Stephen Kemp ⋅ Peoria, AZ City of Peoria, Arizona ⋅ 32 years experience

A great place to start as well is to access the on-line version of the local newspaper, even if you have to subscribe. First many employers are concerned that out of state applicants don't have the committment to remain, knowing about the area is a plus. Also with most employers on-line, you can easily research the employer. In this day and age, most employers expect that you have taken the time to research them, as much as they research you.

Heather Gillbanks ⋅ Houston, TX General Electric ⋅ 26 years experience

Diana,

I know Cleveland is not an enormous metro area, but here are the factors I consider when relocating:

1) because you have a child, schools will matter. Assuming you cannot/ won't wish to send them to private school, ensure that the places you're considering living will have schools good enough for your child (in some areas, schools vary widely within districts).
2) ensure you can afford to make the move (cut this data from several "looks"), using tools from sites like:
2a) http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/79700.htm Salaries, Cost of Living, & Relocation (even within zip codes, costs can vary widely!)
2B) http://moving.about.com/ has some great links to other sites, which may help in your decision process
3) if you can, find the job before the new residence (I take from your post that your mother may already have a place, so this may not be possible). Alongside this, try to live east of your new job. This may seem trivial, but having the sun in your eyes as you commute every day stinks!
4) As stated in several posts above, since you have some time, NETWORK NOW. SHRM is a great organization - join where you are now, as well as the new location. You never know where a great job lead comes from!
5) LinkedIn is critical - make sure it's really good!

I am sure there is more, but this should get you started.

Thanks for your service and Happy New Year,
-heather

Aleta Anderson ⋅ Silver Spring, MD All Media Linked ⋅ 20 years experience

Hello,

Thank you for your service and I wish you a speedy and prosperous transition. We Heart Vets provides services, programming and goods for Veterans within a partnership with All Media Linked. Visit www.AllMediaLinked.com Simply put, All Media Linked consist of a Web of Networks. Within the network is the Miss Black America Pageant. Miss Black America Ohio, Fanchon Kent resides in Columbus and is a Human Resources executive. Shoot her an email along with your resume and let her know you were referred by Aleta Anderson FanCam89@gmail.com Also contact David Rice, Founder of the Organization of Black Designers. He is a member of All Media Linked and he has a very large extended network in Ohio. He resides in Cleveland. Email him. Riceman313@gmail.com let him know you were referred by Aleta / AML. You may also want to reach out to meet up groups in Cleveland that are of your chosen field, post on Craig's List, LinkedIn and contact Businesses of interest in the area where your will relocate. Don't forget to research your own network in the area. Who knows someone who knows someone.

Veeron Wilson ⋅ Mechanicsville, VA U.S. Army, Master Sergeant ⋅ 20 years served

Diana,

I'm in the process of doing what you plan to do in 2016. I would add that you should save up your leave to use in the transition process incase you do not have a offer in hand before going to Cleveland.

In addition, connect with veteran organizations, companies you want to work for, and the Department of Labor, Veteran Representative in the area. LinkedIn is a great resource for building the connections i mentioned.

I joined SHRM and participated in a SHRM local chapter study group that assisted me in getting my PHR certification prior to leaving the military. You're on the right track because you're starting early in the transition process.

Hope this helps out.

Veeron

Lisa Anthony ⋅ Cheshire, CT saint mary's hospital ⋅ 30 years experience

Also Diane contact the Ohio Hospital Assoc- they are aware of jobs at hospitals and have some positions of their own. And, I neglected to say my daughter went thru 3 skype interviews before she was invited for a face to face in another state- where she got the job ! This is very common to sort out people at no cost-

Lisa Anthony ⋅ Cheshire, CT saint mary's hospital ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Diane
I sid not read the other answers so this may be a repeat. Hopefully you are on linked in as well as your full resume. Try to ask to connect with folks that way. I don t know whether you have done an internship yet - that is always a plus. My 22 yr did 2 in college- driving from school- if you cannot go outside you can often do one on campus- so you will get re ent reconmendations. I think you are off to a great start- i am proud of you ! Text any. time
Besy
Lisa

S. Hicks ⋅ Holland, OH U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 22 years served

First, I would like to say thank you for your service! As a veteran, I mean this from the bottom of my heart! You should ask yourself why Cleveland? Choosing Cleveland as a place o move in my opinion has to be more personal rather than logical is it due to the large VA system that is in place? Does it has something to do with your love for Lebron James? The economy in Ohio is really not that great. Do you have family or is there a guy that you like? My suggestion to you would be to evaluate the real reason why you are willing to relocate to Cleveland and go from there!

Jeffrey Smithisler ⋅ Bradenton, FL U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

Diana,

I was born and raised in Cleveland and can help you know the lay of the land of you would like. While Cleveland is a large city, it is very spread out and each suburb needs to be carefully looked at regarding taxes and then education system for your daughter.

Regarding the Veteran support system, it's not the best. Cleveland is a blue collar city with its struggles, so keep that in mind. People won't be as friendly as you think when offering jobs. This is part of the reason why I actually left the state. If you can get a job in the medical field related to your job, you should be fine though.

I would encourage you to contact a County Veterans Service Officer. They will be able to help connect you with the local Veterans Organizations and will have job listings for the Veteran friendly companies within their county.

Carin Carlton ⋅ Mesa, AZ Red Brick Realty ⋅ 12 years experience

Also I would suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce in the city you are moving to along with the surrounding cities proving they are close by. They are a good resource for job opportunities and will also know if there is a job fair coming up. Good luck to you and thank you for your service.

Ryerson Gorman ⋅ Colleyville, TX U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

The most important moving to the new city is the job. You need to find job at least 6 months in advance, especially most of employers are not really interested in prospective employees from outside of the area. Therefore, you need to grasp whatever you can temporary until you find a permanent job. I would recommend you to leave your daughter with your mother temporary until you are stable in Cleveland. Also, you need to save up your money...maybe about 6 months worth of expenses in case you cannot find a job.

When I moved my entire family from the Northern Virginia to Dallas/Fort Worth. It was tough for me because I had a wife and 3 toddlers. But it is to the point that I am starting to divorce and my children are currently in the Child Protective Services.

William Frobe ⋅ Phoenix, AZ U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 20 years served

In addition to the other great answers, get on LinkedIn and make sure you have a complete profile (including a professional looking photo). Then do a search for recruiters in the area you desire to live. That can speed your job search.

Then use Zillow.com if you want to look for a house or apartmentsforrent.com or forrent.com if you want an apartment.

Good luck.

Diana Dixon ⋅ Cleveland, OH U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Hello everyone.Thank you for the advice. I will be going up there at least twice within the next year (class reunion and a regular visit). I have an idea on a few companies that I'm interested in (not including within the federal government), so i will start looking them up on linked in. Hopefully I will have some progress around the time of my graduation

David Fister ⋅ Frankfort, IL Fizzstar Ltd. ⋅ 8 years experience

When I moved from Illinois to Colorado I was able to spend 4 days there about a month before I planned on moving, and was able to find an apartment and a job to start 3 weeks later. If you have the resources to take a drive out there for a day or two that may help. Have a safe journey .

barbara hawes ⋅ Brielle, NJ Aflac ⋅ 28 years experience

Hi Diana and congratulations on pursuing your degree! I have moved around to different states in my career. In today's economy your number one task until at least 6 months before you plan to move is to develop a professional network of professionals and contacts who can help you get there. I don't know what your plans were with the Communications degree....there are many paths you can take. Many radio and television stations hire interns which can lead to a permanent position. A friend of mine has her BA in Communications and is using it more as a philosophical backdrop to a more general career in disaster recovery (she now works for the Red Cross). Associations, organizations, old classmates and friends in Cleveland you can reconnect with, social media such as LinkedIn are all ways to make yourself more visible to people who either directly or indirectly can refer you to job openings or get you into companies that interest you. If and when you visit Cleveland, take time and personally meet some of these contacts at job fairs, trade shows and other professional events. Making an appointment with someone who works in a career you are interested in to ask them questions about what the job entails, the good and the bad sides (demands on your time, upward mobility, etc.) can both help you understand the job as it is in the real world and develop a relationship with someone who can mentor you or give you leads as to where openings are, and companies that are more appealing to work for. You will want to know what companies are good to work for and which ones to avoid in the area. You have enough pressures on your time and health that being hired in a place which is a good fit from the start will help you in the long run. good luck!

Helen Wilson ⋅ Dallas, TX CoreLogic ⋅ 25 years experience

Diana,

Good morning - I have a couple of suggestions to help ensure that the recruiters who are initially screening your credentials, do not screen you out of the process due to your out of state residence.

First, I would note both your current and future address on your resume/ CV, so recruiters know you have already secured your new local residence. This will also ensure they are aware of your commitment to move.

Second, include a cover letter with your resume/ submission - while keeping your letter professional in tone and brief, be sure to note you are moving back to Cleveland, that you have secured a local residence (do not include personal details, i.e. you are moving in with your Mom, if asked you can mention that you will be moving home to join family), and that you do not require relocation assistance, but would welcome it if offered.

If your time frame is non-negotiable, include that as well. However, for several of the jobs you've noted, most recruiting activity is "just in time" or as openings occur, so many companys may be more interested in your candidacy as you get closer to your May move date.

I hope this is helpful to you in your search.

Regards,

Helen

Kayla Strupp ⋅ Schaumburg, IL Liberty Mutual ⋅ 8 years experience

Many companies begin the hiring process with a recruiter. I would make sure you let the recruiter know upfront that you are willing and able to move.