Relocating without a job? These tips can help you maintain your sanity.

We're sure you already know that moving to a new city is exciting! However, if you do not have a job lined up already, we understand the stress that is probably creeping up behind you regardless of the excitement. If you are finding yourself in this position though, we would like to let you know that you should be getting your search started now, rather than later. You don't have to feel like the only person on the earth in cases like these! With some studious job searching, you can solve your problem in no time.

The first thing you're going to want to do is begin your scouting of what will soon be your local job market. If you don't have a certain job or company in your cross-hairs, it is wise to start out by ascertaining which companies are the major job providers in your new area. This will give you a great starting point with which to start your search. You will want to isolate at least 10 companies in the area to concentrate your initial push on. Once you have a list, get down to studying and finding out whatever you really can about the company, the positions they have, and whether or not they are hiring.

It is a really good idea too, to have a solid foundation of knowledge for companies you are applying for. Knowing who their primary investors are, if there is any press out there on them, and if they have any annual accounting reports you can peruse. Start your data mining at the company's website itself, and then branch out as needed from there. You'll find that these bits of information are important for a few reasons. Primarily though, they give you a good notion on whether or not a job there might be a more permanent option. Another added benefit would be when it does come time to interview. Having done your homework will allow you to at least partially control the pace of the interview by being able to ask pointed questions about the state of the company, how they conduct business, and about their primary products. Your interviewer will be impressed about your knowledge, and it will provide you with the ability to at least partially control the direction of the interview.

One other thing you can do in advance of your move is to begin building your network. Do whatever you possibly can to connect with local professional business associations and other relevant groups within the industry of your specialty. If it is something feasible to do, you won't regret making a trip or two to the area prior to your move to attend events focused on connecting individuals with other professionals in the industry.

Don't turn your nose at part-time job offers that may find their way to you. Sometimes a less than ideal job is far better than no job at all. In working a part time or, even temporary job you will begin to build your portfolio of work in your new town and perhaps gain connections that you would not have had the opportunity to obtain had you not been working. Another primary benefit of working any job is that you are afforded the benefit of gaining new skills and knowledge which simply can not hurt you when looking to move on to something more permanent. Besides, there have been many documented cases where a temporary or part time gig has turned into a career opportunity for the worker. There are definitely employers out there who use temp and part time jobs as a way to ascertain whether or not the candidate is a right fit long-term.

It is always a good idea to be up front and forthright with potential employers. One way you can do this is by being succinct in providing the reason for your move. Not only will it inform the employer that you are doing this on your own expense, it will ease any concerns of theirs that you might have nomadic tendencies. There are many employers out there who do not want to spend the resources required in training new people only for them to leave their employ just as they see you as settled in.

The last notion we would like to touch on is money. In the event you are not able to land a job before you move, you are going to want to ensure that you have a safety net of savings to cover your expenses for at least 3 months. Though, we would recommend a 6 month buffer. We're sure it goes without saying but... life is be truly difficult if you do not have enough money to cover your needs. Even if you have to settle for something that pays less than you expect or, if only part time jobs are offered to you, your savings will give you the buffer you need as you transition into what you are truly looking for and worth.

Hopefully, some or all of this information is helpful to you! Of course, if you are moving to or from the Chicago area, Movers Chicago is here to help in any way we can!

September 19, 2018