Many people desire to switch career paths, relocate to another location, earn a higher salary and reduce stress. But, not many are courageous enough to venture into the unknown. Luckily, we’ve prepared the best tips and tricks on how to get a job in a new city and successfully pursue a different occupation from your current position. Let’s dive into what one should know before making any radical decisions.
So, how do you start in a new city without a job? It’s of utmost importance to make an action plan. Before the move, research major companies, enhance your skills, and prepare a great resume. Of course, don’t forget to research reliable cross-country movers too, and have all your belongings safely transported.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Move and Change Your Career Path?
There are numerous reasons to move and find different employment opportunities, from searching for a better work environment to getting a position where you’d feel more appreciated. Specific jobs and positions don’t seem to fulfill some people’s ambitions and dreams.
However, there is a useful trick one can use when deciding if getting a job in a new city would be the ideal option. It is called the 90-day rule. In case you are miserable with your current position for 90 consecutive days, it’s time to make some changes. Jobs are not only supposed to pay the bills, so don’t waste any of your precious time on positions where you don’t feel happy or fulfilled.
Review Your Interests, Values, and Skills
What are some skills or areas you’ve excelled at in the past? Perhaps you had success in certain academic projects or volunteer roles. Searching for employment doesn’t necessarily have to be in a different industry. Gaining additional experience and determining interests can also lead you to pursue better opportunities within your field. The key to knowing how to get a job in another city and expand employment options is to gain a deeper understanding of your career goals, capabilities, and interests before getting organized to move. Ask yourself – what kind of work do I see myself doing for the next couple of years?

The First Step – Search for Employment in Different Industries
Are you wondering – how do I get a job when relocating? The answer lies in research. Write down a list of occupations in different industries that appeal the most to you. Browse the Internet and search for promising fields and top-paying jobs. Discover in what positions you can see yourself in the future. Take notes and keep an eye out for major companies that are recruiting.
Don’t underestimate the advice of your circle of friends, colleagues, and family members. Ask for their honest opinions about prospective employers and roles you’d be perfect for before relocating for a job. Another great tip is to consult a recruiter at a staffing agency which can help in understanding the current business environment and what positions you can have the most success in.
Read About Specific Employers on Job Review Websites
One can find useful information on numerous companies and employers in various locations on review websites. Past as well as current employees post about their experiences, so everyone can get a better sense of what they can expect. Some sites feature employee benefits reports, leadership ratings, and workplace insights. Everything from ratings to reviews will help you determine whether to apply for positions with particular employers and start preparing for a move to a metropolis. Here is a list of essential websites where one can read reviews:
- Kanunu,
- Glassdoor,
- Indeed,
- Great Place to Work,
- The Muse,
- Seek,
- CareerBliss.
Choose a City Where You’d Be Relocating To For Work
The excitement of finding worthwhile jobs across the US and preparing for the move can cause you to lose focus on the primary goal. Finding a job in a new city has to support your ambition as well as your lifestyle. Searching nationwide can result in changing your plan and objective. Therefore the best thing you can do is to narrow down the search to two or three cities where you’d look for open positions. Ensure that you know everything about the market in each town and what companies you can send resumes to.
Decide where to live based on your requirements and preferences. In case you are an outdoor enthusiast, Seattle or Portland would be ideal choices. For those looking for a place where they can lead a laid-back lifestyle and pursue their dream occupation, we recommend Boston and Minneapolis as good options.
Research Living Expenses in the Metropolis You Want to Move to
One thing is for sure, figuring out how to get a job in a different city is complex and challenging. It’s important to predict the costs that will await you and whether another salary can support your lifestyle. That is why one can visit the Numbeo website and find out more about the costs of living in different cities across the US. Calculate how much will be needed for rent, transportation, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and additional expenses. A maximum of 30% of your gross income should go on rent. So, make sure that your future salary can cover your bills in another destination.
Start Preparing a Resume That Will Stand Out Among Local Candidates
You might be wondering – how do I get a job in a new city before I move? The key to successfully getting employed is preparing a resume that will stand out. If you are relocating for the first time, start applying for open positions in advance; however, managers might notice that you’re not a local. They will either dismiss or scrutinize your resume; therefore, put effort into sending one that will make them consider you over other candidates.
Highlight the skills and qualifications that the company requires from the applicant. The layout has to fit with the position you are applying for. For instance, candidates who want to be considered for a designer role should include something creative in their resumes.
Don’t embellish or use exhausting sentences; keep it short and concise. Also, getting a job in another state before relocating can be accomplished by emphasizing why you are applying for the position and changing careers. Write a short objective at the top, specifying your motivation and intentions so the hiring manager understands your thought process.
Consider Using a Local Address on the Resume
What should you do with the address on your resume? There are different solutions one can opt for. The first one is removing it completely. However, this will make it obvious that you are not a local candidate. It might be a risk since recruiters could immediately dismiss you as a candidate. Another possible option is to use a local address of a family member or a friend. Doing this is justifiable if you make sure to stay at this address throughout the application process. There is a third option that might be the most feasible. State your current address but emphasize that you’ll be relocating to another home in their town soon.

Since You’re Changing Careers, Write a Cover Letter Too
You’ll have to be eager to show why you are a perfect candidate for a specific position. Therefore, when planning a move to another place for work, remember to write cover letters. Cover letters can help hiring managers get a better understanding of your qualifications, values, and interests.
When writing one, specify your desire to work in a different industry and why you would be an asset to the firm. Briefly explain the intention of relocating to another location. Ensure that you come up with a compelling opening statement. Draw the reader in with your enthusiasm and good knowledge of the company’s business values.
Try to be authentic and do not go overboard with flattery. Convey a professional tone. Another tip is to keep it under a page long – the most important thing is to be smart and brief.
Watch this video for more tips on how to write a great cover letter.
Tips on How to Get a Job in a New City If You’re Changing Careers
How do you start over in a new city with no job? Getting hired might be difficult at first. Perhaps you’ll have to think about how to adjust to living on your own in another metropolis or how to overcome depression after relocating. However, there are some important tips one should factor in when making an action plan. Here is what you should do.
Plan on Enhancing Your Skills
Professional development is crucial in overcoming anxiety about moving out and applying for open positions. Whether you want to excel at your current position or find another occupation, it can only be accomplished by working on your skills. When you decide to switch careers, think about the core skills you have to improve upon to get hired. It’s great when a candidate can bring up consulting work, volunteer work, or education classes during an interview. It shows the willingness to invest in professional development.

Consider Freelance Jobs
As you are preparing your home for sale, start thinking about a plan B. Getting hired and transferring to another company might take longer than expected. No one has time to waste, so you should know what your safety net should be.
We recommend adding to your to-do list a task of looking into available freelance jobs. It might be just the thing to get you started on another path. You will have an opportunity to work on various projects and for numerous clients. It is the best way to improve your skills and become a Jack of all trades. There are many remote freelance positions you can try out based on your interests, like web designer, web developer, editor, copywriter, videographer, and photographer.
Build a Strong Network
Do you know anyone in the destination you’ll be relocating to? Ensure that you have some connections there, like relatives, college friends, and former professional colleagues. Getting employed will depend on your connections and people who will be able to inform you about prospective employers. Post on Facebook and Instagram about the move and ask friends how to find a job in a new city. Reach out to LinkedIn connections and professional associations. Gather any tips on relocating with less stress and assistance in getting employed fast they offer you.

Remember to Invest in a Cross-Country Moving Company
A cross-country movers group can help you with the challenge of relocating to another destination. Don’t forget to request a free quote before hiring cross-country movers. It will help you plan the budget for the relocation. Contact call center representatives who will give you additional information about full and partial packing services as well as moving services. You should know that moving across the country safely can only be done by having a capable crew handling your belongings.
Resources Might Be Limited, So Think About Requesting Auto Transport Services
We recommend considering requesting auto transport services when moving cross country. There will be many interviews and meetings with prospective employers in another destination. That can be managed by having your vehicle by your side. Making sure you are not late for an important interview is of utmost importance. Therefore reach out to agents at the relocation company and get information on relocating efficiently and transporting your vehicle as well.
Moving Insurance
Moving insurance is an indispensable part of our moving, packing, and car shipping services. Cross Country Movers Group offers three different types of moving insurance
Read MoreStorage
When it comes to our moving services, our storage service is just as important as the rest. Whether you need longtime or short-term arrangements, our team of professional movers is more than qualified to handle your items. When storing your belongings, we store them in a secure facility with guards and video surveillance.
Read MorePacking
Cross Country Movers have professionally trained personnel that will be happy to assist you with packing even the most fragile dishes or antiques. You can choose to oversee as we do the packing for you. We’ll carefully pack it all into moving boxes, regardless of the size.
Read MoreWhat Is the Fastest Way to Get a Job in a New City?
If you want to immediately get employed upon arriving in another location, it is possible to have some of your connections recommend you for a position. Another fast way of getting hired is to search for freelance and remote positions. These might not be your dream occupations, but you’d have an income upon relocating.
Should I Get a Job Before I Move?
Relocation stress can be avoided if you manage to get employed before leaving your hometown. The best option is to apply to open positions before relocating, so do not waste a second and start looking for companies hiring in the place you want to live in.
What Is the First Thing to Do When Moving to a New City?
Get adjusted to a completely different environment. Explore the town and meet your neighbors. Make friends in the state and begin networking since you’ll want to have as many connections as possible. Read ads and browse the web for open positions.
What Is the Easiest City to Get a Job?
There are a number of US cities where the unemployment rate is considerably lower than the rest of the country, and the wages have been increasing. These cities are Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, Austin, and North Port. Those interested in quickly securing employment should be relocating to these US cities.
How Long Does It Take To Move to a New City for a Job?
It depends on the amount of time you desire to spend preparing and planning the move. If you are a detail-oriented person who wants to execute a well-organized move, it might take you two months to take care of everything before relocating. However, in the case of last-minute moves, it can take you a week to move to another destination. It solely depends on the plan and your preparation.
You’re Ready to Find a Dream Occupation in Another Destination
Looking for another career might seem like an impossible task. It can take a long time to get started in another occupation, but the thrill of experiencing something different in another destination just might be what you have always dreamed of. Search for employment opportunities, create a compelling cover letter, and hire the best movers in the business. You’ll need all the help you can get, so reach out to friends and colleagues for advice. It is going to be a wild ride, but the reward will be worth it.