5 steps to finding a job in another state

5 steps to finding a job in another state A new job can often take you to a new, exciting place. But what if you’re ready for the excitement of a change of scenery, but don’t know where to start when it comes to finding a new job? Whether you need to move for family reasons or are simply unsatisfied with your current location, here’s a few steps to hone your job search and up your chances of landing a gig from far away. Step 1: Research your optionsLocation, location, location is the mantra of the house hunter, but it should also be the mantra of the job seeker. Not only is it important to research where the jobs are within your industry, it’s also important to narrow your search to the location that will satisfy and support the rest of your life. Whether you’re looking for the nearest metro center within driving distance of family, or you want to be on the coast, or you just want to live in a place with a lower cost of living, getting as much information as possible before you start your j ob search is key. Does a particular city have a subway system or bus? Would you bike to work or drive? Are you looking for better weather or one of the nation’s healthiest cities? It’s important to prioritize locations that will work better for you and support your reasons for moving in the first place.Then, once you zero in on your ideal locations, make sure you also research the area for practical day-to-day issues: housing, travel, and cost of living. The median salary in a new location may be less than what you’re used to and can filter you out of contention for the perfect job in the perfect area. When you’re searching from far away, and you don’t already have a lay of the land, this is something important to keep in mind. Also, be sure to check if certain cities have a local job search network, as many do. Local sites may help you learn more about a new place in addition to finding more opportunities in a particular area.Step 2: NetworkDoes y our current job have possible transfer opportunities? Do you have personal or professional contacts in your preferred area? Referrals are a time-tested avenue for employers to find good hires- and that’s a two-way street. Put the word out on social media and your text chains and see what opportunities people in your desired location already know about. Also, chances are your alumni network has contacts in your new desired area. Take advantage of whatever resources and contacts you have that can get you an â€Å"in† with the place you want.Step 3: ApplyWhen applying, consider the perspective of your potential employers. You don’t want to become automatically disqualified simply for having an out-of-state address. It’s often more practical for an organization to hire local talent rather than consider having to cover transportation or moving costs for quality candidates. So leave your address off the resume and cultivate a compelling reason for why you want to move to a new area. Providing a good, honest reason for your desire to move and presenting the choice in a positive light for your professional advance can show a future employer that you are a serious candidate.Step 4: Sharpen your Skype skillsEven though almost everything is online, job-searching from another state will present a challenge when you get close to the interview process. Taking a transatlantic flight for a first-round interview may prove costly and impractical if the job opportunity doesn’t pan out. Interviewing in person is very different than interviewing via Skype or by phone. Don’t be afraid to ask if this is a possibility for first-round interviews. And practice your Skype performance: find a quiet, clean, and properly lit spot to do your online interviews, pay for quality WiFi to prevent dropped calls, and get used to making eye contact with the camera rather than the screen.Step 5: Realize you might need to compromiseSometimes a great job oppor tunity will lead you to another state, but it’s a little harder to do this in reverse. This doesn’t mean you will need to automatically take a pay cut, but if you prioritize location, you may need to budge somewhere else. You might not get the ideal job in the ideal location. So, if you really need to move, you need a back-up plan. Find a starter job in your ideal location where you can stay for a while and continue your job search from a stronger position once you’ve moved.

8 things a great boss does for you

8 things a great boss does for you In the working world, bosses usually fall into one of three categories: bad bosses, good bosses, and bosses that are just okay. You’ve likely had one of these so far in your career. And then, once in a blue moon comes along a  great boss- one that brings out the best in you and makes showing up to work a truly valuable experience. Does your boss go above and beyond? Read on to find out what a talented and nurturing leader does daily for employees.1. Gives recognition and feedbackA great boss sets out clear expectations and then lets you know regularly how you’re doing. Are you meeting expectations? Exceeding them? Are there a few areas where you need more focus? Also, when you succeed or go above and beyond, great bosses show you they’ve seen your extra effort and that they recognize how hard you’ve been working. Without this kind of validation- even the critical feedback- how can an employee hope to grow?2. Helps you market yourselfBosses have access to all kinds of data you may not. If your boss commends you for a new initiative or for reaching a set goal, that’s good. If they help dig up the numbers, i.e. the proof of the impact your actions have made for the company or industry, then they are arming you to succeed even more. Sure, your boss knows you might use these stats to market yourself elsewhere one day, but that’s not the point- the mark of a great boss is caring about the growth and development of employees, no matter where they may land.3. Empowers you to do great thingsYou’re not just allowed to voice your concerns and frustrations as they arise, you’re invited to- no, expected to. The environment of your office is one in which employees are empowered to take on challenges of logistics, products, processes, and procedures with the aim of bettering the company for themselves and everyone else involved. Great bosses aren’t threatened by giving their employees this leeway- they know chan ge from the inside is good change.4. Runs efficient meetingsA great boss’s meetings not only are short, sweet, and to the point- they are also only called when necessary. Great bosses don’t waste their time- or anybody else’s- on time-wasting trips to the conference room where people jot down useless notes. They keep the meeting schedule lean and mean and make each moment count for something. Employees leave meetings energized and keyed up to work, rather than feeling that the same things have been rehashed a different way.5. Encourages your personal growthGreat bosses help you to further your career, even if that means you’ll take your new knowledge and experience and leave your current position or company a little sooner. They give you projects and initiatives that match your interests and ambitions so you don’t feel stuck in a rut.   They also encourage you to take risks and give you the resources and support for those risks to bear fruit for both of you.6. Stands up for work-life balanceGreat bosses dial down the micromanaging and make sure their employees aren’t going home (or coming in to work) exhausted and depleted. They encourage you to take your vacation days, to make use of wellness plans, and to take regular breaks for fresh air, food, and hydration. They want you to flourish as a whole person, not just as some employee robot on their assembly line. And they never get their panties in a bunch about how long you take for coffee breaks or lunch- as long as you get your work done well. They loosen the reins and let you find your own stride.7. Gives credit where credit is dueGreat bosses won’t take credit for your ideas when they’re reporting to  their bosses- they’ll make it clear that a good idea was yours, thereby pushing you up the ladder and commending themselves for having hired you and cultivated your talent. Giving credit is a staple trait of good leadership, but it is unfortuna tely rare.8. Creates a welcoming office cultureIn a healthy workplace, employees feel safe and heard. Great bosses create and cultivate this environment. They earn trust and help their team maintain a real sense of camaraderie. In a great office culture, failures are merely opportunities to learn. Weak links are supported and helped along the path to improvement. Team members are chosen deliberately to complement this community of learning and growth.If your boss is good, consider yourself lucky. If your boss is one of the great ones, soak up all the knowledge you can- you’ve been given a rare professional gift that you should use to your advantage!