Dear J.T. & Dale: I'm a recent grad who is looking for work out of state. I've been applying for positions that I'm qualified for, but I haven't had much luck. I mention in my cover letter that I definitely will move to the area. One temp agency said to contact them when I have moved to the area, but I'm hesitant to move without a job. Is my out-of-state address decreasing my chances? - Christina
J.T.: To me, it's never a bad idea to move to where you want to live. Work is just one part of your life, so getting yourself to a place that brings you joy is vital to your overall happiness. Plus, you are correct to assume that you won't get a call without a local address. Given the high rate of unemployment, hiring managers won't bother interviewing someone who needs to relocate, except on those occasions where an employee has a rare and vital skill set.
DALE: You might wonder why an employer would reject you despite your promise to "definitely move to the area." First, employers want to avoid any possible money debates - some job applicants expect to be paid travel expenses for interview trips, and others expect relocation costs. Sure, you could add to your cover letter something about not expecting reimbursement, but it wouldn't help, because there's another hidden factor at work. The best predictor of who will move in a given year is having moved in the previous year. In other words, people who move tend to move again. Any employer who's been around a while will have heard variations on this statement: "I love my job, but I have to quit because I'm moving back home to be near my boyfriend (or parents/ church/therapist/neighborhood)." So, Christina, not only do you have to relocate, but when your recent move comes up in an interview, make sure you say that it is a dream to live there and that you're never leaving.
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J.T.: Now all that's left is to face the problem that even if you move, the average job search can take several months. So, I suggest three things:
(1) Save up at least six months' worth of living expenses before you move.
(2) Get a part-time job as soon as you get there. Doesn't matter what it is, just get working.
(3) Focus on an aggressive, proactive job search with lots of face-to-face networking. People need to see and speak to you if you want to get hired.
Moving will be an exciting adventure, as will your new job and new career - please let us know how it works out for you.
Dear J.T. & Dale: When a job listing says, "Do not call," does that refer to calling before applying for the job AND after you have submitted your application? I always thought it meant prior to applying, not while you are waiting to hear if you made the short list. - Victoria
J.T.: It means both. Employers are fearful of getting inundated with calls. In some cases, calling actually can disqualify you from the process. The solution is to find someone in your network who knows someone at the company, then get that employee to check on the status of your application. That way, you're following the rules while also creating an inside connection with someone who might be able to get your résumé to the top of the pile.
DALE: Backing up, I wouldn't be too concerned about breaking the do-not-call rule. After all, if a company has that rule, it probably is getting hundreds of applications, which means your odds are already so low that I'm tempted to offer my own rule: If it says "do not call," then "do not bother" applying. However, somebody is going to get the job, so you might as well play your job lottery ticket and apply. Then, do what J.T. is recommending. Even better, develop target companies and network your way to hiring managers till you find people looking for talent, people who don't have do-not-call rules.
Jeanine "J.T." Tanner O'Donnell is a professional development specialist. Dale Dauten resolves employment disputes as a mediator. Visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email.