Career tips : Applying for jobs out of your area

Ever considered, if you' re not finding work where you currently reside....what are you chances of exploring outside your city and state for other openings?

For instance, I' m checking out of state opening just to possibly increase my chances of getting a job. (Attempting the federal govt sector)

Thing is, I have 2 options

1. Pick a city, ' maybe' the city will have a good job markets, move there...get an apt, settle in...keep in mind I STILL have no income, still living on savings, and "hope for the best" that perhaps my job hunt THERE Will be better than HERE.

2 I would say this is the better option. STAY where you are! Then apply for jobs online for positions in other cities that your' e interested in, and hopefully you will NOT have to travel for the interview (meaning, take your own car, buy a plane ticket etc, to travel to an interview for a position that you might or might NOT get. Basically getting the same results you have been but in your local area, but spending money on gas, travel and wear and tear on your vehicle.

SO....my next question is....if an employer sees youre out of state,
Will they

1. Not expect you to come see them face to face, but just do a phone call interview...I dont know how likely it is a company would do this (anyone here know?)

2. They expect you to travel just for a mere interview

3. They PAY to fly you in for an interview (which I know, alot of companies dont do....the BIG companies have been known to do this however.

I am applying for the Federal Govt sector (even county and city), so I dont know if I would have to expect toake "Road Trips" for job interviews which would indeed stink.

Anyone have any input on this I' d be glad to know.

Generally speaking and depending on the type of position and industry;

Initial interviews would be conducted via phone
Employer would pay travel expenses for face to face interviews if down selected to this category. Generally this is only after they have only 2-3 candidates remaining.

You may be asked to pay the costs up-front and then bill so be prepared for this.

If you are looking out of your area for work be prepared to address this in your cover letter. Employers are going to be looking for some specific information;

Willingness to relocate. Unless the prospective employer has specifically stated that they will pay relocation costs then they may be reluctant to even interview unless you state that you are willing to move without assistance.

I was looking at the USGS site, they have an area in their job openings that says

Key Requirements:

* Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
* A background investigation will be required for this position.
* Travel and relocation expenses are authorized.
* Travel required: extensive fieldwork up to 10 nights per month.
* You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.

The rest of the Federal jobs....they are NOT authorized.

Guess what, it' s in Fairbanks, Alaska. lol

1. It' s -50 F for months
2. Cost of Living is HIGH (but they do pay 24% of your 31K Salary for C.o.L.
3. You have to be willing to find a town nanook prostitute to keep you company, because there are no single women there. lol
4. Your only source of amusement would be making shadow puppets on your wall.
5. The job would entail something I did in Florida, but I would hope my fingers
don' t fall off from being frostbitten while tinkering with Field Equipment for those 10 nights per month.

The job seems great, but the conditions?

Sounds like fun to me. And if you can get Web access up there, there is Web #### that can help alleviate the tension.

If you' ve never applied for a Federal position before, it can be atortuous process. I think they require physical exam, too.

Career Tips

Applying for jobs out of your area