Our lives are changing every day and sometimes it forces us to make difficult decisions. In regards to wanting -- or needing -- to look for work in a different state than you’re currently living in, there are many reasons why one would be put in that position. 

Maybe you are just looking for a change of scenery and want to find something new. Maybe there’s a shortage of work in the area you currently live in, or maybe you just want to expand your horizons. 

Whatever the case may be, it’s never a bad idea to open up every possible opportunity -- especially with so much opportunity out there. 

If this sounds like you, know that there are several things to keep in mind when going about your work search. Everything from what you include in your cover letter and resume, to managing potential travel expenses for out-of-state interviews. 

There’s a proper way to handle all of these things, saving you and the employer a ton of headache down the road. 

Cover Letter

We’ve gone over how to write an effective cover letter, but you’ll want to make some slight changes if you are sending the cover letter to an out-of-state company. Normally, cover letters give you a prime opportunity to explain your experience and interest in more detail. 

In this case, it will also be a great time to explain your living situation. 

When doing this, avoid making it sound like the move is up in the air, otherwise you’ll be seen as a risk of wasting the company’s time. Instead, show them that you are fully committed to moving out-of-state. Doing so will give you a better chance at getting a call for an interview. 

I wouldn’t say lie, but you can definitely hold some of the truth. You will almost surely be asked about this in an interview or phone follow-up, so be prepared for that. Don’t dig yourself a hole, but make yourself favored.

Resume

Likewise, updating your resume will be required in order to avoid confusion during the application process. 

The main thing we are going to look at is the address. I’ve gone through thousands of resumes just in the past year and one of the things I look at is where their past work experience occurred. If it’s in a different state, I almost always look at the address on the top of the resume. 

If the address at the top is also in a different state, with no mention of interest in moving, I likely won’t put the resume in my shortlist. 

One simple way to avoid this, other than explaining thoroughly in your cover letter, is by replacing your address with something neutral. For example, putting “Relocating to Austin, TX in May 2020.”

This will let the recruiter know right off the bat that you are relocating, leaving them with no doubt. In addition, it will keep you safe in the event they don’t ponder your cover letter.

Interviewing

To bring it full circle, you’ll also want to be transparent throughout the interview process. This is where you’ll want to make sure that you haven’t lied during the application process. If you have, you will either need to carry that lie through or be ready to confront the lie with the employer. 

For your sake, avoid lying. 

Now that you’re face-to-face with the recruiter, or at least on the phone, you can once again put their mind at ease by proving to them you are committed to relocating. Talk it up as much as possible, you want them to feel like you’re not just committed to the move, but committed to working for their company when it happens. 

Also, be up-front about what you’re looking for. There is a lot of stress and headache involved in making a move. Don’t make it harder on yourself by desperately searching for a job you won’t enjoy. 

Looking for a job isn’t easy. Searching for one out-of-state is even more difficult. By being prepared and knowing what to look for, it will be a breeze for you.