Emanuel Carpenter ⋅ Alpharetta, GA SDR Master Class ⋅ 20 years experience

Diana:

Congratulations on choosing a city with a warmer climate. I made the move from Ohio to Atlanta 5 years ago and have not looked back. One of my college buddies lives in Dallas and loves it there. Either city can work for you.

Like they always say, it's not what you know, it's who you know. The best offers you get will be a result of knowing the right people. That's because employers love to hire based on referrals instead of taking a chance of hiring a stranger who responded to a job board.

Your best bet is to first send your resume to ALL of your family, friends, and colleagues (even if they don't live in Dallas or Atlanta). Let them know that finding a job in one of these cities is imperative. Let the people you know become your personal recruiters.

Next, you gotta get on LinkedIn. Then start connecting with executives and recruiters at the companies you'd love to work for. They'll have the inside scoop on jobs before they get posted to job boards.

Finally, seek job boards that cater to veterans. Google "hire a hero" or "hire a veteran" to find these job boards. Many of the employers there go out of their way to hire a veteran because they really appreciate our service.

Unless you have a really good support system and/or lots of money saved up, it's best to secure the position before relocating. You might even get your future employer to pay for your relocation costs. If you pay to move yourself, save your receipts because you can claim the expenses on your tax return.

Best of luck.

Howard La Kier ⋅ Atlanta, GA IBM ⋅ 18 years experience

Diana, Thank you for your service. First, start networking now.

Even if you can't take a job in the new city now, you'll have a start. Most companies post openings because they need to fill them right away. Sometimes companies will wait for the right candidate, but those waits aren't much more than 15 - 60 days. 2 weeks is no problem, since most employers expect two weeks notice. Others may have 4 weeks notice policies. So, 30 - 45 days may be more likely.

All this said, the process for hiring someone may take 4 - 8+ weeks depending on the position and seniority. Multiple rounds of interviews, negotiating salary and start dates, as well as background checks all take time. If you haven't already started, 3 or so months out from a potential move might be a good time to do a full court press for a new job in a new city if you can't move until a fixed point in time.

If you haven't already, decide whether you are willing to pay (or will you ask the employer) to fly to the city you are interested in moving to for face-to-face interviews prior to your move. Also, are you willing to foot the bill for relocation or are you seeking relocation benefits. If the latter, these are more rare, but more possible with hard to fill roles.

You may also be interested in another answer I posted today that is relevant to resume writing and networking. Best of luck.

Howard

Raymond Malcolm ⋅ Hanscom Afb, MA U.S. Army, Master Sergeant ⋅ 24 years served

Diana,

I just retired off active duty and I began my job search 6 months ago. I started networking on LinkedIn, attending virtual fairs and applying for jobs through their career websites. It was frustrating at the beginning because every position that I applied to needed to be filled immediately in the Boston area and I could not change my relocation date. I started to receive more interest as I got closer to my relocation date. I conducted over 10 phone interviews in the last month prior to my relocation. I had 4 job interviews scheduled before I hit ground in Boston. I believe my preparation (phone interviews, ACP, resume, etc) set me up for success because I received job offers from all of the interviews that I had set up prior to my arrival. I would recommend that you request an ACP mentor. I did and he has been a big help during my transition. Good luck!

Anthony A Clifton ⋅ Philadelphia, PA AAC Holdings LLP ⋅ 48 years experience

If length or type of commute to/from work is important to you, start looking closest to where you live and work outwards. Research the company before you apply for interview - and indicate clearly that 'from my research of your company, it seems that I could add value to it with my background and experience because...."

Kristin Garcia ⋅ Norman, OK The University of Oklahoma, Tom Love Innovation Hub ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Diana, Checking in to see how your job search is going and if you moved. If you're needing any additional assistance let me know.

Sherry Heyl ⋅ Alpharetta, GA Sensei Project ⋅ 10 years experience

Hello from the ATL.
Atlanta is big on networking. The best way to get a job in Atlanta is to know someone. With that said, online networking works too. There are variety of groups on Linkedin sponsored by one of the biggest associations, TAG. Here are 2 to get you started. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3062544/profile https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4097100/profile

Jim Jones ⋅ Getzville, NY Fidelis Care ⋅ 35 years experience

Good Morning,

You have gotten great advice, all very sound and practical. I would suggest that you conduct the company research via web site, linkedin and contacts. Reach out to the companies of interest and lay the foundation for the day when you leave active service. I know some employers are reluctant to consider applicants who are in in the geographic area for fear that you may not stay. If you decide on a city, even without a job, you may be able to establish yourself via part-time, contract or even some volunteer work in that area. Best bet in this case is to have a plan in terms of budget and support system to see you through until you find that right job. Let me know how I may help.

John Parker, MBA, MSIS ⋅ Vacaville, CA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

I guess the negative to applying from out of state is that some employers assume that you will want some type of relocation pay. I'm trying to move back home to the San Francisco Bay Area. I use the cover letter to explain that I'm originally from the area, want to be closer to family, and that I will relocate at my own expense. Unfortunately I haven't been successful and I'm still looking for a job 1.5 years later. I have some family in Atlanta who want me to relocate there but I'm homesick and my parents are not in the best health. I currently visit home at least once a month and lately I've been using that time to network as opposed to spending time with family.

Jay Pesci ⋅ Fairfield, CT ⋅ 25 years experience

Diana,
First, thanks so much for your service to our country. Job first, location second. As some others have suggested, it's important to understand the underlying characteristics of where you think you want to be, the location's effect on your life, and that of your family. Visit the cities you're interested in, not as a tourist, but as a resident. Network with individuals ther using LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. definitely nail the job first.

CJ Wallington ⋅ Chantilly, VA U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 23 years served

Job first, location second (or "go to where the jobs are").

You can always change jobs if the first one doesn't suit you, but you have a lot more latitude to job hunt while employed than you do when you're unemployed.
I've had plenty of friends who moved first because "I've always wanted to live in X...", only to spend 6-8 months looking, or settling for something significantly less than that they were qualified to do.

Take advantage of LinkedIn and use your network of friends. Don't be afraid to tell them that you're looking or ask for help. Your chances of landing a job are a lot lower if you just apply to the pile. If you can get a friend to pass your resume to their HR dept or hiring manager, along with a "I know this person and trust them" then you'll be way ahead of everyone else.

And more often than not, your friend's company may not be hiring, but he may know someone in another company that IS hiring.

So use your network; friends take care of friends.

cj

Syvalia Satterfield ⋅ Atlanta, GA U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

Diana, Atlanta is tricky and I would suggest finding a job prior to moving, or evaluating something before the initial move. There are opportunities and those you can create, but the state still has a major unemployment issue or underemployment issue. I have based a virtual business platform from there, however, this is based on me working elsewhere oftentimes.

Audrey Churchill ⋅ Brooklyn, NY Ultra Operations Management Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

I know I am a little late to post an answer to your question. However, I can tell you that making a visit to and networking within the city where you are contemplating moving, before you actually make the move, is really important. Try to arange a few trips to events and job fairs and just spend some time trying to figure out where you want to live and spend your time. That way, when you do receive a job offer you will be able to figure out
whether or not you actually want to accept the position. The length of the commute you will have to make and the modes of transportation are pretty important. You don't want to accept a
job sight unseen and without some knowledge of what you are undertaking.

Wade Robinson ⋅ Great Falls, VA Glen Associates, LLC ⋅ 36 years experience

DIana,
As a former Director of Recruitment for a major defense contractor I have seen hundreds of out-of-town applicant resumes. I would urge you to begin submitting resumes now, rather than later. You can include your current residence on the resume and below the address add a line such as this: "No relocation assistance required". You should increase the responses from employers and you can gauge their interest in helping with a relocation once there is mutual interest.
Wade

Wade Robinson ⋅ Great Falls, VA Glen Associates, LLC ⋅ 36 years experience

DIana,
As a former Director of Recruitment for a major defense contractor I have seen hundreds of out-of-town applicant resumes. I would urge you to begin submitting resumes now, rather than later. You can include your current residence on the resume and below the address add a line such as this: "No relocation assistance required". You should increase the responses from employers and you can gauge their interest in helping with a relocation once there is mutual interest.
Wade

Michael Olmsted, MBA - former US Army ⋅ Janesville, WI State of Wisconsin ⋅ 20 years experience

Diana
Congratulations on your initiative to ask questions. To only reiterate a few things; Linked In is a great resource for connecting. Most cities have a Linked in account and will allow you to connect with people within that demographic. In addition there is usually a local SHRM group on LI and you are hopefully there.
Applying for a position more than 2 months before you can join the company may backfire as most companies tend to want to hire faster than that. That doesnt mean you dont follow the company on Linked In or set up informational phone calls with people in the area.
I could not tell if you are recently discharged or not. If so connect with Bradley Morris or Lucas Group (recruiters that specialize in placing military) Lastly to find companies that meet your criteria of size, location etc check out "reference USA" database. You can usually access it via the public library. It allows for some incredible searches. If you like I have Powerpoint that presented at a job searchers group and I share it.

Good Luck

Mike

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Richardson, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 30 years experience

Check our Career site at TXU.com Our company has a Veteran Recruiter. You can also send your resume to me and I will pass it on. tomlinsonjk@aol.com

Dallas is a great place to live. Good luck with your search.

Judy Tomlinson

Paul Pendergast ⋅ Frisco, TX Coca-Cola ⋅ 30 years experience

Diana, great question and one that people struggle with. I relocated once without having a job. But, I had significant support from friends. Based on my personal experience, I do not recommend doing it unless you can provide for yourself financially over an extended period of time.

It took me 6-8 weeks to find work and I was also willing to take the most basic, entry level sales position to establish myself in the community. This led to eventual career moves that positioned me for successful attainment of long term personal/professional objectives.

The second part of the answer is don't wait to start a job search. Start prospecting immediately once you have identified the geography of choice. Employers look at all qualified applicants and their capabilities first. Don't assume they will ignore your application because your are not local.

I hope this helps.

Paul

Pamela Sullivan ⋅ Seattle, WA HealthPoint Community Health Centers ⋅ 26 years experience

Hello Diana,

The advisors above have given you very good advice. I thought I would focus on your desire to find a Human Resources position. If you have an HR certification from a program or professional designation such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR) it will strengthen your changes for consideration. While you are doing your research on where you want to live, I recommend that you begin to connect into the local HR Chapter organizations. SHRM - Society for HR Management is the National Chapter. Local HR Chapters often have job boards / career centers for HR professionals looking for work. It is a great networking opportunity! I wish you the best! Regards, Pamela

Charles (Chuck) Postma ⋅ Muskegon, MI Alcoa ⋅ 42 years experience

Diana,
I would not move without a job in the new location. If you do, consider using a temp placement company. Some temp companies are huge and have offices in all major cities in the US as well as offices in foreign countries. They can place you quickly. If you like the company they place you with, and that company likes you an offer will be forth coming to join them as a regular employee.

Travis Streeter Sr., PLS, DML ⋅ Richmond, TX U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class ⋅ 21 years served

Diana,

You should also target companies in your location of choice(s). Pick out 5-10 in each location and begin to network with people that work in those particular companies. Building some person to person relationships will be invaluable.

Travis

Jenny Voigt ⋅ Austin, TX Amplify Federal Credit Union ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi, Diana - As a corporate recruiter, I agree that most companies are looking for candidates who are already in their area, unless they are seeking to fill a skill set that is hard to find. That said, unless you have a large rainy day fund, I would not recommend relocating without a job if you have a job where you currently live.

It is possible to make yourself more attractive to companies, even if you are conducting your search from out of state. Be up front with your intent to relocate and your willingness to relocate without financial assistance - state that in your cover letter. Ensure that you have done your research and are able to address the question of how quickly you can relocate and take a position with the company once an offer is made. Whatever you do, DO NOT try to imply that you are already residing in your city of choice by using a local address on your resume or application - employers soon see through that ruse and it reflects badly on the candidate's integrity.

Best of luck!

Alberto Lorenzo ⋅ Miami, FL Barry University ⋅ 9 years experience

Diana, I would strongly advise you to apply for jobs before taking that leap if it is possible for you right now and have the time to do so.

Alberto

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Diana,
As you can see from Josh's answer, it takes a lot of work to launch a job search. Not only for you but you are asking others to help you. Taking this into consideration is important.
Doing a job search from out of state is not ideal but possible.
However, deciding which state or city to do your job search should come first. This way you can target your efforts and let people know that you are truly sincere in pursuing the leads and support they give you.
I suggest deciding which city/state you desire to live in and then pursue your job search.
I would definitely be more helpful and forthcoming to help someone that was sincere about relocating. Rather than someone who was looking for the best initial response to help them decide where to live and work.
Best regards and good luck,

Gerald Mannikarote ⋅ Houston, TX dMann Training Technologies ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Diana,
I had to relocate once due to some personal issues. I didn't have a job and had to look for one. It was a tough time for me.
What I did, though, was take the first job that I could. The job was at a call center and was not in line with what I wanted to do nor did it provide me with any special skill sets. But it did give me a paycheck. I used that and actively pursued other options as if it were a full time job. After a month or so, I found a better paying job. And the call center didn't really care that I left- they get new people all the time.
Joshua's advice is very good and I would suggest the same.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards,
Jerry

Joshuah Chrisman ⋅ New York, NY NYC Department of Parks and Recreation ⋅ 1 years experience

Hi Diana,

I wanted to let you know that when I got off of active duty, I relocated first and it was tough trying to figure out where to work and how to apply. However, had I not been in the new city, I believe that I would have been really lost. You need a sense of where you are to make choices that will provide long-term success.

I recommend that you check out ACP AdvisorNet's Community feature (https://acp-advisornet.org/community). You can search for Advisors near cities you are interested in moving to and ask them for insight into the job market in those cities.

ACP also has a second program that focuses on one-on-one, yearlong mentorships with corporate professionals in your chosen career field. We work with more than 60 leading companies and have Mentors available from Hewlett-Packard, IBM, MasterCard, etc. You would be paired up with a Mentor based on your goals and interests. Just like ACP AdvisorNet, this program is completely free.

Here are a few things you can work on with an ACP Mentor:

· Building a network of professionals
· Improving your resume and interview skills
· Translating your military experience into civilian terms
· Learning how to advance at your current job

To learn more, go to http://acp-usa.org/Mentoring_Program
To apply, our application can be found here: https://apply.acp-usa.org/apply/Protege_Application.

I hope that this is helpful.

Best Regards,
Josh