Ask HN: Is it hard/bad to apply for jobs in cities you don't live in?
I'm sure the question sounds a bit silly, but I'm considering a move from east coast to west. I've read a bit of advice about "targeting" places I'd like to work, narrowing my search down and being aggressive on those places.
However, being that I still live in the east, I don't want the employer to see my resume and be turned off by my how far I am. Or in the event that I get a phone interview - have such a big time delay before I can even meet face to face for an interview. These things seem like job-killers; imo the face to face is crucial, and the more time you delay it, the less likely you'll be to get that job.
I would ultimately prefer to move cities first and then pound the pavement for work - but I know this can be a bad idea because its a crappy economy and nobody wants be burning their savings in an expensive west coast city. I'm typically looking for business development job, around $50k (my first "real" job?). I have a degree in business and lots of experience with my own startup projects.
So what do you think? 1) Move first, ask questions later. 2)Try to setup job from afar, move when safe and secure (if at all).
13 comments
[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 43.0 ms ] threadBut fact is, there are probably dozens of not hundreds of people probably applying for the same jobs. I can see them being inundated by requests, and simply passing me over because they can interview several (equally qualified?) people immediately rather than drag it out with someone who has to relocate for the job.
Am I being realistic or just pessimistic?
That said, it's much easier to network and get in touch with the right people if you're in town.
If you really want to make yourself available, being very upfront that you're willing to cover relocation expenses goes a long way.
They'll either say:
1) Why don't you try again when you're out here.
2) We'll fly you out for an interview, but relocation costs will be all you.
3) We have a relocation policy.
I am also looking towards leaving the East Coast. I am not job hunting. One of my goals is to make my online stuff profitable enough to support me and my sons (with their assistance -- they aren't actually children). The main thing I am working on here lately is figuring out what milestones I need to hit to get there from here. That approach has turned out to be very reliable in the past for other "impossible" challenges.
Good luck with this.
This isn't substantiated, but my thinking is: - hr/recruiters notice if you've made a move - people see it as a sign of commitment if you've made a move - you're more likely to find a job the easy way: networking with likeminded people - you're more likely to avoid bad pursuits (ie, the "good on paper company")
The economy isn't bad for talented people. Believe in yourself, show employers why they need you, and get on with your first job already.
You've got a world to get out there and conquer.
Best of luck, -m
I suggest making it clear that you're definitely moving once you have an offer. Employers are reluctant to commit to someone that isn't committed to them (i.e. their office, their city).
So ultimately, I would suggest doing multiple phone interviews with multiple companies. Get the process as far along as possible. Then once you have several asking for in-person interviews, but not willing to fly you out, make the move.
This isn't fanciful advice; I do it. So far I've been lucky (about finding short-term sublets). Note that it takes a couple / few days at a motel to find the sublet.
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