August 14, 2009

Join local networks before looking for greener pastures

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One of the symptoms of a sluggish job market is the tendency to cast sideways glances at what looks like greener grass on the other side of the fence. After months of rejections and dead ends, it's easy to think that a move to a new city might improve your chances, even though it's tough just about everywhere these days.

But is it a good idea to quit your job, pack up like the Joad family and move to a new environment before a new job is secure? The short answer is no, not in today's economy--unless it is making you physically ill, any job you have today should be held onto and treasured. But that doesn't mean you can't be part of a new community, even if it's in a different city.

Sherri Edwards, a career coach and owner of the Resource Maximizer employment consulting firm in Seattle, says that while nothing is better than meeting face-to-face, the online social networking tools available today can broadcast your skills to any employer, no matter where you're located.

If you have a job and are planning a move, be sure to research the local professional associations and get to know the main players before you start packing boxes. "The key is to network before you even get there so you're aware of the local community," Edwards says. "I often hear people say 'Oh no! I've gotta sell my house!' No, you've just got to be connected."

Look for potential connections in different cities via sites like LinkedIn, Edwards says, and make as many contributions as you can, perhaps through tips offered via a professional blog. "Don't just blog about what you do all day," she adds. "Ask yourself, 'What's the information I'm providing? Is it useful?' If you demonstrate that you have unique skills to offer, recruiters will come to find you, not the other way around."

Edwards also recommends making at least few visits to the new area to make sure the community fits your lifestyle. Also, be sure to build some flexibility with your schedule in case a return visit is necessary. "You have to be ready to interview at any moment," she says. "You should be able to tell employers that you'll be ready at a certain date and would be willing to move immediately".

However, for those who are currently unemployed and not finding jobs in their home city, a fully committed move might be a good idea, particularly if they're considering this region. "For a lot of employers in the West Coast, it's not just about whether you can do the job," Edwards says. "People want to know you're a part of their community."

Whether you take the plunge and move without a job offer or send out feelers from afar, the most important element is engagement. "The bottom line is that no employer needs to be looking at [workers] outside their area," Edwards says. "There is a large enough pool of talent to choose from in every city. You just have to show them that you belong by joining local associations and getting involved."

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

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