I, like so many other people on the job hunt, am looking outside of my hometown for a place of employment because I don’t want to limit myself and I want to broaden my options.
For me, my choice of cities outside of Miami, where I currently reside, are Orlando and New York City. In order to lend a hand to my search, I was recently bestowed a copy of Heather Huhman’s Relocating for an Entry-Level Job: Why You Probably Have to & How to Do It.
Interesting title, isn’t it? I’m sure you can relate.
- The book opens with the top 15 cities to relocate to for jobs. New York City being number one and Washington D.C. being number 15.
Heather breaks down the top areas with detailed information that anyone intending to move (new graduate or not) would want to know.
These things include items such as male to female ratios, median household income, the most popular occupations for males and females broken down respectively by percents.
- Plans, informational/exploratory interviews and even making a move without a job.
Sometimes a company isn’t hiring, but they are willing/interested to do an informational/exploratory interview with you. This is just in case an opening does arise in the future and you qualify for it.
Relocating for an Entry-Level Job gives unique details on how to approach, ask for and what to expect from an interview such as this.
There is also a section in dealing with things outside of your “comfort zone” during your job hunt. Heather’s advice is great and inspirational where she encourages her readers to be brave and if they feel confident, even move without a job already in place.
Though I, personally, must say that I wouldn’t recommend the latter piece of advice in a recession. Unless you have certain things at your disposal, such as a relative you can stay with rent-free in your new city etc. until such time that you do get a job and can really be on your own.
- Social Media
I love that Heather encourages her readers to utilize social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
It’s very true that you never know what you can find if you don’t try and with so many people on Twitter, loads of professionals on LinkedIn and quite a ton of social butterflies on Facebook — you never know where a great opportunity could present itself.
Also — don’t forget to try to get a few “recommendations” on LinkedIn! Some HR recruiters only look at people who have them.
- Negotiating a relocation package, the costs of living etc.
This was a set of sections that I found to be the most useful in my personal experience. Heather provides her readers with links to relocation calculators, information on tax breaks for relocation, what to do if you have a ton of stuff (clothing, old college things etc.) as well as how to estimate your travel expenses.
These sections breeze through topics about being a roommate, deciding whether or not to bring a car to your new city and makes a point to tell you to consider how your lifestyle can/will change once you do make your move.
The relocation ‘package’ is a big deal for a lot of folks, but Heather makes a point to negotiate (based on what’s the most important to you and rational) with your potential employer AFTER a job offer has been extended. She reminds her readers that while a package is important, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
Keep your options open and don’t worry about a little sacrifice.
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Heather’s book is real, gives you solid advice and makes you think about the questions you didn’t know you wanted to ask when considering relocating for a job … especially at the entry-level.
Sometimes you hear all the reasons you can’t relocate, but with Heather, she gives her readers the strength and knowledge to think and know that they can all the while reminding them to be realistic and see the world and job markets for what they are.
You can purchase your digital copy here.
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Sasha Muradali runs the ‘Little Pink Book’ . She holds a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Florida with a minor in Dance (’07) and an M.A. in International Administration from the University of Miami(’08). She loves Twitter and all things social media, so you should find her @SashaHalima or get a copy of the ‘Little Pink Book’ delivered to your Kindle.
Copyright © 2009-2010 Sasha H. Muradali. All Rights Reserved.
