Job Relocation

The Out of State Job Search.

Out of State Job Search: Strategizing to work where you want to live

Whether you are aiming to move to a certain location in the U.S. or you are currently living away from your university home, here are a few strategies to leverage your network and resources to gain a full-time job, co-op, or internship where you want to be.

Step 1: Search best places to work in [Your Location] list. The business courier or local magazines may also have best tech startups or other types of companies focusing on your area of interest to explore. Start a list of companies in the area to target.

Step 2: Search current openings online (careeronestop, LinkedIn)

  • Go to careeronestop (searches 4 job platforms at once), LinkedIn jobs

  • Search job sites with postings for full-time positions in your field. Check out the muse article providing a few examples per industry. For tech careers, two site to utilize are Dice and tech careers to see the full-time jobs in the area as well to understand which companies are hiring. Add these companies to your list (see template below) whether you are looking for an intern/co-op or full-time work. The company has talent needs and could be open to hiring an alternate role or a position in addition to the one posted.

Step 3: Network with alumni in the area via LinkedIn

You can directly find alum at your university that live and work in your area of interest. Integrated Talent Strategies posted this following article providing details on how to connect. In short, make sure UC and the image is attached to your profile. Then one way to find alum is to go to People and use the Filters – Location, Universities. Connect with alum working at places of interest to you and in your field. Reach out with an introduction in your connection message inviting an informal conversation to learn more about their path and your common field of interest in the area. Reference the informational interview blog for additional insights into the future conversation.

Sample Message: Hi [Name], I saw that you are a fellow UC Bearcat. I am a 3rd year majoring in [major] and exploring early career opportunities [intern/co-ops] in the area. I was reaching out to see if you would be open to an informational interview. I believe I could learn a lot from your career path and journey. Kind regards, Your NAME

Step 4: Attend networking events in the area related to your area of interests.

Check Meetup, Eventbrite, local visitors bureau, and do a web search of job fairs/networking events in your area. Also explore if there are any local chapters of professional associations (link to professional associations list) related to your field.

If you are seeking a position and not somewhere locally, concentrate your efforts to networking online. Seek out virtual meetups, try to Skype with or video chat professionals in the field, and possibly plan a concentrated trip during a short timeframe or long weekend to meet people in person.

Step 5: Follow-up with Applications and Document your Progress. In a past blog post, I reference resources to assist in crafting emails after you apply directly to positions. Start to build an excel document with the following column headers to keep track of networking and job information. See sample below. Download and make your own.

Downloadable Job Search Tracking Template.

Application Tips. Consider what will make you a marketable candidate where you may or may not be able to network in person.

Resume. List the city, state of where you are wanting to move or are directing your search in your header.

Location. Consider where you are situated (locally or out of state) when seeking employment in a certain area. Let employers know you are willing to video chat, meet online, and know that some employers may require you to interview in person. Can you afford to fly to the area for an interview when asked (time-wise or expense-wise). Just be prepared with your answer if the situation comes up. Also, be aware that the earlier you are in your career, the less likely that you will receive relocation assistance as employers will expect you to have the means to move to the area on your own as you are seeking employment there. We hope that these things come your way – paid flights for interviews, housing assistance…but this is not always the case.

College Resources. Last but not least, connect with a faculty co-op advisor or career coach for more advice and tips throughout the process.

Considerations for the MOVE

Researching housing options. The great thing about working in a place with other colleges, there are often students looking to sublease their place just as you are and residence halls that are open for rent during the summer. Here are a few resources to use in your search:

  • Apartments.com – Check the well know site for subleased apartments in your selected area.

  • Uloop – A marketplace for college students with sublease and room options.

  • College students apartments– Another option for subleases and college apartments.

  • Rotating Room and Leaseful – Two sites for finding temporary housing across the country focusing on college students and med students (i.e. medical students) that can be used for your purpose.

  • UC DAAP Co-op Housing Website – DAAP students are leading the way. Join and network with UC Students in search of co-op housing outside of UC and reach out to those who have been in your new city before.

Other resources: One thing to consider is that large cities have intern housing options and resources. see this site for Washington D.C. options (https://internsdc.com) and university summer housing options in the area such as this Chicago summer housing option (http://www.chicagosummerhousing.com). Also, when you have landed a position with your future employer and review their resources and suggestions for housing.

  • Constructing your budget. Consider the following monthly costs when constructing your budget.

    • Housing (including rent, water, electricity) – check into upfront costs here as well. In most cases, you need to put down a deposit.

    • Food costs – budget for eating out and taking lunch to work as well. This can help eliminate and save money for other expenses.

    • Recurring bills – these vary per person but include items such as monthly phone bill, Netflix and/or subscription music account, gym fees, car payment, personal and car insurance. Note: cancel any in town fees or services that you will not be using.

    • Entertainment – consider leftover money you will have each month and set a goal as to what you can spend to go out and what you may want to save for the semester’s you are not on co-op and making full-time pay.

  • Predicting your salary and take home pay. Consider your income tax withholding as local, state, and federal taxes will be withheld from your “take-home” pay. The following calculator will help provide an estimate (know that this varies depending on location and personal situation).

  • What are you doing after your workday? Work takes up a large part of your day; however, you will have free time on the weekends and in the evenings. Think about how you will fill this time. Are their meetup groups in the area that focus on your own personal hobbies or professional field? Is there a group of intern/co-ops that you will be working with, if so, can you connect with them early and visit housing options together or even just discuss the move with another co-op who is in your similar situation? If you spend your time biking around Cincinnati or getting in early morning workouts at the Rec, how can you incorporate these things that fulfill you in your new place? Spend some time developing a list of things you will do when you get into town before you feel bored or lonely. You may be discouraged when you are without your home or UC network and creating a plan prior to your arrival will help you strategize upfront and be prepared for the effort needed to acclimate that lies ahead.

  • Building a network. Have any other students on your campus or other universities interned or been on co-op with the organization recently? Do you have access to reach out and connect with them? Try to start building your network in the area and within the company. Get as much of an idea as to what you are in for prior to showing up for the co-op day one.

These are just a few idea of how to ready yourself for living outside of your comfort zone. Be ready to take on this challenge. Once you do this one time, it gets easier each time you move to a new place and make it your home.