MintLife Blog | Personal Finance News & Advice » Dimitri A.C. Ly

6 Steps to Relocating for Work

Dimitri A.C. Ly — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:42:03 +0000

If you’re struggling with your job search and feel you’ve exhausted every lead provided by your local network, it may be time for you to broaden your horizons. The world is a big place filled with lots of opportunities; why would you limit your career options to a single city? Of course, when we suggest that you relocate to find work, we’re not suggesting that you just pack a duffel bag and set off into the great unknown. Relocating to find work demands careful planning, especially if you have a family. These six steps will aid you in your long-distance job search as you contemplate a new life abroad.

1- Research your target locations

The first thing you need to do before you relocate to find work is figure out what areas best fit your personal and professional needs. For example, a rural town known for its farming community may not be the best target location for a software engineer who’s allergic to hay. Climate, culture and cost of living are all important factors to consider, and there are a number of online resources, such as AM’s destination archive, that can aid you in your research. You should also seek counsel from your contacts abroad, if only to let them know you’re looking to relocate to find work.

2- Determine your job opportunities

Once you’ve selected a few locations and advised your extended network that you’re willing to relocate to find work, assemble a list of job prospects, making sure to include recruiting agencies and companies with branches near you. You can get this information online by visiting area-specific job-search websites or by searching through your target city’s virtual phone book. Don’t be shy about cold-calling potential employers to see if they have an opening. You can even offer to do a preliminary phone interview to spare yourself an unnecessary trip.

3- Investigate the legal requirements

Should you land a position overseas, it’s imperative that you acquire all the necessary permits and visas before your official date of employment. That’s why you should always start the legal process as early as possible when you relocate to find work. Determine every document and authorization you’ll need to start a new job in your target location, and draw up the paperwork in advance. Keep in mind, however, that you may not be able to complete this task until an employer has made you an official offer.

4- Establish a budget and timetable

If you followed our previous tips on how to relocate to find work, you should have all the information required to establish a comprehensive strategy for your job hunt. Your strategy will largely deal with determining when you hope to move and how much money you can set aside for travel expenses, security deposits, unforeseen complications, and of course, long-distance communication. Keep in mind that it may take you longer than you expect to secure a position, so make sure you can afford your rent or mortgage in both your old and new locations if need be.

5- Plan an initial recon trip

Don’t rely solely on long-distance research to select your new location. There’s only so much you can learn through internet articles and third-party accounts. That’s why it’s important to visit your target city at least once before you relocate to find work. You need to make sure the area suits your personal needs as well as your professional ones, so try to get a sense of the culture, and make a point of checking out housing. You should also schedule your trip to coincide with a local career fair if you can, and try to fit in a few job interviews.

6- Plan a second logistics trip

At this point, you should be confident of where you want to relocate to find work. The purpose of this second expedition is to finalize any remaining details regarding the logistics of your move and to secure a worthy job offer. As such, you should contact every employer and recruiter on your list of prospects and set up as many formal interviews as possible in order to spare yourself multiple trips. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the company is willing to pay for your travel expenses, but make it clear that you’re making an inquiry, not a request.

Broadening your career horizons

These six tips will help you relocate to find work. However, you should keep in mind that long-distance job hunts are usually uphill battles. Employers are often reluctant to even consider candidates from out of town because of their limited availability for job interviews and the cost of their eventual relocation, should they be selected. That’s why it’s important that you remain flexible in your objectives. Don’t dismiss any offer before giving it careful consideration, and always keep your options open. You’re about to start a new life, after all.

Provided by AskMen.

6 Steps to a New Career

Dimitri A.C. Ly — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:17:51 +0000

Photo: gtmcknight

There are many reasons why you might find yourself wanting a career change. Perhaps you hate your job or you feel you have gone as far as you can in the industry you’re currently in; perhaps you just got laid off and you’re having trouble finding work. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to change career paths entirely. However, switching careers can be a long and arduous process, so it’s important that you keep your present occupation for as long as possible, or that you have enough wealth accumulated through your savings and severance package to survive the job search. Follow these six tips to find a new career that is tailored to your needs and ambitions.

Determine your needs

The first thing you must do when trying to find a new career is establish exactly what you require from an occupation. You should consider your professional interests, of course, but it’s also important that you take your personal obligations into account too, especially if you have dependents. After all, a career isn’t built in a vacuum and you wouldn’t want to get your dream job at the cost of your family. Weigh the pros and cons of your current profession, and try to figure out what needs to change and what needs to stay the same.

Identify your known skills

No experience is ever truly lost in the professional world, even when you’re trying to find a new career. Over the years, you have likely acquired specialized knowledge applicable to a number of industries. This includes leadership strategies, time management techniques and proficiency with computer software. To determine your transferable skills, it’s important that you look beyond your official job description. Go through all your past occupations, including volunteer positions, and pinpoint every task that isn’t specific to your current field. Make sure to write this information down; you’ll need it for your resume.

Identify your hidden aptitudes

Just as no single sport can take full advantage of every muscle in your body, no occupation can make use of all your natural abilities. Regardless of how long you have been in the workforce, chances are you have undiscovered professional potential. Taking an aptitude test can help you uncover your hidden talents and find a new career that you never would have considered otherwise. However, it’s crucial that you answer every question honestly. Your objective isn’t to flatter your own ego, but to pinpoint a profession that will sustain you for years to come.

We have got more advice to help you find a new career.

Explore the options that interest you

Once you have figured out what your marketable skills are, then it’s time to look at potential occupations, which can be surprisingly difficult. Too many options can sometimes feel like none at all, especially when you’re trying to find a new career as well as job satisfaction. Naturally, you should start with the professions that excite you the most, but be realistic in your approach. The world is full of jobs that you can’t apply for without considerable experience, so make sure to research the industry as a whole and always consider whether or not you can deal with an entry-level position.

Explore the options available

Don’t limit yourself to pipe dreams and popular fields, which are often oversaturated. You have to be practical and consider your odds of getting work. After all, it’s not really your profession until somebody actually hires you. Besides, the occupation best suited to your needs may not be the one most people fantasize about, which is why you should always keep an open mind when trying to find a new career. The best way to learn about job prospects in any given industry is through contacts, but you can also consult a recruitment agency.

Get experience

Too many workers make the mistake of rushing into things when they find a new career, confusing a go-getter attitude with recklessness. As a result, they end up wasting years drifting from one vocation to the next, which is why you should always test the waters before committing to a new career plan. If the profession you have selected requires extensive studies, we would recommend that you attend a few night classes to make sure this is the right path for you. You can also apply for an internship or take a volunteer position in your chosen field.

Choose the right path

These six recommendations will help you weigh your options and find a new career, but selecting the right occupation is only half the work. If you want to be successful on this new path, it’s crucial that you establish a long-term plan, setting concrete goals for yourself as well as a realistic time frame to achieve them. Don’t let the challenges ahead discourage you or blind you to the fact that you’re improving your professional life and embarking on a new career.

6 Steps to a New Career Provided by AskMen.