6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a Job

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a Job6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a Job6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating for a JobWilling to relocate? Ask yourself these six essential questions before you decide to pack up and go. TWEETBen Franklins famous adage, By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail is never truer than when you are looking for work in a brand new place. Relocating for a job requires that you lay some groundwork, but where do you even begin? Its essential to research the ort to which you plan to move, as well as its economic conditions, but self-knowledge is also a vital part of the process.Before emailing your resume to some far-off employer, ask yourself some key jon relocation questionsWhat is my risk tolerance?Ambitious, creative and entrepreneurial people are used to testing the limits of their comfort zones. Freelance ventures and impractical lifestyles are not for everyone, particularly when job security has define d your career. You may have enjoyed your punkt at XYZ Company but a job relocation is warranted due to a partners job transition, or you need to relocate to be closer to a family member. Changing jobs is stressful, but changing cities adds unfamiliarity to the mix. Ask yourself whether small shifts throw you off-kilter, or whether trying something new energizes you. Your leap of faith can be smoother if you know your tolerance for risk beforehand.Do jobs in my industry exist in the region in which I am willing to relocate?The Bureau of Labor Statistics makes finding U. S. regional economic data a snap. If the job market in your new area is different from your current one, your career prospects will rely on your ability to adapt to emerging or affiliated industries, or to upgrade your skill set. Want info on local cost of living and home values? Best Places and City Data evaluate these items along with demographics, educational levels, environment,unemployment rates, property tax and other economic outlook data. Anyone who has pounded the pavement can tell you that a job search is a job in and of itself, but prior research will make relocating infinitely easier.Am I willing to take less money for better quality of life and more time?A local job search is challenging enough. Relocating for a job compounds this challenge since you need to discern if your new pay will cover basic expenditures and lets not forget about moving expenses. To prepare, you might want to start shoring up your finances and making fiscal adjustments such as cutting back on non-essentials. Compare the cost of living between your current region and the new one. A salary calculator can be instrumental in determining how much youll need to earn to stay afloat.Do I have the employers perspective in mind?Convenience and cost are two big reasons why hiring managers will not take a second glance at an out-of-area candidate. Allay their fears by mentioning in your cover letter that job relocation p lans are already underway, and that youre available to interview at the employers convenience. Reconnecting with a friend or relative with whom you can stay short-term may enable you to list a local address within your resumes contact information section. LinkedIn can help pinpoint decision makers in your industry, enabling you to reach out to locals before youve made your move. Be sure to state upfront that you dont expect prospective employers to pick up expenses related to your relocation. Fortunately, some job search expenses may be tax deductible. Keep the employers perspective in mind before you send out that first inquiry letter.I need to relocate. Is a career change feasible at the same time?The economy has changed in significant ways in the last decade. Consider the outlook in your industry, and how many working years you have ahead of you. No matter what field youre in, picking up a new skill will make you more marketable and will increase your confidence. While some go ba ck to earn a degree, many avail themselves of free skill development through MOOCsorYouTube, or distance learning sites such asCoursera. Just as when preparing for a job interview, your preparation and research will provide a strong foundation for taking the next step, or exercising caution before doing so.Should I quit my job and just move?Perhaps dumping the corporate rat race and striking out on your own sounds like a plan. However, before launching a new life in an unfamiliar city, dig deeper. Is it more cost effective to rent or to buy? How long will your new commute take? Find out what the locals do for fun are they outdoorsy, culture enthusiasts or tech types? What will you do in your spare time? Knowing the regionalisms - such as calling a soft drink pop vs. soda - will also help you feel more connected to the locals.When thinking about relocating for a job, pace yourself. No one is completely inured to the risks inherent in leaping into the unknown, but with plenty of prepa ration, you can soften the blow as you land.Ready to write the next chapter of your career? Hire a TopResume writer today