Seeking an advice regarding relocating and interviewing for a position in another area.

40 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 11,2023 at 7:29PM UTC

   Yes, more experience is not the draw we would expect it to be. Ageism is a thing. I was hired at the top of a salary range at one position but then didn't get raises that kept up with inflation after the hiring manager moved on. That really sucked.

   If they want you to interview in person, they should be paying your expenses.

   I have relocated several times, and for my most recent position, I interviewed via Zoom, but they found $1,000 to help me with relocation expenses.

   For a temporary position, ask them to provide a housing allowance. This seems like a reasonable request considering many people are tied to mortgages and can't just pick up and move.

   In my field, the more specialized you are, the more likely you'll have to move. Most organizations don't need someone like me at all, and those that do only need one.

2. AnonymousFebruary 12,2023 at 7:41PM UTC

   I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. Throughout my career, I've pivoted industries due to circumstances and while challenging if I worked hard enough, I succeeded. This time, I'm trying all different strategies and tactics without yielding results.

   I feel like I'm being forced to look elsewhere due to my industry experience. If hear one more time that my experience is 'impressive' I'm going to lose it. I'm proud of my accomplishments but can't even land a lower-level position.

   I want to work and am willing to relocate if needed. That being said, I've continued to use my savings to fly in or drive to interviews and while I've been in the finals, since I wasn't local or haven't worked in the field since the pandemic, they went with another candidate. The last trip was so expensive that I can't continue to lose money for a chance. I've debated moving to a location that has more jobs in a previous industry but I have a mortgage and without a paycheck it seems foolish.

   If I disclose that I'm out of the area but ready to relocate, I'm out of the running before starting. On the other hand, my current area doesn't have my field. I grew up here and relocated during the pandemic. Growing up in this area, I knew it would require relocating as the fields. I found a position during the pandemic but that was fortunate as they were looking for something different to make an impact or otherwise I wouldn't have been the right candidate.

   I feel lost at this point and not sure what to do as I need to work. Thank you so much for your advice and support!

3. AnonymousFebruary 13,2023 at 5:16PM UTC

   If the company is not local and wants to interview you in person, they should be paying for your expenses.You need to ask the recruiter who does the initial screening if relocation is offered. If it is and you receive an offer from a company that is not local, you must 100% negotiate relocation expenses. Companies who hire non-local candidates should expect to be asked about relocation.I have made two cross country moves for two jobs and was provided with relocation compensation of $10K—one of which I negotiated up to from an initial offer of $5K.

4. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

   You are not alone, reading your story seems to be reading mine! Keep your chin up, I have been in the same situation a couple of times, even before the pandemic hit. I have the same feeling about being forced to look elsewhere because of my industry experience. I actually was forced to move out of state and was in Indiana for 2 years, because of this exact same looking-for-a-job situation. I just moved back to my state 10 months ago. I was laid off at the start of the pandemic as well. That company received raw materials from China, and their business was stuck from not getting raw materials. I must be the first wave of getting laid off. I still keep my excel tracking from that period, I think I applied for more than 250 jobs at the point. They were all over the place. Even though I was super desperate, I paid no interview trip out of my pocket. My advice is 1) always disclose your location in the resume. Employers MUST pay for all the interview expenses, even if they do not offer a relocation package. 2) Any out-of-town interview that you have to pay out of your pocket, you should not go. I understand that the need to find a job is super important, but we also couldn't afford to dig ourselves deeper 3) If you already have many versions of your resume, tailored to the jobs you applied for, maybe you should try the resumer writer services?

5. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:26PM UTC

   Thank you and I had help with resume and I'm now receiving better response. I don't have a location listed on my resume as most people don't know where I'm located. In addition, I'm applying for positions on the EC and WC and that creates a problem depending where I'm applying. In addition, even when I did disclose where I was living, they didn't pay attention to it anyways or since my small town has the same name as an international city, I'm routinely overlooked for 'not' being in the US.

   I feel it's a no-win situation and either I declare and I'm blackballed or don't and then have to pay the travel expenses. I appreciated your advice! You gave me a lot to think about in terms of moving forward.

6. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 10:58PM UTC

   You’re not getting blackballed bc you disclose you’re not local.

   I stated this in a response above but you need to state on your resume where you are located. You should also be asked to input your address on the application. I’m a hiring manager. Unless I’m specifically told I can only hire local candidates (in which case, I would then have stated that in the job description bc I , or the recruiter, don’t want to needlessly wade through hundreds of applicants I can’t even consider), the implication is that I am free to hire anyone I want regardless of location. The only question is whether the company offered relocation compensation—which most companies do routinely if they are serious about a candidate.

   if the job is indicated as hybrid with X number of days in the office and you are not local to the office, you would still be asked if you would be able to accommodate that schedule. If for whatever reason (as I said above, I don’t see how this is possible), the recruiter does not know where you located, you can then have the conversation about relocation or how flexible they are with the hybrid schedule, and relocation compensation.

7. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

   Thank you for sharing your experience ! Sitting on the other side as recruiter I would highly encourage you to ask for reimbursement of your travel cost, that is rather common especially if the company has a strong interest. Effectively that shows how they would treat you as well as colleagues .... do not give up, be transparent and candid ! all the best you will find your role ! A

8. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:21PM UTC

   I appreciate your advice. Case in point, I'm in a 3rd round interview for a position in the NYC vicinity. They never asked me where I was located and only questioned if I'd be willing to work in the office? Therefore, I didn't share that I'm not local but I would be willing to work in the office 3 days a week.

   I'd appreciate your advice regarding what to share. I don't see the company offering relocation or even paying for the travel expenses. Should I try or as other suggested flying in for the interview the night before so I have plenty of time to navigate the commute. That is if I was offered the final round? It's for a position outside of Manhattan and would require an extensive commute. Thank you!

9. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 1:47PM UTC

   Can I ask what industry you have been in? And where are you looking for the jobs? Is it mostly indeed or LinkedIn or what other job boards have you been using?

10. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:12PM UTC

    I'm using mostly Indeed and LinkedIn. I'm utilizing connections, creating new ones and having coffee conversation and Zoom calls with others. My background is in creative media, entertainment marketing and publishing. My experience is primarily from NYC and the small town I reside has limited jobs available mostly in manufacturing or university education. Due to the limited amount of positions and specialized services, when a position is available, it goes to someone already working in the field that wants to change companies or receive a higher salary. I've made it to later rounds but they want someone with that industry experience.

11. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 8:43PM UTC

    Someone in my network announce several remote positions in the creative media space. Here is the link https://superside.pinpointhq.com/jobs?referred_by=dmq8k&utm_medium=internal_referral&utm_source=pinpoint&utm_term=dmq8k. You may also check out the following list of resources - they are great: The Mom Project, PowertoFLy, InHerSight, and Glassdoor.

12. Christi MillerFebruary 14,2023 at 1:59PM UTC

    Keep trying for the remote roles. If they ask for an in person interview explain where you live, your willingness to relocate, and all for travel costs. A lot of B2B marketing has some B2C component. Try larger corporations that would have big marketing organizations within them. Good luck.

13. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:08PM UTC

    Thank you, Christi. I feel like I'm doing something wrong as I'm generating other interviews but haven't landed a remote opportunity. I'm trying those as well as that would help in terms of location. I could even relocate if needed if working remotely.

14. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 2:05PM UTC

    I wouldn't mention u weren't local until a face to face interview if possible. I'd even go as far to focus on opportunities in a specific location you know you'd b willing to move to and collect some details to make u appear local to that region (i.e. a Google # with a local area code & po box maybe?). Companies r starting to get skiddish hiring remote workers not close to their location because a lot of the remote posts r bait and switch so don't beat yourself up.

15. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:13PM UTC

    No. Do not do this. Do not pretend you are local if you are not. As a hiring manager, if I found out a candidate I was interviewing was doing this, I would think this was weird and/or shady enough that I’d eliminate them from consideration.

16. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:07PM UTC

    Anonymous, what would you suggest then if I need to relocate? If I'm honest, I don't hear from the company in the first place. If I don't disclose and they never ask, I move along in the process. I've relocated many times throughout my career and often within the two-week requirement. When should I declare if there isn't an opportunity before applying and then HR assumes you're local? I don't want to be to be dishonest but need to find a position in another location. The positions I'm applying for are more tailored to my background after working in larger cities for most of my career. I'm willing and ready to relocate without assistance but found myself living in a small town during the pandemic. Thank you and I would appreciate your advice.

17. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 10:37PM UTC

    I’m not sure how they wouldn’t know if you were local. When you fill out a job application, you are asked for your contact information, including your address. Every person screened, interviewed, or hired, I knew where they were located without having an explicit conversation with them about it bc the job application software the company used collects that information. if for some reason your location isn’t stated on your resume (mine only lists my city and state), or for some reason I can’t fathom, you did not fill out an application with your address, then I would ask during the recruiter screening if the company provided relocation compensation.

18. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:03PM UTC

    Thank you, Anonymous.

19. Dr. Vivian Smith-Del ToroFebruary 14,2023 at 2:11PM UTC

    I have successfully relocated 12 times in my career, NYC, San Diego, Baton Rouge, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington DC, etcetera. “YOU CAN DO IT”!!! Call me directly if you would like to explore best relocation opportunities.

    Dr. Vivian Del Toro, DBA

    AmericanFinancialRealEstate.com

    (312) 852-8180

    dr.viviandeltoro@yahoo.com

20. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:02PM UTC

    Thank you, Vivian. I'm open to relocating and if I end up finding a position, I'll contact you accordingly.

21. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 2:52PM UTC

    This post is not to discourage you, but it is to get you thinking about the full picture of a relocation. I'm going to go a little differently on this one but it is from experience. First things first, I definitely do NOT recommend relocating SOLELY for a job unless you have a substantial rainy day fund that would enable you to relocate someplace else on your own if the job doesn't work out. Given the level of uncertainty in some industries today, relocating for a job is not a guarantee that the new job is going to last. There are people on LinkedIn posting every day about being laid off after 2 to 3 months. That said, if the stars are aligned and you're getting a great enough salary and signing bonus that you can save to prepare for the unexpected, go for it!

    If you are relocating for a corporate job, they should give you an allowance for the FULL cost of your relocation, including professional moving of your furniture and automobile. In tech for instance, most companies will grant an allowance ranging typically from $10k to $30k depending on your level, the new location COL, etc.

    Things to consider with the destination location:

    1. How easily would you be able to find another job if you got laid off or the job turned out to be different from what you expected?

    2. Do you have any familial or social supports OUTSIDE the job in that new location?

    3. How long could you afford to live in the new location if you got laid off or downsized?

    4. How accessible is the new location, for instance, if you needed to travel home for family or care of loved ones, how difficult would the commute be? How expensive?

    5. Does the new location have healthcare expansion, in the event you lose your job without health care coverage for you and your family?

    6. If you did lose your job, how much unemployment would you receive, and would it meaningfully help you bridge your expenses until you find another job? UI benefits are vastly different from state to state.

    7. Be sure that you plan at least one to two visits to the destination location before you make a final decision to move. If they invite you for an imperson interview, that could be one of those visits. Speak with a local realtor to understand the desirable areas to live and how much it will REALISTICALLY cost you to live in the manner in which you're accustomed. Friends and websites can be misleading!

    8. Is the destination location someplace that you would really want to have a life outside the job?

    9. What is your exit strategy and personal funding if you want or need to relocate back to your old location?

    Again, not trying to be negative but definitely want you to look at the full picture. Good luck!

22. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 8:01PM UTC

    I appreciated your advice. I've been asking myself a lot of those questions. At this point, I need to take some sort of action rather than sticking with what I'm doing. It's not working and that needs to change before I run out of savings.

    I've lived previously in most of the areas where I'm applying and canvasing the market as well as apartments to make sure I could afford leaving there. I have a friend who is a relator and I have her on speed dial if offered a role in one of locations. She already knows my range and what I'm seeking.

    If offered a role, I decided to rent my house and use a property manager. That way, it will keep my taxes low, have a place I could return and also a safety net to help pay bills. What I'm worried about is that I grew up in the area I'm living and knew I had to relocate as there wasn't a lot of jobs here.

    Now with a more metropolis-centric experience, the small town where I currently reside doesn't have anything for my background. As I alluded to, I'm trying to align my experience an showcase what I can offer. That scrappiness affords getting to later rounds but at that the end, they select a candidate with a trajectory in this town or in that field. I've had coffee conversations with others that returned to this area and they faced the same situations. It helps to know I'm not alone but not what else to do.

    Due to their fields, they ended up starting their own companies. I could consult if there were industries that matched my experience but that goes back to the same problem. I appreciate you giving me things to consider and also your best wishes!

23. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 10:14PM UTC

    Give yourself credit because you really have thought this through thoroughly. I love that you are keeping your house so you always have a roof over your head!! I've done the same thing with a home I inherited many years ago. The only advice I would offer is make sure they pay your relocation expenses in full, and you move to a place that is fertile for other opportunities if things go left. Other than that, go for it! Sending you light and best wishes!

24. Maria Paula CalvoFebruary 14,2023 at 3:32PM UTC

    Let me start by pointing out that you have been "seeding" for a while and as in any other process in nature that takes some time but there will be a "harvest" season, you don´t have to desperate! Keeping yourself calm is important to reach your goal.

    On the other hand, have you spent some time reflecting exactly what you want to do? I know you are considering a potential relocation, and I personally have relocated many times, that is not a problem per se, but if you don´t have a more comprehensive analysis of what you expect for your future (immediate, short, medium and longer term), just the geographic jurisdiction will not be enough to give a proper solution to your present scenario. Perhaps investing in developing at least one new skill for your profile could be the trigger for fitting with local openings or even for planning to relocate but ensuring you will go an extra mile from where you were to make the move worth it.

    Finally, and please keep in mind that I am also looking for opportunities right now and it is taking longer than expected, have you paid some attention to "networking"? This is my personal focus right now because I am convinced that making yourself visible with real people can take you to your goal more effectively than simply applying through intangible websites and posts.

    Hope this helps and gives you a broader perspective of options to consider! Good luck

25. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:50PM UTC

    I've relocated overseas for positions so I'm not worried about starting over in another location. I've been networking and that's led to some interviews. That being said, I'm continually being told I don't have the right experience for this area. I've taken courses, certified in other skills and unfortunately this area is focused on construction, education and manufacturing and I landed here during the pandemic. My creative media and entertainment marketing isn't appealing to those industries in spite aligning my skills to fit those positions.

    It took me time to perfect my resume (still customize per job) and it's now generating interviews but not offers. I'm repeatedly told in later rounds that are worried I'll leave, I have too much experience for the role or not the right type for this area and they select a candidate with a linear trajectory. I can't go back and change my career and most of the jobs available require a longevity in those fields. I'm starting to think that even if I was laid off after finding work in another area, the market would align with my experience and would be easier to find another position. I appreciated your advice!

26. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 3:40PM UTC

    You sound just like me! I have 25 years of experience as a senior-level marketing person and lost my job 7 months ago. 120 rejections later, with my savings almost depleted, I don’t know what to do either. I’ve been making the last of my savings stretch with odds and end dog-sitting and freelance jobs, and have cut all the spending I possibly can. I’m currently trying to build a website and start my own consulting business.

    I don’t know if this will work or have any idea what I’ll do if it doesn’t. Sorry I don’t have advice, but I feel ya sister!

27. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:42PM UTC

    Thank you for sharing and it helps to know that I'm not alone. I'm sorry that you're going through this frustrating situation. I was fortunate to receive unemployment when I was laid off but that's over and I'm trying to balance a mortgage and other bills on my own. I'm thinking outside of the box, networking, looking into part time work and possibly starting my own business as well. I'm hoping that something strikes soon for the both of us!

28. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

    I am right there with you! Over 20 years in marketing and design. I have continued to develop every supporting skill on top of all the experience.

    I finally got an interview that feels promising and I am flying to do it in person hoping that it shows my commitment. However if this does not end in an offer, I do not think I can justify flying to more interviews.

    The market is tough right now. I have been picking up any short term or contract projects that I can in the meantime, but savings will only last so long. I have been networking, but honestly, it is the area I could ramp up.

    And I tried customizing my resume for every post. And it feels exhausting. It is apparent that every company has different priorities on the skills they want in marketing, but when it boils down to the core, they really all want the same thing but their keywords are different.

    Summary- this is harder than doing a great job at what I love.

29. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:39PM UTC

    Anonymous, I'm sorry that you're facing a similar situation. I've tried using a friend's local address, being honest and also flying in for roles. It's devesting when you don't get the job after a final round due to the emotional as well as financial expense. I'm reaching that point as well that I can't afford to fly in for interviews. Most of the time, I'm listing my current address but for Indeed or LinkedIn submissions, HR makes the assumption that I'm local.

    I've progressed to the 4th round and we never discussed where I was located but that I would be willing to work in the office. I'm in the mindset for this role that it's don't ask, don't disclose. It's not that I want to be dishonest, it's that I've lost out in a great position due to the fact that I wasn't local even though I would relocate without assistance.

    I'm going to feel so grateful when I find a new role. You're right, I would rather be working than continuing this on-going search. I've created so many versions of my resume and tailor each one to the relevant posts. My background is a hodge podge of experiences that make sense to me but ATS has a field day. If I can explain my background, I receive an interview. If it's a system, my international experience and other fields deliver a 'do not compute.' Good luck!

30. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 4:56PM UTC

    Dear Anonymous,

    Your situation hit home with me. I have 20 yrs in one field looking to move industry. I did make a move PNW to AZ to work for a company and manager I had worked for before. I saw this as a low risk. However, keep in mind other costs to making a move out of state. Costs of establishing new dentist and doctors, getting car title and registration fees, updating work clothes if in another climate, airfare home for holiday. It all adds up over the "move $$".

    I moved and then the company shut our division down which I saw early signs of moving us all into a less desirable and low income down position. I wish I had stored my my furniture at home and lived down in AZ 6+ months before making the full "move" . Moving back broke me $$ and was very hard as I lost my good connections for work being out of town 3 years.

    Really think about a move. This may be why companies are looking for a local person with less risk.

    Good luck finding a new job.

31. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:32PM UTC

    Thank you, Anonymous. While I'm open to relocating, I'm worried for the reasons you addressed. Right now, I'm more worried not to make a move. I've been searching for 8 months now and can't even generate a temp role here due to my experience. I'm not being picky but would do anything to at least have a paycheck while job searching.

    My issue is that I'm applying for both current location and other cities. Straddling that line, it's hard to disclose on LinkedIn or other search sites where I'm located. If I focus on other locations that limits me for my current city and vice versa.

    Therefore, when I'm applying for roles, if they don't ask, I'm not disclosing. That being said, when it comes time to interview in another location, I normally fly in for the interview, I feel that if I ask for them to cover the cost as you mentioned they consider it a risk. I've relocated many times throughout my career but there are so many obstacles facing the market now. I have any interview later this week that's for another city with SLT. If that goes well, the final round is in person to meet the team. It would be a gamble to share that I'm not local and since I really need a role at this point, I'm not sure if I should hold my cards or display them?

32. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 6:32PM UTC

    This hiring market is a bit of he// the time to fill most open roles is 3-6 months and in the early part of the year every company out there is assessing and reassessing their hiring targets and budgets. It stinks but the best approach for you is twofold. One- address the location up front- don't invest time in a company where your location for either the interview or the job itself is a problem. You can let the company know you will self relo with no expectation and live light and can move in 2 weeks or a month of getting a job. Let them know you are open to all locations. That should remove concerns. Two- Address your experience level. A friend of mine reinforced that her ample experience and willingness to work for whatever the company can pay made her more attractive to prospective employers. She told them they were lucky that for what they would pay a noobie they get a pro. She got hired almost immediately. She said the job content and what the company mission was is what she is most concerned about. Don't do anything that could impact your taxes by taking cash out of your 401K without speaking to an advisor. It could end up costing you more now than you expected. Sign up in the near term for temp work and see if that can net you a leg in places now that can fill the gap till you find something permanent. If you focus on specific geo locations you could also plan a visit and go to several companies at once. Try to group those interviews if possible. As for zoom meetings, those are complicated, often hard to do because its an unnatural way to speak to someone so definitely be prepared and make sure you send thank you notes and express urgency in your search. Ask for the interview steps, ask for the job, find out when their deadline is to fill the role. Find out why the job is open - is it a replacement, a new role. Both net different types of interviews. The replacement could be because someone failed in the job or quit because the job was bad. A new role might not be fully vetted yet and often companies don't know what they are looking for so the process might be longer and more tedious because they are vetting you against expectations and the market and inbound applicants. Keep plugging away....and use your connections to introduce you where possible.

33. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:23PM UTC

    Thank you, Anonymous. Your advice gave me a lot to think about and how I'm conducting my search.

34. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 11:08PM UTC

    “A friend of mine reinforced that her ample experience and willingness to work for whatever the company can pay made her more attractive to prospective employers. She told them they were lucky that for what they would pay a noobie they get a pro.”

    And then we complain about why companies won’t compensate us for our worth? And companies are encouraged to underpay employees? I’m sorry, but no. This helps no one except the company.

    I went through periods of year+ where I could not find employment in my industry at my level. I took a part-time job to make ends meet until I did find a job in my field. At a competitive salary.

35. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:19PM UTC

    Hello, I was where you are at, this time last year. I took a risk and successfully took a career pivot after I found a career coach to follow on Linkedin. I needed the help to be seen and branded differently. Her name is Emily Liou, PHR if you want to look her up. She specializes in helping us professionals take that new direction. Her company is Cultivitae, I just used her free resources and webinar advice and followed her advice. Best of luck!

36. Farah BajwaFebruary 14,2023 at 8:32PM UTC

    If you feel strongly about the role, go. Some companies will reimburse you for the travel. Example, I had to drive 70 miles for an in person interview, the company had a portal where I could get gas reimbursement for the round trip. This was helpful as I was unemployed at the time.

    Have you considered attaching a cover letter when submitting your application. Even if the system doesn't have a section to attach one, I'd have it as page one of my pdf resume to force it through. It gave personality and character to my resume especially when I was targeting a job outside the industry or role that I had experience in. It helped!

    If your looking for a "database" for remote positions, I'd subscribe to virtualvocations.com . Its a woman-owned website that solely posts remote positions. I must have applied to hundreds and received only a handful of interviews/follow-up interviews.

    If you have a linkedin account, find people who work at the companies you're apply to. Connect with them, have them get to know you, ask what you can do to improve your candidacy, see if they'll be willing to make an internal referral.

    I was unemployed 23 months so I get it. Keep at it, even though its tough! You seem like a responsible and resourceful person. Trust that the best outcome for you personally will unfold. Good luck!

37. Carol WeberFebruary 14,2023 at 11:56PM UTC

    Did I write this? Twinsies!

38. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 5:38PM UTC

    Why not tell future employers you require relocation assistance then? And, ask, "will you be funding the interview?" Maybe it shows you won't take just any job. Hang in there. Good luck to you!

39. Liz MilneFebruary 20,2023 at 4:59PM UTC

    I think not addressing the address disparity would be a huge red flag for me - I would assume you're just applying for everything without paying attention to location: address it - say something like 'I'm currently living in [wherever] but am looking to move to [their location] as soon as I find a position.' Something like that, imply that you're already making the move anyway, hence the job search in their locale...

40. AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 4:22PM UTC

    Thank you all, I addressed where I was currently located and we'll see what happens. I feel better that I was honest while at the same time, hopeful that I'm not out of the running in the last round.