Find your next job in a new city or state
With the recent shifts in the economy, many people are widening their job search and planning a move to a new city or state. Before you relocate for work, here are some budget-conscious ways to make a smooth move.
Know where the jobs are. Start with state and regional unemployment rates at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Then read what others consider the best cities for finding work with reports from Forbes.com and the Milken Institute. The best city for you will depend on your line of work, so search job ads, read trade magazines, attend industry events, and talk to people in your field, especially if they’ve already made the move to a city you’re considering.
Research housing and schools. Before relocating for work, make sure to consider your family's needs. Call real estate agents in your target city to get a sense of the housing market and how much you’ll pay for a new home. Look for report cards on the academic performance of schools. Read local newspapers online to catch the flavor of your new hometown, and check the tourist board's website for recreation recommendations. You may decide to hold off on buying a home until you're more settled in your new community. Budget for the cost of renting or leasing, plus a storage unit if you have items that need to be stored.
Find the right job. Once you've identified where you want to live, ask your social and professional network if they have job leads, and use online resources to research employment opportunities. Registering with a local staffing firm can also help. When applying for work, consider putting your planned moving date on your resume. This may assure employers that you are serious about relocating, and will let them know when you are available for work. And plan on taking advantage of cheap airfares to visit the city and meet prospective employers face to face.
Did you know?
A survey of 3,000 job seekers shows 13% of people who found a new job had to relocate for work.
Budget for moving costs. The average cost for a household move between states is more than $4,000. The American Moving and Storage Association gives tips for keeping the price down: get three written in-home estimates, skip companies that ask for large down payments, and avoid relocating for work during peak times like summer.
Set up services. One of the key tasks when moving is cancelling services for your old home and setting them up in your new location. Start your research early to get the best deals and to avoid delays for the following services:
- Phone (landline, cell phone)
- Electricity
- Cable
- Internet
- Banking
Convenient access to thousands of Bank of America ATMs and Banking Centers coast to coast makes it easier - and cheaper - to withdraw cash for pizza on your first night in a new home. Use online banking to sign up for electronic statements and credit card bills so you don't have to worry about important mail going astray. Locate a convenient branch in your new community, and set up new checking and savings accounts. Change your address and enjoy a smooth move.
What's next? House hunting with confidence
