How to Relocate With Confidence...

Relocate With Confidence

According to an article in Monster.com, relocating to another state can be a strategic move for ones career. However, just throwing caution to the wind, and not having a game plan in place can be costly, and eventually a stressful dynamic. As such, the following five steps may help in your plans of moving to another state (without a job lined up).

Research Your Destination

Embracing an action-oriented philosophy doesn't mean packing your bags without knowing where you're going. If anything, moving without a job lined up requires additional planning, as your knowledge of your new home will likely play a role in your success there. In particular, scout out the options available there. Find the relevant contacts before you leave, rather than while you're trying to navigate a new city.

Network in Advance

By the time you depart, you should have the names of at least five people to contact once you arrive. These need not be professional contacts -- just individuals with whom you can meet in a cafe, learn the names of other contacts and start meeting people to help you locate job opportunities. Contacts matter in any job search, but they're essential when you're in a strange place.

Know How Long Your Money Will Last

Unless you're certain you've got in-demand skills, plan on a minimum of three months without a paycheck. You would be wise to plan for six months. Unless you can embark on the trip feeling your funds will be well-spent no matter what comes of it, don't do it.

Be Ready for Anything

To get the job you really want, depending on the market, you may have to be willing to accept all different sorts of assignments in the interim -- child care, dog-walking, bartending. That's part of the reason relocating without a job is typically more attractive to people in their 20s. You may not have to walk dogs for months, but opportunities tend to multiply, and if you begin to accept one or two jobs -- however far from the ideal -- you're likely to find others in the future.

Have an Exit Strategy

Things not working out in your new home? You need an exit strategy. More than anything, that means keeping channels open with friends, colleagues and former bosses. Store your resume somewhere online, like on Monster, for easy reference, and have it ready to go when you decide to return. You'll even be able to apply for jobs before you get back.

For further information on the topic, check out the following site: http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/getting-started/relocation-moving-without-a-job/article.aspx