How to Become an Appealing Out-of-State Job Candidate
Whether it is on a whim or on purpose, people often find themselves looking to move to a different state for their next job.
Unfortunately, many employers are less likely to hire an out-of-state job candidate than a local worker. This is for a number of reasons. First, they may be worried about how a long move will affect performance. Second, a hiring manager may be concerned that the adjustment period will affect performance. Third, they may be worried about feeling responsible for a failed hire that caused someone to pack up and move across country.
As the job candidate, it is your responsibility to assuage the fears and concerns of hiring managers. Thankfully, that can easily be done in a cover letter that addresses the main issues.
Downplay the issues related to moving
The best thing you can say is that you already have family and friends in the area. This tells a hiring manager that you have a local support network in place in case the transition to a new job and new city becomes stressful.
If you don’t have a family support network in the area, you can say you were already planning to move, whether you get the job or not. This emphasizes your commitment to the potential job and prevents the hiring manager from worrying about feeling guilty if things don’t work out.
Show you can hit the ground running
In order to ease concerns about an adjustment period, layout examples of how you were able to quickly adapt in the past. List hard skills you have that the company needs. Hard skills, like computer programming abilities, are something you bring to the table and don’t need to learn on the job.
Also show you’re already planting roots in the area by connecting with social or professional organizations in the area.
Tout your status as an advantage
Instead of playing defense regarding your out-of-town status, tout it as an advantage and explain how hiring you will bring greater diversity of thought to the organization.
Bring a buzz and energy to your cover letter and explain you would like to come in and discuss how you can provide a fresh perspective.
Don’t come out and say your ideas and perspectives are better than those of local candidates, but do come across as confident and give enough details to be intriguing.
Eliminate the added hiring hassle
Employers may be hesitant to hire an out-of-state worker because they don’t want to have to deal with trying to schedule interviews or skills comprehension tests. Ease these concerns by saying upfront that you are willing to cover all travel expenses, can make any arrangements necessary to accommodate the hiring process and can start immediately.
If you need assistance looking for out-of-state work in the supply chain industry, feel free to contact ZDA. We can discuss the opportunities we have available, as well as the best way to pursue those opportunities.
