be intimidated by the challenge. Get busy and get hired!
We’re one month into the New Year. Is it what you had anticipated? Are you happy in your job? Do you see yourself continuing to learn and grow and make more money? If you didn’t answer yes to those three questions, than you need to reevaluate your career and determine what changes may be necessary.If you’re unhappy or dissatisfied with your current position the worst thing to do is wait it out, to sit in your cubicle, think about how frustrated you are and complain about it. We’re not recommending you make a rash decision and quit your job tomorrow. But we are suggesting that now is the perfect time to assess and determine the course of your professional future.ReflectThere are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is imitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest. – ConfusiusYou need to take the time and assess your current position. What about it do you enjoy? What about it do you wish were different? Are you in the right industry or do you need to reconsider occupations? In order for you to best prepare for an ideal future you need to consider all your options, not just those that are most convenient. Think about starting your own accounting practice or earning additional income as a tax preparer. Reflect on those things you enjoy and explore all the career possibilities that exist within that field. And if necessary, do a little research. Talk to professionals in your industry of choice and see what advice they offer. It’s important that you not let your current “rut” determine the course of your career because the longer you stay in a job you don’t enjoy the more difficult it is to extract yourself from that dreary cubicle.RefocusFocus on your potential instead of your limitations. – Alan Loy McGinnisOnce you determine whether or not you want to stay in your current position you can refocus your attention. What do you need to do to accomplish your career objectives? Do you need to focus your energy and attention on earning a promotion, finding a new job, getting additional training, or exploring financing options for that accounting practice you would like to start? After considerable reflection you should be able to determine where next to focus your professional efforts. Consider making a To-Do list indicating what you must do in order to achieve your career goals.ActNever by reflection, but only by doing is self-knowledge possible to one. – Johann Wolfgang von GoetheYou can reflect and plan all you want, but nothing happens unless you act. It’s important that after you reflect and refocus you take the necessary steps to realize your goals. If necessary, make them small and simple. Pace isn’t as important as progress.If you don’t take the time to evaluate your career, chances are you will keep plodding along at the same pace and in the same rut. You deserve to enjoy your life’s work, and now is the perfect time to reflect and assess your current position. Job satisfaction is a crucial element in your overall satisfaction of life. Take some time today to reflect, refocus and act!