The Location

• Investigate the towns or cities you are considering. You should have a good sense of what the new place has to offer in areas such as schools if you have children, what the community is like and the overall culture. Be sure to check out the costs of homes or apartments, energy costs, transportation costs including the availability of buses or trains, and even costs such as day care if required. You can begin your research by reviewing city or county websites or going to the local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce typically will have information that can be mailed to you or will provide access online. You may want to research the number of businesses in the area or a particular area industry. You should also review the demographics such as average income, the number of schools or the average age range. Many cities now have live Web cams that stream onto the Internet. It may be fun to watch and it will give you a little familiarity with the new place.
  
  

Job Hunting

• You may have narrowed down the places you want to live in, and now want to search for a job before making the move. Seeking a job across the country may be a bit more challenging; however, you can improve your chances by using a systematic approach. Create a list of companies and contact information in the city you want to move to. Research the companies that interest you and try to find the names of hiring managers or a human resource contact. Present a well-written resume via regular mail or email. Include a cover letter that highlights your skills and shows why you would be an asset to the company. Make sure to include that you are relocating to the area and give them a general time line. Once you have completed this, and given the company enough time to have received your information, call the contact you have at the company to discuss openings that you are qualified for. Depending on your profession and job level, you may be able to be paid to come in for the interview. However, this option is typically reserved for advanced positions at a company.
  
  

Transition

• Depending on your personal circumstances, you may decide to move first or get the job first. Either choice has positives and negatives. If you try to obtain the job first, you will need to present yourself well on the phone during interviews, or you may be required to make a trip to the new location for the interviews. When you are asked to make the trip for the interview, try to set up several interviews for your visit or plan on visiting other companies that you are interested in. While visiting the new place, take time to experience the town or city and make sure it feels like a place that you can call home.
  
  

Preparing to Move

• The job may dictate your moving schedule. However, you should have a plan that includes putting aside moving expenses, house or apartment hunting, and requirements to leave your current residence. Make a list of tasks to complete where you are now, such as notifying the landlord and utility companies you are moving out, or contacting a realtor to put your home on the market. You should book a moving company or rental truck early and begin going through your belongings. Do not wait until the last minute to pack or the move will be stressful. Plan a cushion of time before starting your new job so that you can settle into your new home.