Relocating

RouteThisWay

So my question is this... how does one go about actually relocating?

I am young, not married, etc. I am working on my CCNA. I have a few years exp doing desktop support/windows server2k3 admin, some networking etc. I also have an associates degree, A+/Net+, and a govt security clearance. Once I complete my CCNA, I plan to find a new job somewhere doing entry level net admin work/NOC work. However, I do not think I want to stay in TN.

How does one go about relocating? I have a few grand saved up as it is right now for relocating expenses (I am not delusional, and thinking a company will pay relocation costs for an 3-4yr entry level network job in this economy).

Do you post your resume on all of the job boards (monster/dice/etc) and specify somewhere that you are looking to relocate? Do you apply to jobs all over the country that interest you? This part seems to escape me a bit since, I really have no experience doing this.

I have no specific city in mind, just.. willing to go wherever. But I can see this as a bad thing. A potential employer may wonder if I am going to stay around the new area where I have no connections. They may ask why I am relocating. I don't think "just because" is a good answer lol. Do I tell a white lie and say, if I fly to one city to interview do I say "I've always wanted to live in ________, so I applied to jobs around the area".... and then say the same thing to someone else in another city?

I obviously have some time, but I figured I would ask so I know what to look for. I really don't have an ideal city in mind, just looking to get out of TN. Just not sure how I would even be open to jobs that require extensive travel (not having kids/wife seems to open up quite a few doors lol), but not sure how to go about getting those either.

Just looking for general tips/ideas on how to find a job dealing with relocation.

GAngel

I think in the current market you have to be exceptional for a company to re-locate you. Odds are you'll have to move to another market first before you get any real interest in your skills. Try seeing who the local recruiters are of where you're interested in moving and email them for advice. Most people are willing to give friendly advice.

Employers don't see it as bad. Alot of multi national employees are encouraged to go abroad or work in different cities becuase it introduces you to other management styles. The world is a mobile workforce now and employers know employees in general aern't going to be there for 20 years.

I've been there and done it. The advice I got was email as many of the recruiters you could find when you planned to arrive and ask them if an opportunity arised to set up an interview for that date or after. Then upon landing call/email or go into there office and discuss it.

RouteThisWay

GAngel wrote: »

I think in the current market you have to be exceptional for a company to re-locate you.

I agree completely. Which is why I would want to relocate myself and have a bit of cash saved up to do so Pay for my own expenses for flying out to interview, etc. Just not sure how to get that interview in the first place, living hundreds to thousands of miles away. I guess just like any other job? Apply with the intent of moving to location, schedule an interview if offered one, and then I need to make my own travel arrangements to accommodate the time?

stlsmoore

I here that obtaining a P.O. box or something similar in the area you're wanting to move to and using that as the local address on your resume to get through the barrier of being located long distance. I would also check the city-data.com forums as well because it gives you an idea what an area is like and how to relocate before landing a job where you're trying to move.

broc

Just go for it, don't hesitate to apply to any position if you're ready to move. I had on my CV for many years a line saying willing to travel and/or relocate internationally and it never cause me any problem, to the contrary. Loads of companies will appreciate that you are willing to move for a job with them, it shows great commitment and motivation to achieve your goals.

I worked in France, Switzerland, India and the UK.

I wouldn't advise you to move before you get a job, stay where you are and apply to whatever you want, you have flexibility at the moment and it's a great asset in the current market.

Sanis4life

You have a clearance? Man, it should be easy for you to find a job! I am relocating back to the states, and i negotiated a move with my on-coming company. They found me...well...i'm not sure how they found me. I have my resume posted on dice, clearance jobs, and militaryhire.

Personally, i would say pack your bags and apply for jobs overseas. Unless you have alot of Networking experience, dont expect to get a job doing it. You might have to come on as helpdesk or something first. Then, you can prove your worth...show interest...and hopefully move up.

DC / North Virginia area have loads of gov jobs.