Sometimes a change of scenery is nice. While the act of moving your family across the country definitely comes with challenges, it also can offer excitement for what lies ahead. That includes your career. Many people relocate for work due to corporate restructuring or new internal opportunities for promotion. But what about moving before you find work? Many life changes can necessitate a physical relocation, and it’s important to make sure you are financially able to sustain being unemployed for a few months.
Finding Work
If you plan on relocating soon and don’t have a job lined up, it’s time to update some of the information on your resume and cover letter.
Contact information: Sometimes a spouse may move to a family’s new location ahead of the other. If this is the case, you can list your new address on your resume with a brief note such as, “In process of moving from California to Texas.” Remember that most companies will initially reach out via phone or email, so the physical address has lessened in importance over the years.
Cover letter blurb: You should apprise your reviewers of why you are relocating, without giving too much detail. Some common reasons for relocation include:
• Spouse takes a new position in a new geographic location
• Changes in the family dynamic that require a move, such as a divorce or caring for older parents; and a desire to experience life in a different part of the country.
Expenses: Also in your cover letter, inform your prospective employer that you are willing to cover relocation costs. Consider your target company, though. This can definitely make you more attractive as an employee to an up-and-coming firm, but many larger companies already include relocation fees in their compensation packages.
