relocation | Robin's Resumes (r)

Geography and Your Job Hunt

Jan 04 2015

Robin’s Resumes® is based in Atlanta, Georgia, but I work on resumes for individuals from every region and state. Many of them face geographic challenges: relocation within the United States, high regional unemployment, relocation to another country, and applying to an international company.

Relocation resumes require special consideration because you will be competing with job applicants who already live in the company’s vicinity. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, you should strive to acquire a local address and even a cell phone with a local phone number to give you an edge in finding a job in another location.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor, the jobless rate has fallen in about half of the states and is continuing to fall; that’s great news. But if you live in a region or state with high unemployment, a professional resume writer can help you target your resume toward the healthiest industries in your region.

If you are applying for a position overseas, or if you are moving to the United States from a foreign country, you should know that there are major differences in resumes from country to country. For example, many foreign countries expect a resume to contain a picture or personal information (such as date of birth) which are discouraged or actually prohibited on US resumes. Moreover, clarification may be needed about the meaning of degrees from US institutions versus foreign institutions.

International companies may have teams dispersed over several countries. If you are applying to work at an international company at any level, it helps if you know a foreign language, have traveled to foreign countries, have worked with individuals from different countries, or have worked for another international company. Your experiences and skills may not be deep or broad, but any international background or skill gives your resume a boost.

Please contact Robin’s Resumes® if your job search involves a geographic challenge.

Writing a Relocation Resume

Jun 15 2014

If you have a specialized skill in high demand, finding a job in a different state or region may not be difficult. But for most job seekers, finding a job far from their current location involves careful framing of the resume and cover letter.

The words “open to relocation” or “seeking to relocate” should appear in either your cover letter or resume and often in both places. In addition, the resume should stress any ties you have with the area, such as previous jobs in that location.

Out-of-state area codes are not a problem because people carry cell phones with area codes from places they lived in years and years ago. If you are not looking for relocation expenses during your job search, it can help for you to get a mailbox in the new location. You can then use this address in your resume. You may want to state in your resume / cover letter that you have started your relocation to the new area, so your address being not the same as your job does not raise a flag.

Note, recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems will reject resumes from folks applying from outside the local area in many cases. Therefore, it is important to have an address (or at least a zip code) from the local area. If you do not include this in your resume (such as no address), this also can be a reason for a resume not to be considered. Therefore, to be sure you are included in the pool for consideration, and you want the job in a new area, it can really help to use a local address as the contact address.

If you have contacts in your region of choice, make sure they are aware of your job search. They may be able to speak to a hiring manager or recruiter on your behalf. Don’t expect any company to offer to pay relocation expenses; that is a rare benefit these days.

When you are considering relocation, the right resume is essential. Contact Robin’s Resumes® for help.

Applying for Jobs in Another State

Feb 26 2012

Your job search might alert you to opportunities far from your hometown. While you are willing to relocate, many companies are hesitant to interview, let alone hire, out-of-state applicants.

If you want to relocate out of state or away from your hometown, realize that many companies will not pay for relocation in the current economic environment unless they cannot find a local candidate. Here are a few techniques you can use to increase your chances for an out-of-state job:

Find a mailbox company (or a friend) with an address perceived as within the commuting distance for the job. Also, get a phone number (use Skype or Google Voice) to get a phone number that is in the area code where the job is.
In the cover letter, mention although you are currently working in another city, you have begun the transition to the new location. This is true if you have established an address and phone number in the new city.
I do not recommend that your resume list name, email address and phone number only. That bare-bones information can get you eliminated from the application, since the company will assume you are hiding something.
In the cover letter or email that accompanies your resume mention that you are open to relocation. Even better, if you already have plans in place to move to the state, let the company know when you will be a resident.
The easier you make your relocation for the company involved, the more likely they will be to consider you. You may want to consider paying for your own transportation to the interview.

Of course, the most important consideration is that your resume and cover letter highlight the skills, accomplishments and experience that companies in your target state are looking for. Contact Robin’s Resumes® today, and I will help you craft a resume and cover letter that will add impetus to your relocation efforts.