Struggling with job search

Question

A year ago I unexpectedly lost my mother who lived close enough that I can see her house from my home office window. I decided that once my youngest graduated I would move.  She graduated and  I have sent out several resumes to companies for jobs that I am more than qualified for.  I’ve had my resume professionally written. I did have a job offer which I declined because the new location was not where I want to live and the pay was low by industry standards.  I cannot seem to land an interview in the state that I want to move to.  I do not have any connections in the area because I am initially trying to move to a location where I can get a fresh start.   How can I catch the eye of hiring managers when I don't have an in?

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Lisa, I have been looking the old fashion way.  I have had my resume professionally written and made sure to optimize my resume so that the key requirements of the jobs I have been applying for are toward the top of the resume.  The company I work for is one of those fire you if your looking places so I do have to be careful when I am searching.

Lisa Bass · Answer

Make sure your LinkedIn has the metro area you're looking to move to not your current city/state.  I do not know what you've been doing so it is hard to give advice.  Is your LinkedIn profile optimized? Do you feel that your resume reflects your strengths and what you  are looking to do as well as what you can do for companies?  If you provide more details, I am happy to provide suggestions.

Kim Callinan · Answer

I think both of the suggestions above are great advice. I would also remove your current address from your resume if it is still on there. Sometimes companies don't want to bother with somebody who is out of town as they don't want to have to pay moving fees and/or worry about somebody deciding not to make the move in the end. So removing your address could help.

Katherine 'Kate' Parramore · Answer

I recall Steph (another FGB expert poster) saying that if you see people looking at your LinkedIn profile, don't wait for them to ping you -- ask THEM what caught their eye and how you are interested in their company.   That same approach can work for you in your 'goal' new location. You can look at companies that you are interested in working for and reach out to their recruiters -- or ask people working in the same type of postion in your targeted companies how they came to work there and what are some of the plusses. LinkedIn connections are great for introductions to insiders and how the hiring process really works at a given organization

Sweet Caroline · Answer

Join groups in that location that have virtual events such as chambers of commerce, professional groups, church groups etc. The job market is really hard and everyone needs an in just to get an interview, leverage everyone you know and let them know you are moving to this new location and could use help meeting people and finding a job.  You may need to move before you get hired, many companies want local candidates only.

Struggling with job search

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