Moving to a new city to start a career is no easy task for most job seekers. However, most employers prefer to consider local candidates first during hiring. Thus, in order to make your case more compelling to hiring decision makers and launch your new city career smoothly, you may want to take some of the following steps:
1. Look at the Big Picture. It usually requires much longer time than you expected to move to the new city. Get prepared to try harder and be more creative to sell your value. You may even need to make some trade-offs (salary level, relocation cost, job security, etc.) before you can start career at a new city.
2. Be Courageous. If, after you sent off your appealing resume story to several target companies, you still heard nothing from them. It is time to get out of your comfort zone and do a bit of researching and interacting. This can mean communicating with people in a specific company or interacting in some other way with folks who are industry and geographically related to your goal.
3. Keep Focused. Hold your specific career goals to relocate to your new city in front of you. Be clear on three to four key areas of value you offer your target employers, and integrate those into conversations. Demonstrate how you can help them solve problems before you ask for the medical job interview.
4. Join Local Associations. Become a member of your industry association. Ask to be assigned to a chapter that is local to your “target” city. Start reaching out to board members and committee members, and network. If possible, join or volunteer to take the lead on a committee. Be forthcoming that you are living in ABC city but wish to move to their city to start a career. As you are a paying association member, you are more likely to receive meaningful responses to your inquiries. Also, try to make a trip to your target city and attend a local industry meeting.
5. Just Move. Moving to a new city may sound scary, but if your desire to relocate and start a new career sooner than later is greater than your need for job security, consider saving enough money for several months’ rent and simply moving. Being in the city of choice while you job hunt has its advantages. You may also find a bridge job at your target city while you seek out your longer-term career role.
There is no easy answer regarding how to transition to a new city and career. You will have to be patient, be determined and take action. However, people regularly chase and capture their dreams, and if you really want this change to happen, it will!
If you wish to kick-start your career at a new city, contact De Vore Recruiting at 877-411-4358.
