Contrary to popular belief, it’s not impossible to find a job in another state. I should know; I’ve done it twice. In my experience, the trick is to do what you’d do for a job you really want—use your network, write a thoughtful cover letter, and be flexible—but more about that later.
First things first: the biggest myth of job hunting in other states. You’ve likely thought of removing your location from your resume or using someone else’s address as your own. To be frank, lying about your background is never a good idea. Maybe, maybe, before the internet, it was easy to fudge your location, but a quick Google of your name, your previous employers, and any of your social media profiles will reveal the truth. And if you end up doing a background check, your hiring manager will be less than pleased to learn that, although you’ve never been arrested, you live in San Antonio, not San Diego.
What you should do is approach your out-of-state job hunt in a way that makes you seem as local and as accessible as possible to potential employers. Here’s how that pans out during the job search.
Read more: 11 Traveling Jobs & How to Get Them
How to get a job in another state: 5 steps from someone who's done it twice
1. Research cities to narrow your options
You probably know where you want to go because you’re moving for a specific reason, but if you’re like I was, you might be more free-spirited and not have a clue. Start by researching cities to see, first, if they’re growing and have hiring demands and, second, if one city fits you better than another. Yes, you can apply to any old job you like regardless of location, but it’ll be easier to land a position in a city that’s actively seeking outside hires because they’ve run out of local talent. (Think of this as burgeoning mid-sized or large cities versus mammoths like New York City, where incoming talent is abundant and continuous.)
As for the other side of that coin, the I-like-this-city side, research helps you know why you think you’d be happier in one location versus your current one. And being able to pinpoint those reasons implies, to employers, that you’re willing to stick around.
After that, there’s one final benefit of research, and that’s small talk. It’s good to know what the locals talk about so you can sound like one too. I suggest learning some of the city’s main attributes—its sports teams, a hot restaurant you want to try, a recent positive and chatter-worthy headline, and what reputation, if any, the city has. You might not live there yet, but you’ll come across as engaged in the area already, which is what’s most important.
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2. Read job descriptions carefully for remote or flexible location options
One silver lining of the pandemic lockdown was the ushering in of the remote-work era. Many platforms like InHerSight and LinkedIn now offer job seekers the ability to easily sift through remote work options, which makes location a non-issue in many cases. And if you read job descriptions carefully, you'll also find more companies than ever willing to hire flexibly, offering jobs in designated states, cities, or even countries—yet another reason to do your research on which places you'd like to live before you start applying to jobs.
That said, remote and flexible options come with their own set of considerations. Not only are these positions highly sought-after, but they're also unlikely to pay for relocation costs, might not align with your other must-haves, or might not provide any support for your social needs when you change locations. Ask yourself: How will you build community when you move? Would being able to go into an office help you adjust as you make new friends? You know yourself best.
3. Write a strategic cover letter
Let's say you've gone the route of applying to a job in a specific location. If you don’t come from a writing background, it can be tempting to use a formulaic cover letter when applying to jobs, but out-of-state applicants need to use whatever’s at their disposal to position themselves as the best person for the job. A wise boss once told me that cover letters are meant to explain gaps or missing information in resumes, and in your case, the missing information is why you’re interested in uprooting your life. You don’t need to get too personal (please don’t, actually), but you can quickly address the issue like this:
I’m looking exclusively for opportunities in the Bay area, and when I read about the marketing position at That’s So Startup, I knew my background would be an asset to your team. For the past six years, I’ve been leading the branding efforts at Still a Startup, a similarly sized startup based in Michigan.
It’s important that you frame your move as something that will happen regardless of a job offer so employers will know you’re committed to leaving your current location. Then transition to the parts of your background and skills that apply to the position or company. Use these examples to craft your own cover letter:
Example 1
As an enthusiastic and adaptable professional, I am excited to express my interest in the [position title] opportunity with [company name], despite residing outside of [state name]. With a proven track record of successfully navigating remote work environments and a commitment to seamless communication, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team from afar.
Example 2
Greetings, [hiring manager's name]. I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere interest in the [position title] role at [company name], even though I currently reside in [current location]. My passion for [industry/field] and my experience in remote collaboration make me well-equipped to excel in this position regardless of geographical barriers.
Example 3
Dear hiring team, I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in the [position title] position at [company name], despite the geographical distance between us. While I currently reside in [current location], I am eager to relocate for the right opportunity and am fully prepared to seamlessly integrate into your team from day one, leveraging my strong remote work skills and dedication to achieving outstanding results.
Read more: Example Answers to Give When Asked Why You're Looking for a New Job
4. Lean on your connections
It’s nice in theory to believe your skills alone rake in job offers, but it’s simply not true. Networking matters, not only because friends of friends come highly recommended, but also because it’s easier for you to establish rapport with a hiring manager if you have someone in common.
The first time I got a job out of state, my former college TA was working at the magazine I applied to. She didn’t act as a reference necessarily, but she did vouch for me—which is the factor I couldn’t control for. It was up to me to ace the interview or the writing test, but I couldn’t explain to the hiring manager that I was a solid hire, a better hire than his other candidates. Thanks, likely, to my connections, I beat out the local candidates for the job. Here are four example messages you can send to your network to ask for help getting a job at their company:
Example 1
Subject: Seeking Opportunities at [company name]
Hi [contact's name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out because I admire the work culture and values of [company name], and I'm actively seeking new opportunities in [industry/field]. I noticed that you're connected with the company, and I would greatly appreciate any insights or assistance you could provide regarding potential openings or introductions to the right people.
I've attached my updated resume for your reference. Your support and guidance would mean a lot to me as I navigate this next step in my career journey. Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[your name]
Example 2
Subject: Referral Request for [position title] Role at [company name]
Dear [contact's name],
I hope this email finds you well. I'm reaching out to you because I recently came across an exciting opportunity for a [position title] at [company name], and I believe my skills and experience align well with the job description.
Given your firsthand experience with the company, I was hoping you could provide me with some insights into the company culture and perhaps even consider referring me for the role. I'm confident that my background in [relevant skills/experience] would allow me to make meaningful contributions to the team at [company name].
I've attached my resume for your reference. Any assistance or advice you could offer would be immensely appreciated. Thank you for considering my request.
Warm regards,
[your name]
Example 3
Subject: Seeking Advice and Guidance for Opportunities at [company name]
Hello [contact's name],
I trust you're doing well. I wanted to reach out to you because I've been exploring opportunities within [industry/field], and I've always admired the work of [company name]. Your experience with the company makes you the perfect person to turn to for advice and guidance.
I'm particularly interested in roles related to [specific area/department], and I would be grateful if you could share any insights you have about potential openings or the application process. Your expertise would be invaluable as I navigate this exciting but sometimes daunting job search journey.
Thank you in advance for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[your name]
Example 4
Subject: Seeking Connections at [company name]
Hi [contact's name],
I hope you're doing well. I'm reaching out because I'm exploring opportunities at [company name] and I remembered that you have connections there. I would greatly appreciate it if you could introduce me to anyone in your network who might be able to provide some guidance or insights into potential roles.
I've been following the company's growth and am particularly interested in opportunities related to [specific department/area]. If you think there's anyone I should connect with or if you have any advice on how to approach my job search with [company name], I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you so much for your help. I truly appreciate it.
Warm regards,
[your name]
Read more:How to Answer 4 Common Situational Interview Questions
5. Simplify the interview process
You don’t have to drive cross-country, but out-of-state applicants should expect to be more flexible than local ones. The company might want to do additional interviews since you can’t come into the office, they might need to meet at awkward times if there’s a time difference, or they might ask you to travel to their location (on their dime, of course) for back-to-back interviews. The process can be quite thorough (read: grueling), but you can see why it’s necessary: You’re a stranger from a strange land. They have to know you’re a better option than someone who’s already in town.
That said, the interview process is just as much for employers as it is for you—even if you’re desperate to leave wherever you are. Set expectations of how soon you could start based on your move. Ask about relocation benefits. Ask what the typical hiring process is at the company (length and number of interviews). And if, five interviews and a Skype coffee meeting later, you feel like you’re being too flexible, consider that a red flag. Prep with our roundup of interview questions beforehand, too, for good measure.
Read more: How to Ace a Phone Interview
