4 Tips for Seeking IT Jobs Out of State
Posted August 31st, 2015
As part of any IT job search, candidates will typically be asked to meet personally with team members, take a tour of the department, and possibly even take part in hands-on work. This isn’t a problem if the job you’re seeking is right down the road, but if it is out of state, possibly even on the opposite coast, it can prove to be a serious obstacle. And with that obstacle in place it can be very difficult to secure a position. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these four tips.
Prepare Yourself for a Longer Search
Unless you are a professional that is highly in demand, you need to expect that an out-of-state job search is going to take longer and be fraught with setbacks. Many people don’t plan for just how hard it can be and find themselves growing frustrated. Many also run into financial difficulties because they do not budget properly. If you know for sure that you want to move out of state, understand all that will entail.
Amplify Your Resume
Since you can’t be on hand to demonstrate your credentials, you need to explain them in as much detail as possible in your resume and cover letter. Take as much space as you need, even if it causes your resume to balloon up. Mention any and all relevant projects you have worked on, talk about the equipment you have used both extensively and occasionally, and go in-depth about your academic work. If you frame yourself correctly, you can give your prospective employer a detailed portrait of yourself even from afar.
Leverage Your Professional Network
You may not be able to travel out of state, but perhaps you know someone close to the job you want that you went to school with, studied under, or met through a previous position. There may be a way to leverage this connection to supply your potential employer with details you can’t supply yourself.
Bear Your Own Costs
Some employers are hesitant to consider out-of-state candidates because they worry they will have to shoulder the travel costs of coming out for an interview, and later the relocation costs if the candidate is hired. If you can cover those costs yourself, make that known explicitly.
One final tip to consider – partner with a staffing agency that works in the area you want to move to. They can connect you with more opportunities and serve as liaison between you and the prospective employer. If your goal is to move west, it’s worth your while to contact Bayside Solutions.
