If you’re planning to move but don’t have a job lined up in your new location, finding work is likely to be among your top priorities. Moving without a job is risky and difficult, so you will certainly want to secure a position before the relocation.
Finding a job in another city, however, is not easy and can take quite a long time – so, you need to start looking well in advance of your move.
How far in advance though? When to start looking for a job out of state? How soon to apply for jobs before moving?
Applying too early is not a good idea as companies may not consider you if you will be unavailable for several months. Applying too late is a great risk as you may not be able to get a job in time. You need to pick the right moment, so you can secure a job in your new location by the time of your move.
Here are some tips and strategies to help you figure out when to start applying for jobs before moving so you have the best chance of success.
When to start looking for a new job when moving
The first question you need to find an answer to when planning your job hunt is “How soon before moving should I look for a job?”
Needless to say, the earlier you start looking, the more time you will have to research the job market in your new area and find out what industries are hiring, who the major employers are, what sorts of jobs are available, etc.
It is, therefore, a good idea to start your job search about 4 months before your planned move date – so you can get a sense of the business environment and career options in your new area, identify prospective employers, and narrow down your search to positions you’re interested in and qualified for.
Depending on a number of factors, however, you may want to start looking for jobs earlier (5-6 months in advance) or later (2-3 months before the move):
- The economic situation and business environment in your new area. If your new city has a thriving economy and dynamic labor market, you will most likely be able to secure a job quickly, so you don’t need to start searching much in advance;
- The demand for your skills. If your skills are in high demand in the area you’re moving to, it will be easier to find a suitable job, so you can start looking just a couple of months before your relocation;
- The number of opportunities in your field. If there are many companies hiring in your field, it won’t take long to land a job, so 2-3 months will be enough to conduct your search;
- The position you’re aiming at. Higher-level positions are more difficult to find than lower-level ones. So, if you’re looking for a mid-level or senior-level position, you may need 5-6 months for your search;
- Your financial situation:
- If you have a lot of savings and can last for several months in your new city without a paycheck, you can start your job search later – even if you don’t get a job by the time of your move, you will be able to support yourself financially while looking for employment, so spending some time without a job won’t be a big problem. (Just make sure you have enough money saved up to cover your moving costs and your living expenses for at least six months after the relocation – find out how much it will cost you to relocate and research the cost of living in your new area, so you can rest assured that you won’t experience financial difficulties if you move without a job.);
- If you don’t have a financial cushion, moving without a job is not an option – you need to secure a position by moving day. In such a case, you need to start your job search earlier and apply for every suitable position.
Now that you can figure out how soon to start looking for work, it’s time to find out how early to apply for jobs when moving.
When to apply for a job when moving
It’s only logical that when you find a job that you like and are qualified for, you will want to apply for it right away.
Yet, applying too early may ruin your chances of getting the job – you won’t be able to start until after your move, so the potential employers may not consider you at all or may throw your resume in a “hold” pile and forget about it. In most cases, there is no point in applying for a job if you can’t start working for more than three months.
If you wait until your move date drawers nearer, though, the position may fill up before you even apply. Besides, you need to allow a few weeks for the interviewing process, so you should apply at least a month in advance.
What is the right answer to the question “When should I apply for jobs before moving?”, then?
It depends on your particular circumstances, of course, but 2 months before you can actually begin working is a good time frame in most cases – not so early that you’re not seriously considered for the position, but not so late that you risk not having a job when your move.
Keep in mind that sometimes the hiring process can take a few months – but other times open positions fill up quickly. You need to consider the type of the job (some industries hire faster than others), the level of the position (mid- and senior-level positions usually take longer to fill because employers are looking for the most qualified candidate), the size of the company (large companies tend to have a longer and more complicated hiring process), and your personal circumstances in order to decide how far in advance to apply for a job.
In your cover letter, explain that you’re relocating and specify when you will be able to begin working. Be sure to state how seriously you’re taking this professional opportunity, mention that you’re moving to the city permanently (so your prospective employer doesn’t see you as a “flight risk”), and note that you’d be willing to come for an interview before the move, if needed.
Good to know: When wondering “How far in advance should I apply for a job?”, be sure to consider the specifics of your situation:
- When moving locally, it’s always better to apply for a job earlier rather than later – and not mention a specific date when you can start the job. Even if the application gets approved earlier than expected and you’re required to start working before your planned move date, you will most likely be able to do it – the distance won’t be greater than 100 miles, so it will be possible to commute between your current home and your new workplace until the move (See also: Local moving tips);
- If your move date is flexible, be sure to apply as soon as you find a desirable job- if you’re hired, you can move earlier than planned (See also: How far in advance to plan a move);
- If you find a job in your new location that you really like, it may be best to apply right away and not mention your move. You don’t want to miss a great opportunity, so you should submit your CV and cover letter without delay and if your application gets approved, try to move earlier, find temporary housing in your new location and commute home during weekends until the move, or ask your new employer if you can work remotely until the relocation. (See also: How to prepare to move out of state)
Knowing how early to apply for jobs when moving will maximize your chance of getting hired in time and starting your new life in your new city on a very positive note. Good luck!
