Charlotte Grainger 
Navigate the winding road of a long-distance job search
Looking to relocate for a new job? There are many reasons why you may wish to up sticks and move to a new area – or even another country. Perhaps you'd like to be closer to family, your partner needs to move, or you simply want to expand your horizons both physically and metaphorically. Conducting a long-distance job search can be the answer. Here are essential tips to help you succeed:
1. Decide on your availability
Sure, you may be mentally ready to leave, but you shouldn't underestimate this task. Moving home means dealing with a whole host of annoying sub-tasks. For instance, you'll need to give notice to your current employer, leave your rented home (or even sell your house), and find a place in your new location. If you happen to have a family, this job becomes ever greater as you have to find new schools for your children.
With all of the above in mind, before you start your long-distance job search, you should figure out your availability. Be reasonable when setting out dates. When can you feasibly relocate without it causing you too much hassle or drama? Once you're clear on a viable timeline, be sure to apply for roles that suit it and be honest about your plans.
2. Research your specific industry
Before you fully launch into your long-distance job search, you're going to need to do some research. Since you likely won't know the region all that well, you won't know much about local businesses or organisations. That will make deciding which roles to apply for a struggle.
One way to combat this issue is to research the companies in your industry and sector before you apply for any positions. For example, you may want to check out their Google Reviews. Going the extra mile when it comes to finding out about your prospective employers is always a savvy move, especially if you are unfamiliar with the opportunities around you.
3. Specify your intent to relocate
Don't expect employers and recruiters to be mind-readers ‒ sadly, they're not. While you may think it's obvious that you're hoping to relocate ‒ based on the fact that you're applying for these roles ‒ you have to fully state it in your application.
Recruiters only spend a few seconds reviewing each CV. If during that time, they see that you're based in another city or country, your application may end up in the reject pile. Make it clear that you're looking to move locations. You might want to highlight this in the opening of your personal statement, for example.
4. Take your location off your CV
One approach you may want to take, is removing your location from your CV entirely. You could replace this with “Willing to relocate” for example, or spell out your intent to move in your CV header, next to your current location. This move shows employers that you're serious about going to the lengths that they will need.
Already have a move date in mind? Say so. You can write “Relocating to Liverpool in March this year,” for example. That gives the hiring manager a solid fact that they can use.
5. Write a persuasive cover letter
We won't beat around the bush ‒ you may be at a disadvantage. When you're doing a long-distance job search, you'll be up against local candidates. For that reason, make sure that you stand out from the crowd. Take extra time to write a persuasive cover letter that showcases your passion and enthusiasm for this particular vacancy.
6. Prepare ahead for long-distance interviews
Should any of your applications be successful, you'll have to go to an interview and prove you're worth hiring. However, this part of the process will be trickier for you than it would for other candidates. You have to take into consideration how you will physically get to the interview and, of course, how you'll take time off from your current role to attend it.
While you may not know about your interviews far in advance, you should try to plan ahead as much as possible. If you think the chances of your being selected for an interview are high, look into possible travel options. You can compare train and flight prices online or, if possible, look into how much it will cost you to drive to the location.
Of course, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you may not have to go for an in-person interview. The employer or recruiter may suggest that you have a video or phone interview rather than travelling so far away. In these cases, it's important to prepare thoroughly for the interview ahead of time, so that you come across well.
7. Emphasise your experience and skills
When you're looking for a role in a place that's alien to you, the chances of you having professional relationships in the area are slim. For that reason, you'll need to change tack during the search process and prove your worth.
If you haven't already built your online networks as part of your long-distance job search, you'll need to let your experience and skills speak for themselves. When you're filling out applications and, indeed, answering interview questions, focus on what you've achieved throughout your career so far. Prepare your answers and be sure to focus on results-based achievements. If you can quantify your value, it's a major plus.
8. Research your new location
During the interview process, the recruiter will likely want to find out if you're serious about relocating. Put their mind at rest by doing your homework ahead of time. Before you attend the interview, take some time to learn about the location. You can read about it online during your long-distance job search. Alternatively, arrive early and take a walk around the city.
Not only will this tip help you when it comes to answering interview questions, but it's also essential to your decision. Moving to a brand-new place means making huge life changes ‒ it's certainly not to be taken lightly. Exploring the area for yourself will help you visualise your life there, helping you make a smart and informed decision.
9. Avoid any silly CV mistakes
Finally, make sure that you avoid any basic errors on your relocation CV. Proofread the document thoroughly before you submit it to a potential employer. You should also make sure that all the information you've shared is 100% correct. The last thing you want is to leave a glaring typo on your CV and end up losing out for a reason that was controllable.
Furthermore, remember that application requirements vary from country to country, so keep that in mind when preparing your CV.
Go the distance ‒ you've got this!
Ready to get started on your long-distance job search? There's no time like the present to begin looking for your next role. Use the tips we've shared to guide your next steps.
Of course, you can boost your chances of success by having a flawless application. That's where a professional CV writer can come in. Start by getting free, objective feedback on your CV.