September 1, 2010

What's the best way to find a job in Seattle when you don't live here yet?

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Q: I'm a former Seattleite who moved to California more than four years ago, and I’m relocating myself back to Seattle. What's the best way to find a software job in Seattle when you're searching long distance?

Kristen says: Welcome back! The most important thing for you to do is make sure recruiters know that you are planning your own relocation, which is a huge expense for most companies. You need to have a date range available for interviewing and starting a new job. This is one of the few times a targeted objective on your resume can be valuable: “Software Engineering professional returning to the Seattle area in September seeking long-term professional opportunities.” Make sure to update your LinkedIn profile as well, and make sure you have your contacts set to “career opportunities.”

You can take advantage of Seattle’s very tech-centric culture by contacting some of the recruiting agencies that provide both contracting and direct placement opportunities at large companies like Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile and Starbucks, as well as smaller organizations. This is also one of those times to beef up your resume profile on the major job boards like NWjobs.com, Monster.com and CareerBuilder.

Seattle is home to a large number of technology SIGs (Special Interest Groups). There is SeaJUG (Seattle Java User Group), Seattle WNUG (Windows Networking Group), Digital Eve (an online community supporting women in technology, with many job announcements) and WAtechjobs on Yahoo Groups. But the most important thing for you to do is to start networking with former colleagues and managers. This is where LinkedIn can be invaluable if you have lost touch with some of your contacts. Facebook has become very popular in this area and you can find a lot of people there that you can send a message to even if they aren’t in your direct network. Make a list of target companies, customize your resume as needed and start asking your contacts if they would be willing to facilitate an introduction either to a manager or recruiter in the company via LinkedIn. The single best way into any company is via an employee referral, so a former co-worker who knows your work and is willing to recommend you is invaluable.

Kristen Fife is a recruiter, resume consultant, and employment expert based in the greater Seattle area. She has worked with clients all over North America to help organizations and individuals find a mutual fit in the workplace. Ask her a question at recruiters_inbox@nwjobs.com. Sorry, no personal replies.

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Recruiter's Inbox, interviewing, relocation

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