Landing a job in a new city when you're hundreds or thousands of miles away is one of the biggest challenges of relocating. Employers often prefer local candidates who can start immediately and interview in person. Yet every day, people successfully secure jobs in cities they haven't even moved to yet.
Whether you're moving to close the distance with your partner, following a new opportunity, or simply ready for a fresh start, having a job lined up before you relocate provides financial security and peace of mind during an already stressful transition.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to conduct a successful long-distance job search and position yourself as an attractive candidate despite the geographical gap.
Start Early: Timeline for Your Job Search
Long-distance job searches take longer than local ones. Here's a realistic timeline:
3-4 Months Before Your Move
- Begin researching the job market in your target city
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
- Identify target companies and industries
- Start networking online with people in the city
2-3 Months Before
- Actively apply to positions
- Attend virtual networking events
- Schedule informational interviews
- Connect with recruiters in your target city
1-2 Months Before
- Intensify application efforts
- Plan a trip to the city for in-person interviews if possible
- Follow up on applications
- Prepare for multiple rounds of interviews
Reality check: The average job search takes 3-6 months. Starting early increases your chances of having something lined up before your move date.
Step 1: Update Your Resume for a Long-Distance Search
Address Your Location Strategically
You have several options for how to list your address:
- Option 1 - Use your partner's address: If your partner already lives in the city, use their address on your resume. This immediately signals you're local (or soon will be)
- Option 2 - City name only: List just "New York, NY" without a street address
- Option 3 - Be transparent: List your current city but add "Relocating to [City] in [Month]"
In your cover letter or email: Explicitly state your relocation plans. For example: "I'm relocating to Seattle in August to be with my partner and am actively seeking opportunities with companies like yours."
Optimize Your Resume for Remote Screening
- Use keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Mirror language from the job description
- Highlight remote work experience: If you've successfully worked remotely before, emphasize this
- Quantify achievements: Numbers stand out ("Increased sales by 40%" not "Increased sales significantly")
- Make it scannable: Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds on initial resume scans—use bullet points and clear headers
Step 2: Leverage Online Job Platforms
Best Job Search Sites
- LinkedIn: The most powerful tool for professional networking and job searching. Set your location to your target city
- Indeed: Largest job board with advanced filtering options
- Glassdoor: Job listings plus company reviews and salary data
- ZipRecruiter: Aggregates listings from multiple sources
- AngelList: Best for startup jobs
- Idealist: Nonprofit sector jobs
Industry-Specific Platforms
- Tech: Hired, BuiltIn, WeWorkRemotely
- Creative: Behance, Dribbble, The Dots
- Education: HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring
- Healthcare: Health eCareers, Nurse.com
- Hospitality: Hcareers, Hospitality Online
Set Up Job Alerts
Create targeted job alerts on multiple platforms with specific criteria:
- Job title/keywords
- Location (your target city)
- Experience level
- Industry
Check alerts daily and apply to new postings within 24-48 hours—early applicants get more attention.
Step 3: Network Strategically (Even From Afar)
Networking is the most effective job search strategy. Many positions are filled through referrals before they're even posted publicly.
Leverage LinkedIn
- Update your headline: "Marketing Manager | Relocating to Austin, TX"
- Use location targeting: Search for people in your industry in your target city
- Join local groups: Search "[City] [Your Industry]" and join professional groups
- Engage with content: Comment on posts from people and companies in your target city
- Request informational interviews: Reach out to people in roles you want and ask for 15-20 minutes of their time
Informational Interview Template
"Hi [Name], I'm relocating to [City] in [Month] and am researching opportunities in [industry]. I noticed you work as a [title] at [company], and I'd love to learn more about your experience in the [City] market. Would you have 15-20 minutes for a brief call? I'm happy to work around your schedule."
Virtual Networking Events
- Attend industry webinars and virtual conferences
- Join Meetup groups in your target city (many host virtual events)
- Participate in online workshops and panels
- Connect with attendees on LinkedIn afterward
Tap Into Your Existing Network
- Post on Facebook/LinkedIn announcing your relocation and job search
- Ask your partner if they know anyone in your industry
- Check if college alumni live in your target city (use LinkedIn alumni tool)
- Reach out to former colleagues who may have moved to the city
Step 4: Target Companies Directly
Create a Target Company List
Identify 20-30 companies you'd love to work for:
- Research companies headquartered in or with major offices in your target city
- Read company reviews on Glassdoor
- Check their career pages regularly
- Follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter
- Set up Google Alerts for company news
Apply Directly on Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Many companies post openings on their own career pages first or exclusively.
Find the Hiring Manager
- Use LinkedIn to identify who would be your boss in the role
- Send a brief, personalized message expressing interest
- Follow up your application with a note to the hiring manager
Step 5: Work With Recruiters
Types of Recruiters
- Internal recruiters: Work for specific companies. Find them on LinkedIn by searching "[Company Name] recruiter"
- External/Agency recruiters: Work with multiple companies to fill positions. Can be valuable allies
- Industry-specific recruiters: Specialize in certain fields (tech, healthcare, finance, etc.)
How to Work With Recruiters Effectively
- Be clear about your relocation timeline and commitment
- Respond promptly to their messages
- Be honest about your salary expectations and requirements
- Don't work with too many recruiters at once (can lead to duplicate submissions)
- Follow up regularly without being pushy
Step 6: Ace Remote Interviews
Prepare for the "Why Are You Moving?" Question
You'll get this question in every interview. Have a concise, positive answer ready:
Good answers:
- "I'm relocating to join my partner who was transferred here for work."
- "I'm moving to be closer to family in the area."
- "I've always wanted to live in [City], and now is the right time to make that move."
- "My partner and I are closing the distance after a long-distance relationship."
What NOT to say:
- "I'm just looking for a change" (sounds impulsive)
- "The weather is better there" (not a serious reason)
- "I'm not sure yet if I'm moving" (they'll pass on you immediately)
Address Relocation Concerns Proactively
Employers worry that long-distance candidates will:
- Back out of the move
- Require relocation assistance
- Leave after a short time if they don't like the city
Reassure them by:
- Stating your move date as confirmed, not tentative
- Clarifying you don't need relocation assistance
- Explaining your connection to the city (partner, family, etc.)
- Mentioning if you've already secured housing
Technical Setup for Video Interviews
- Test your technology: Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection beforehand
- Use a professional background: Plain wall or use a virtual background if appropriate
- Lighting matters: Face a window or use a lamp to light your face
- Dress professionally: Dress as you would for an in-person interview (yes, including pants)
- Eye contact: Look at the camera, not the screen, when speaking
- Minimize distractions: Quiet room, phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs
Step 7: Consider Remote Work as a Bridge
If you're struggling to find local employment before moving, consider remote positions:
Benefits of Remote Work During Relocation
- Provides income stability during your move
- Allows you to establish yourself in the city before job hunting locally
- Takes pressure off the timeline
- You can continue working for your current employer remotely
Best Remote Job Boards
- FlexJobs (curated remote listings, small subscription fee)
- We Work Remotely
- Remote.co
- Working Nomads
- Skip the Drive
Ask Your Current Employer About Remote Work
Before resigning, ask if you can transition to remote work:
- Frame it as wanting to continue contributing to the team
- Propose a trial period
- Highlight how you've successfully worked remotely in the past
- Offer to come back for important meetings or quarterly
Step 8: Handle the Money Question
Relocation Assistance
Some companies offer relocation packages, but don't expect it for most positions. Typically only offered for:
- Senior-level positions
- Highly specialized roles
- Corporate relocations
- In-demand industries with talent shortages
If you're offered a relocation package:
- Get all details in writing
- Understand if it's a lump sum or reimbursement
- Ask about tax implications
- Clarify if there's a repayment requirement if you leave within a certain timeframe
Salary Negotiations
Research cost of living differences between your current city and target city:
- Use tools like Nerdwallet's Cost of Living Calculator
- Check Glassdoor salary data for your role in the target city
- Don't automatically accept lower pay—some cities have higher costs of living
Step 9: Plan an In-Person Visit
If possible, schedule a trip to your target city specifically for interviews:
Benefits of In-Person Interviews
- Shows serious commitment to the move
- Allows you to interview with multiple companies in one trip
- Better for making personal connections
- You can tour potential neighborhoods and apartments too
How to Coordinate
- Once you have a first interview scheduled, reach out to other companies you've applied to
- Say: "I'll be in [City] from [dates] for interviews. Would it be possible to meet in person during that time?"
- Try to stack multiple interviews in 2-3 days
- Stay with your partner or a friend to save on hotel costs
Step 10: What If You Move Without a Job?
Sometimes you'll need to move before securing employment. Here's how to survive:
Financial Preparation
- Save at least 3-6 months of living expenses
- Account for higher costs while job hunting (no income, moving expenses)
- Have a backup plan if job search takes longer than expected
Immediate Income Options
- Gig economy: Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit for quick income
- Temp agencies: Get placed in short-term roles while job hunting
- Freelancing: Upwork, Fiverr for your professional skills
- Part-time work: Retail or service industry jobs while searching
Benefits of Being Local
Once you're physically in the city:
- You're available for immediate in-person interviews
- You can attend local networking events
- You can use a local address on your resume
- Employers don't worry about you backing out of the move
- You can start immediately once hired
Industry-Specific Strategies
For Remote-Friendly Industries (Tech, Marketing, Writing)
- Emphasize remote work experience
- Target companies with remote-first cultures
- You may have better luck than other industries
For Location-Dependent Industries (Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality)
- Apply to large chains that may have positions in your target city
- Consider internal transfers if currently employed with a national company
- May need to wait until after moving to interview
For Specialized Professions (Teaching, Law, Medical)
- Verify your credentials transfer to the new state
- Begin license transfer process early (can take months)
- Join professional associations in the target state
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about relocation timeline: Always give specific dates
- Applying to jobs you're not qualified for: Focus on realistic fits
- Generic applications: Customize each resume and cover letter
- Neglecting to follow up: Send thank-you notes and check in on applications
- Waiting too long to start: Begin 3-4 months before your move
- Ignoring networking: Applications alone rarely work—network actively
- Accepting the first offer out of desperation: Make sure it's a good fit
Managing Job Search Stress
Long-distance job hunting is emotionally draining. Take care of yourself:
- Set daily or weekly goals (e.g., "apply to 5 jobs this week")
- Celebrate small wins (getting an interview, making a new connection)
- Take breaks—don't spend every waking hour job hunting
- Talk to your partner about the stress and support each other
- Join online communities of people job hunting or relocating
- Remember that rejection is normal—even great candidates get rejected frequently
Final Thoughts
Finding a job in a new city is challenging, but thousands of people do it successfully every year. The key is starting early, being strategic, networking effectively, and clearly communicating your commitment to the move.
Yes, being a long-distance candidate puts you at a disadvantage—but it's not insurmountable. The right employer will value your skills and understand that your relocation is serious and planned.
Stay persistent, remain flexible, and trust that the right opportunity will come. Your new career in your new city is waiting for you.
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