What's the best way to find a job in a city that you don't live in or know anybody yet?

Answer 1

Post your resume
Monster.com
Careerbuilder.com
Use the internet to find local papers in the area.
Use the internet to find temp agency's or job placement services.
Each state has an unemployment office which also has a job bank, and you can contact the chamber of commerce for additional ideas.

Answer 2

That is a great question. You must first write down a list of things that interest you. Then another list of jobs you really would like to have or careers you have been interested in persueing. Then, you go online and search fro groups in that area that have network meetings and attend them. From there you start hooking up with people and asking questions. Make sure to be professional yet personable. And nnever ever share to much personal info with anyone at first. Develop sincere relationships and go from there. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Use a lot of the techniques mentioned by the other answerers, but also spend a lot of time networking. Start with everyone you know - friends, family, past bosses & co-workers, vendors, alumni contacts, people at your church, people in other organizations you belong to, etc. Set up 1-on-1 meetings (by phone if they are far away), asking for their advice in your search, NEVER asking for help in finding a job.

Prepare your compelling 2 minute pitch that describes the package you bring to the table, what you are seeking to do in the new area, and what sorts of results you would expect to bring to the table for your target employer. Then brainstorm with the contact on this, ultimately seeking their help in connecting you to someone else you can talk to. That person could be in the sort of job or job area in which you are interested, the sort of company you are interested in (in any capacity), or the specific geographic area to which you seek to move.

As you do this, you will start to build a network of contacts either in or linked to the geographic area you want. And you will build a network of people who know what you have to offer and are willing to help you in achieving it.

Then you might want to plan a trip to the new area in which you set up as many 1-on-1 face-to-face meetings as possible with the contacts you have created. And if there are companies you have identified of interest, you could call senior people at those telling them that you are going to be in the area on certain dates, and are very interested in meeting with them to find out more about their company / operations.

Here's an article you might find of interest:

"Career Search Networking"
http://jhacareers.com/SearchNetworking.pdf
The Stepping Stone, July 2003
Copyright 2003 by the Society of Actuaries, Schaumburg, Illinois. Reprinted with permission.


Good luck!
John
_____________________________________
John West Hadley
Career Search & Career Enhancement Counselor
[phone]

"Unlocking Your Career Opportunities"

Get Career Tips at www.JHACareers.com

Answer 4

Get in touch with a recruiter or a temp agency. They can help you get your foot in the door with various companies when you don't know anyone.