Any tips for college graduates trying to find jobs out of state?

Question

I am graduating from college this month and have been applying for jobs for the past month or so. My current location doesn't offer many job opportunities so the vast majority of jobs I have applied for are out of state. How do I convince employers in my cover letter to hire an out-of-state and entry-level candidate? I'm not expecting my relocation expenses to be paid.

Yes, of course being a college graduate finding a job has it's own set of challenges, those I know how to handle. If you don't have a real answer then please don't respond.

Answer 1

Does your college have placement assistance, and do they have "sister colleges" in other states? That would be a good start.

I've had to coordinate several out-of-state interviews, which typically start with a phone screening interview with HR, then a longer phone interview with the hiring manager. If we feel we're really interested at that point, we'll try to get the candidate in the office for an in-person interview. Ideally, you could get a few potential jobs lined up around the same time and schedule a "vacation" to interview with each one, but that rarely works out.

As far as your cover letter, you should modify it to be specific to each position/company/location you're applying to. Explain why you're looking for a job in that specific area and for that specific company, and let them know up front that you'd be willing to pay your own moving expenses. That way they know you're not just a graduate looking to use a company to pay your expenses to move to a new area, but that you're a serious candidate. Then give them an idea of how you could make yourself available for an interview - would you be willing to fly out for a final interview? Can you only do interviews by phone? And if you're going to be in their area any time soon, make sure you let them know that too. The more questions you can answer in your cover letter, the more comfortable they may be with interviewing you in the first place. Of course, the more flexible you can be logistically, the better your chances.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, your degree may work against you. Can you get a job at the university you're attending as a graduate assistant? Your options with a psych degree are kind of limited. That's why I didn't graduate when I was close to getting a BS in psych and instead switched to nursing. Honestly? Psychology is one of the most common degrees out there and many schools will be up front and tell you most psych majors don't work in the field. You may be lucky to even get a job as a receptionist in today's economy. I don't know how bad it is in Georgia. Keep on applying and see if there is a job board on your university's web site. Edit: I didn't say no degree was better, but it's barely better than a high school diploma.

Answer 3

Relocation expenses would not even be on the table for entry level unless you are in a high demand field with few applicants ( you did Not mention your field ) .
It boils down to what you can offer the company .
Generic letters are weak unless you were top 10% of your class in your field .
Do some homework on the companies products and convince them you would be an asset because of your skills (but be specific about your skills) .

Good Luck

FYI : Being snippy with respondents here because you don't feel the answers are "real" indicates you have some social skill problems . If you start getting attitude here , you aren't ready for the workplace yet .
Resolve your issues first .

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Answer 4

It's hard to be hired from out-of-state unless you already work for the employer and just want to be relocated. I would recommend researching your top choices of cities to live in and take a dive to move out there. Pick a place where you can get small jobs to support yourself while you're job hunting unless you already have parents who will pay your bills anyway. Good luck!

Answer 5

what sort of job are you looking for? i would say just apply and if they are interested they will hire you, and let you know at the same time that relocation expenses are not paid. orrrr... if you know what region you want get a prepaid cell phone for that area and a p.o box so it will look like you are from there.

Answer 6

I don't think 'out of state' enters into the equation.

Answer 7

try to workathome