Location, Location…Relocation?
by: Steve Hall
Before you launch that national job search, consider this: employers who
are working with a tight hiring budget may not be willing to cover the cost
of relocation.
Differentiating factors between likely candidates for a job are
important. Does the person have a two year or four year degree or a Master’s
Degree? Is the potential candidate located within reasonable proximity, or
will he/she have to relocate – and at whose expense? In addition, what are
the costs of bringing someone in for an interview?
I
f you are looking for a new job and are open to the possibility of
relocating, here are some things you should consider:
Look locally first – Unless you’re really want to move to a new city or
state, concentrate your initial search to within a 100-mile radius.
Employers in a crunch are going to consider local candidates first.
Involve your family in the decision - Before loading up the moving van
involve your family and cohabitants in the process. If they go where you go,
they should have some say in where.
Pay your own way – If you still want to compete on the national job
market, be prepared to cover your own relocation. Some companies are still
willing to pay relocation fees because they see a good employee as a wise
investment. But it is not uncommon for potential employees to pay for their
own relocation these days.
Know what you’re getting in to – If you do choose to pay your own pay,
check out the costs associated with a move to your selected locations.
Determine what will fit into your own budget. Be sure to cover all these
bases before you start sending your resume across the state line. Don’t wait
until the job offer appears before weighing these considerations.
Look for that perfect match - Try to target positions that excite you in
places that intrigue you. Accepting a great new job in a great new city may
be just what your career needs!
About The Author
Steve Hall is the Director of Professional Recruiting for FGP
International (www.FindGreatPeople.com),
a professional search firm in Greenville, South Carolina. Steve has been a
professional recruiter with FGP for 15 years. His areas of specialty are IT,
Human Resources Management, and Supply Chain Management. Interview requests
with Steve Hall or any FGP Search Consultant, can be made by contacting
Michelle Tennant at 828.749.3200, michelle@tennant.org.
© 2004 Steve Hall