Wondering how to find a job in a new city? These tips will help you out!

If you’re making the move to a new city, it's best to have your new job lined up ahead of time. You’ll already have a lot to deal with, such as finding housing, learning how to get around, and making new friends. So having your employment already arranged will make the move that much easier. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the best advice and tips for relocating and finding a job in a new city to ease the transition so that you can focus on what’s important—your new life!

How do I find a new job immediately?

When you’re eager to move to a new city, you’ll want to know how to find a job in the new city quickly, easily, and ideally before you make the move. We’ve got some things you can do ahead of time to improve your chances of finding a great job as soon as possible. 

When you’re thinking about making a move, ask yourself the following questions:

What kind of job are you looking for?

When you should start searching for a job depends on what field you’re in. People-facing jobs like retail or service will probably require you to already be in the new location when you start interviewing. With corporate jobs, tech, or those in the creative fields, you may have a bit more leeway to start looking for jobs and interviewing before you make the move. If it’s a remote position, you might even be able to start the new job before you move.

How much money do you have saved?

The reality is, moving can be expensive. If you have a good amount saved in the bank, you might be able to afford to move first, and then look for a job. If you can't afford the moving costs and being unemployed for a few months, you’ll probably want to start looking for a job early and make sure it’s secured before you move so that you have no (or at least minimal) income gaps.

What’s your housing situation?

Do you have a place to live already set up, or at least somewhere you can stay for the first few weeks or months? It will be challenging to look for an apartment and a job at the same time, and hotels can get expensive very quickly. 

Also, keep in mind that it might be tough to secure an apartment without a job, as landlords often want to see proof of employment before renting. The bottom line is, if you’re determined to make the move before getting a job, make sure you have arranged a place to hang your hat first.

Whatever your employment status, make sure you have all of your professional materials in place before you start your job hunt. This includes an updated resume, cover letter, online portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. Having these ready to go before you start looking will make the job search process easier and increase your chances of finding a great job in that new city.

How to move to a new city and start over

Moving to a new city can be daunting. There are so many moving parts you have to stay on top of, including a lot of variables around your employment, housing, social life, and learning where everything is. 

Let’s break down the key things you’ll have to navigate as you’re making the move to a new city and starting over from scratch.

• Ask your current employer if you can work remotely. This would eliminate the need to find a new job! You never know until you ask.

• Find a job in the new city. If you can’t stay with your current employer, this is priority number one. Mention in your cover letters that you’re looking to relocate, or remove your location from your resume entirely. If you have any interviews, stress that you’re committed to moving to the new location.

• Find a place to live, either a permanent or temporary location. You can search for an apartment online (thank you, internet!), or look for one when you’re visiting the city. Consider finding a place with a flexible lease so that, if you’re not enthralled with the neighborhood, you can move more easily.

• Learn about your new city. You can play tourist for a bit and see the sights, but you also want to think like a local and explore what your new neighborhood has to offer. Don’t feel like you need to learn the whole city by heart right away. Start small, learning where to get things like groceries, coffee, dry cleaning, and local hot spots to help you feel at home.

• Make friends! Start with your new co-workers—maybe there’s an after-work hangout you can join. You can also try looking up alumni networks in your new city, checking out Meetup groups, or asking your current friends if they know anyone in the new city who’d be willing to show you around. It can be tough making new friends as an adult, but you’re not doomed to a life of solitude just because you’re new in town.

• Understand that you’ll hit some bumps in the road. It won’t always be easy moving to a new city, and you’re bound to feel homesick. That’s okay! Remind yourself why you made the move, stay positive, and don’t forget to practice a little self-care.

How to start a new job in a new city

The prospect of moving to a new city and starting over can be scary! But you can make the transition much smoother and easier with our best tips for relocating and finding a new job.

1. Consider a remote job

If you can, consider finding a new job where you can work remotely. These positions tend to have more flexibility and you’ll likely be able to interview, onboard, train, and start work before you leave your current city. Having a job you can do from anywhere will make the transition to a new city easier, and give you more time to arrange your travel and accommodations.

2. Give yourself some breathing room

When making the move to a new city, time and money are valuable commodities. Start looking for a job as soon as you can. If that’s not a possibility, research and compile a list of potential employers in the new city, so that you can start your job hunt as soon as you arrive. 

You’ll also want to save as much money as you can before you leave. Having a financial cushion will make the transition much less stressful and allow you to support yourself if the job search takes a while.

3. Use your network

If you’ve built a strong professional network, now is the time to start working it! Reach out to people in your network and ask if they have connections in your new city. They may even be able to give you a recommendation or set up a meeting with your next boss. Don’t be shy—networking has been shown to be one of the best ways to stand out in a sea of applicants.

This can also be made less difficult by utilizing ang email template like the following example when reaching out to people in your network (of course, remember to adjust it to fit your situation):

“Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well, and that the weather isn’t too rough over there in [Name of City]. I’m exploring the next steps in my career, and looking to make a move to [Name of City]. Do you happen to know anyone in the [name of industry] there? If so, would you be open to connecting me or briefly reaching out to them? Thank you for your time; I really appreciate it.”

4. Investigate relocation options

You may not have to leave your current job if they have a branch in your new city! While this won’t be the case most of the time, it’s worth looking into if you like your job and work for a larger company. If so, ask about options to relocate to the branch in that city. Your company may even provide financial or relocation assistance. Even if it seems unlikely, it never hurts to ask.

5. Look into remote or hybrid options

Many companies now have remote and hybrid work arrangements. If your current employer offers this option, it might be easier to take your job with you, rather than find a new job. Just make sure there aren't any restrictions on where they allow remote or hybrid employees to be based.

6. Secure a local address

Before you start looking to find a job in a new city, try to secure an address in your destination city that can receive mail, such as with a trusted friend, a relative, or a P.O. box. Then you can use the new address on your LinkedIn profile and resume. This may increase your chances of getting a job in the new city, as some hiring managers won’t consider candidates who aren’t currently local.

7. Explain your situation in your applications

You can bypass any of these hesitations or questions from hiring managers by explaining your situation in your cover letter. Make it clear that you’re committed to moving to the new location. Hopefully this will eliminate any hesitation a hiring manager might have about considering someone from outside the local area.

8. Be on the (job) alert

When looking for a new job in a new city, you need to be proactive. Many job boards (including career.io’s Job Tracker) allow you to set job alerts to let you know when new jobs that fit your parameters are posted. This will save you valuable time and allow you to apply as soon as possible.

9. Look for a recruiter in your new city

A recruiter’s job is to match people with new jobs, so why not go directly to someone who is best equipped to help? Do your homework and find a recruiter in your new area who specializes in placing people with your experience level in your field. They’ll also be a great source for the job market in your new city, often having the inside scoop on available positions before they’re even posted.

10. Attend virtual job fairs

The advent of virtual job fairs has made it easier to meet potential employers and find new opportunities anywhere in the country without leaving your home. These virtual events are a great way to learn about multiple companies in your industry, make connections, and even set up interviews. It’s a valuable opportunity to find out what jobs are available in your new city and start making yourself known as a viable, valuable candidate.

Looking to work with a recruiter? Career.io’s Recruiter Outreach can match you with up to 200 recruiters a month who are looking for applicants just like you. Find your new job faster and set yourself up for success!

Key takeaways

1. There are a few things to keep in mind before moving to a new city for a job, including what job you’re looking for, how much money you have saved, and if you have housing set up.

2. To ease the transition when starting over in a new city, you should get to know the lay of the land, meet new local friends, and understand that there may be some bumps in the road as you get settled in.

3. In terms of how to find a job in a new city, a few good tips are to work with a recruiter, secure a local address, set job alerts, attend virtual career fairs, and consider remote work options.