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Erick I read that for lower-level jobs, employers commonly reject candidates who do not live where the job is. Therefore, I am, with rare exception, applying only for jobs in my city of residence, despite knowing that some people think this is a bad job search strategy. Which strategy, including deciding which companies to apply at, would work best if applying for jobs outside my city of residence?
Answered by Ashley, Hiring Expert at Textron Inc., on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Commonly, employers may opt to choose a candidate who is from the area; however, this does not mean that you shouldn’t apply to those jobs that are in different areas. Opening up your job search will bring many more opportunities to find the job that best suits your expertise. Many companies require a cover letter, this a great way to show your flexibility and willingness to move to a new area, as well as why you want to move and work at their company. Going to a company that is outside of your city of residence will bring diversity to their team, which many companies are striving to achieve. Knowing that many companies outside of your immediate city will not consider you, you should look for companies that you are serious about wanting to work for and do your research. Doing this will allow you to put a higher level of focus on those company’s applications and cover letter. Also, you could consider looking at different companies that have different office locations. These types of companies will have a higher probability of having people at their office from different areas and will have a different outlook on relocation. Lastly, in their application, make sure that you answer any questions with travel and relocation in a manner that will ease their thoughts of hiring someone who is not from the area. Good luck with your job search!
Commonly, employers may opt to choose a candidate who is from the area; however, this does not mean that you shouldn’t apply to those jobs that are in different areas. Opening up your job search will bring many more opportunities to find the job that best suits your expertise. Many companies require a cover letter, this a great way to show your flexibility and willingness to move to a new area, as well as why you want to move and work at their company. Going to a company that is outside of your city of residence will bring diversity to their team, which many companies are striving to achieve. Knowing that many companies outside of your immediate city will not consider you, you should look for companies that you are serious about wanting to work for and do your research. Doing this will allow you to put a higher level of focus on those company’s applications and cover letter. Also, you could consider looking at different companies that have different office locations. These types of companies will have a higher probability of having people at their office from different areas and will have a different outlook on relocation. Lastly, in their application, make sure that you answer any questions with travel and relocation in a manner that will ease their thoughts of hiring someone who is not from the area. Good luck with your job search!
Answered by Ashley, Hiring Expert at Cardinal Health, on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
It is common for employers to seek local candidates for entry-level positions because there is often not a budget for relocation expenses. I would not let this discourage you from applying to non-local positions. If you are the most qualified applicant for the position, this may increase your chances even if you aren’t local to the area. I would be sure to have a strategy when applying to positions not in your city of residence. You shouldn’t apply to positions all across the United States simply because you want to relocate. You should have a set plan in mind when considering relocating to a different state. This is important so you can confidently explain your reasoning for wanting to relocate. You should also include this in your cover letter and set a timeline of when you anticipate moving to the area so the recruiter knows you are serious about relocating.
It is common for employers to seek local candidates for entry-level positions because there is often not a budget for relocation expenses. I would not let this discourage you from applying to non-local positions. If you are the most qualified applicant for the position, this may increase your chances even if you aren’t local to the area. I would be sure to have a strategy when applying to positions not in your city of residence. You shouldn’t apply to positions all across the United States simply because you want to relocate. You should have a set plan in mind when considering relocating to a different state. This is important so you can confidently explain your reasoning for wanting to relocate. You should also include this in your cover letter and set a timeline of when you anticipate moving to the area so the recruiter knows you are serious about relocating.
Answered by Cassie, Hiring Expert at The Hershey Company, on Thursday, August 20, 2015
I think every situation is a bit different and you should not be discouraged from applying to roles because of geography. It really depends on the company and on the labor market in certain areas. If two candidates are equally qualified they may go with the local candidate, but companies most likely won’t reject your application if you are qualified just because you are not in the area. Even if there is not a relocation budget for the role, they may still let you relocate to the area at your own expense for the position if you are the most qualified.
We hire a lot of entry level sales roles and we are very open to candidates in other areas because our sales roles are all across the country and most likely you would have to relocate for a promotion, so the more open you are the better. It really again depends on the type of position and career path of the role. If a company operates or has positions in multiple locations they are probably more likely to be open to someone anywhere, regardless of the level of position. Companies should be focused on hiring the most qualified candidate for the role!
I think every situation is a bit different and you should not be discouraged from applying to roles because of geography. It really depends on the company and on the labor market in certain areas. If two candidates are equally qualified they may go with the local candidate, but companies most likely won’t reject your application if you are qualified just because you are not in the area. Even if there is not a relocation budget for the role, they may still let you relocate to the area at your own expense for the position if you are the most qualified.
We hire a lot of entry level sales roles and we are very open to candidates in other areas because our sales roles are all across the country and most likely you would have to relocate for a promotion, so the more open you are the better. It really again depends on the type of position and career path of the role. If a company operates or has positions in multiple locations they are probably more likely to be open to someone anywhere, regardless of the level of position. Companies should be focused on hiring the most qualified candidate for the role!
