Relocating to a new area can be a great way to change things up and gain new experiences.  Whether it be for a better climate, culture, cost of living or career growth opportunity change can be exciting but also challenging.  Hiring firms can be highly skeptical of people relocating somewhere that they do not have significant ties to. Take a look at it from their point of view, they don't want you trying out somewhere new temporarily on their dime. 

Here are some tips on how you can improve your chances a firm outside your local market will consider your application. 

Be upfront about relocating in your resume or cover letter

For a firm owner, seeing your Utah address on your resume for a position that you are applying to in Florida makes it easy to cast the resume to the side if no explanation. . To give yourself a better chance of being considered, put on your resume or cover letter a statement/story sharing your intention to relocate to the area where the firm is located to provide context. 

Share why you need to relocate

Besides sharing that you are planning to relocate, sharing a strong “why” can give more comfort to the firm that you won’t up and leave if things get tough. A large factor in moving for many is the cost of living in their current area. As housing costs and the overall general cost of living have increased, some talent markets have been forced to consider other areas of the country.

Show your commitment to moving

The hiring firms want to know that if they support you in moving, that you won’t immediately leave and go back to your hometown if something “better” comes along. Some examples can be visiting the area, hiring a realtor, buying a home, visiting schools if you have children, joining a gym,finding work for your spouse, etc. Hiring firms know the more plugged in you are to the local community provides them more confidence that you will stick it out. Finally, communicate to the hiring firms in the interview process that you are moving whether you get a job with that firm or not.  

Take these steps to reduce your risk to an employer for hiring an out of market candidate.  

If you have questions about your specific situation, email us at candidate@newplannerrecruiting.com and we will be happy to discuss further. In the meantime, check out  our open positions here, or send us your resume and location preference(s) here.