Suggestions on applying to positions out-of-state (NJ to Sarasota, Florida)

JasonX

Hello all,

So my girlfriend very likely will be relocating to Sarasota Florida and I am open to the idea of moving down there myself as I'm not tied down to any obligations like a mortgage or lease in NJ.

Any suggestions on how an out-of-state applicant can obtain employment in a different region of the country without a local address? I have Google'd some suggestions which state "Relocating to Sarasota in *month* 2015" in place of where one would list their address.

I also would like some insight from any locals on how the job market is near Sarasota for a Network Engineering Role. I have about 5 years of experience overall in IT with about 3 in a Network Engineering Role. My certs are listed on the side if it helps including a Masters in Business Information Systems.

I do have a very large cushion, and if need be, pay for my relocation/travel expenses myself... though it'd be nice if the company covered these costs. Also, if anyone knows a salary range in this area for someone with my credentials and experience? I am not against commuting upwards of an hour if need be but would prefer to stay local to Sarasota.

Thanks,

Jay

techfiend

How about not listing your address? I have been doing this for a month or so now and it hasn't been an issue. I know of a few that have relocated and every one of them has been through linkedin.

I don't know about the Sarasota IT job market but have read on here that FL has a lot of IT unemployment and salary is well below national average but some have had success depending on the location.

yeah yeah

It's not about being below the national average, it's about the cost of living. Florida is very cheap compared to a lot of other places in the country. In Sarasota, you can rent a house out for a $1000/mo, and in other places, that budget only affords you a studio apt.

thenjduke

I did it through recruiter from LinkedIn from NJ to TN. Florida just to let you know is a hard market to be in. I use to do for four years. You will like the sun all the time. One thing that is good with the company I am with now is they have a Datacenter there I could transfer too if I like too. I would look in the Tampa market it is about 30 minute drive to Tampa. Traffic can be nuts down there. I would look at the local Hospitals. I would also check the company I work for as we have many hospitals down there and I am sure we could use more network engineers. PM for the company I work for.

techfiend

True pay isn't everything, look at parts of NYC and Silicon Valley where 6 digits is required for a comfortable life. I didn't realize Sarasota was that affordable, about what it is here. I know Tallahassee isn't, someone I know transferred here, twin cities, and bought a new house that was almost twice the size, and much nicer, of the 8 year old FL house that sold for 12% less than the new MN house.

IT-Fella

Keep in mind that not all Florida "is very cheap compared to other places". Cost of living in South Florida (I know Sarasota is not SFLA but comparing prices on housing websites doesn't paint a much better picture) is pretty high and renting a house for $1000 a month is just not realistic in a good area. Aside from COL job market is just horrible with a huge competition.

no!all!

I've always wanted to move back to Florida, but I look at what I make here v.s. what some jobs pay there and it just makes me sad. Even with the cost of living being cheaper some of the salaries are just awful.