Ask HN: Is it hard/bad to apply for jobs in cities you don't live in? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Is it hard/bad to apply for jobs in cities you don't live in?

10 pointscoryl11 comments

Hi friends,

I'm sure the question sounds a bit silly, but I'm considering a move from east coast to west. I've read a bit of advice about "targeting" places I'd like to work, narrowing my search down and being aggressive on those places.

However, being that I still live in the east, I don't want the employer to see my resume and be turned off by my how far I am. Or in the event that I get a phone interview - have such a big time delay before I can even meet face to face for an interview. These things seem like job-killers; imo the face to face is crucial, and the more time you delay it, the less likely you'll be to get that job.

I would ultimately prefer to move cities first and then pound the pavement for work - but I know this can be a bad idea because its a crappy economy and nobody wants be burning their savings in an expensive west coast city. I'm typically looking for business development job, around $50k (my first "real" job?). I have a degree in business and lots of experience with my own startup projects.

So what do you think? 1) Move first, ask questions later. 2)Try to setup job from afar, move when safe and secure (if at all).

Do an 'exploratory move'. Find a short-term sublet on craigslist, 'move' there, post your resume as though you're there. Stay a month or two, get job nibbles etc. If the response is good enough or whatever, extend. Otherwise, move on.

This isn't fanciful advice; I do it. So far I've been lucky (about finding short-term sublets). Note that it takes a couple / few days at a motel to find the sublet.

I've tried both. I've found better success with #1.

This isn't substantiated, but my thinking is: - hr/recruiters notice if you've made a move - people see it as a sign of commitment if you've made a move - you're more likely to find a job the easy way: networking with likeminded people - you're more likely to avoid bad pursuits (ie, the "good on paper company")

The economy isn't bad for talented people. Believe in yourself, show employers why they need you, and get on with your first job already.

You've got a world to get out there and conquer.

Best of luck, -m

For the past few months, I've been going through this exact process, moving from NYC to Boulder. The in-person interview requirements are the biggest challenge. A few companies are willing to fly you out, some not. Many will ask you to get back in touch once you move.

I suggest making it clear that you're definitely moving once you have an offer. Employers are reluctant to commit to someone that isn't committed to them (i.e. their office, their city).

So ultimately, I would suggest doing multiple phone interviews with multiple companies. Get the process as far along as possible. Then once you have several asking for in-person interviews, but not willing to fly you out, make the move.

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Just explain your situation. That's what cover letters are for. Or in this day and age, the body of your email.

They'll either say:

1) Why don't you try again when you're out here.

2) We'll fly you out for an interview, but relocation costs will be all you.

3) We have a relocation policy.

Just tell them you are willing to relocate. Hiring an employee is a big investment, if the business is too short-sighted to pay a few thousand dollars to recruit the best possible people for their several hundred thousand dollar investment then you probably don't want to work there.

I understand the principle behind your opinion.

But fact is, there are probably dozens of not hundreds of people probably applying for the same jobs. I can see them being inundated by requests, and simply passing me over because they can interview several (equally qualified?) people immediately rather than drag it out with someone who has to relocate for the job.

Am I being realistic or just pessimistic?

As the recruiter for a medium-size mobile agency, I definitely would not pass on a great candidate that wasn't local — in fact, we frequently post on local job boards in other cities. However, you have to immediately make it obvious to me that you're a kick-ass candidate. I more likely to bring in a local candidate for an interview (which gives them a bit of a leg up), even if they aren't immediately an obvious great candidate.

That said, it's much easier to network and get in touch with the right people if you're in town.

If you really want to make yourself available, being very upfront that you're willing to cover relocation expenses goes a long way.

If you're moving to San Francisco or Silicon Valley for a tech job then this isn't even a question. There is so much talent out here that a company would be insane to pay the extra costs of looking outside the local talent pool.

I disagree. I moved here from Indiana for a job. The company flew me over here for the interview and also paid for relocation when I moved here. Same situation for all my friends. We are new college grads, so the situation might be different.

Pick up a copy of "Wishcraft" and a copy of "What color is your parachute?" Work their "programs" (for lack of a better word). Use a goal oriented mental framework rather than a timeline oriented mental framework -- ie don't set dates, set milestones for what needs to be accomplished to get there from here.

I am also looking towards leaving the East Coast. I am not job hunting. One of my goals is to make my online stuff profitable enough to support me and my sons (with their assistance -- they aren't actually children). The main thing I am working on here lately is figuring out what milestones I need to hit to get there from here. That approach has turned out to be very reliable in the past for other "impossible" challenges.

Good luck with this.

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