While it is easier to find a job when you reside in the area, most people don’t have the luxury of moving without a job. So, if you need the job to make the move, you will have to conduct your job search from a distance. Here are tips that I share with my phone clients who live in other states to help them make a successful transition:

1. Identify your career and personal goals.
- Clarify the type of job want. Are you interested in changing careers or just employers?
- Where do you want to live, including location as well as type of residence?
- What is your ideal time frame for moving?

2. Write a job description that reflects what you want and use it as a benchmark.
- Know what is necessary or negotiable for you in terms of: salary and benefits, responsibilities, physical work environment and colleagues, skills, and workplace culture.

3. Update your professional materials.
- A current resume is essential as you begin to conduct your search. Once you apply for an actual position, you may want to change the resume format or modify the information so it represents you best. Since employers may question your commitment to move, or hesitate to contact you because of relocation expenses, consider using a friend or relative’s address as your contact information on your resume.
- Many people in the job search today are creating portfolios to supplement
their resume. Appropriate for the interview stage of the job search, a portfolio is a collection of materials that might include: the resume, letters of reference or recognition, writing samples, articles written or presentations delivered, or any other representation of your work.
- Identify references and request letters to have on file.
- Create a list of skills you have consistently used during your work history. Keep in mind those skills you enjoy using and be ready to give concrete, brief examples when you have effectively demonstrated them.

4. Become familiar with your target location.
- Subscribe to the local newspaper, especially the Sunday edition. Pay attention to articles on new businesses, expansions, and notices of promotions and hew hires, as well as the classifieds.
- Plan an exploratory trip to conduct informational interviews and
network with other professionals.
- Contact the Chamber of Commerce, Office of Tourism, and Department of labor and request a relocation packet. Access the Chamber’s on-line directory of members.
-For specific information about relocating to Maine, go to the Maine State Government's special page dedicated to this topic.
-Identify organizations and companies that employ people in your targeted positions. Visit their websites for job postings and info on new developments.

5. Identify and research key resources in your industry or career field.
- Research the professional associations affiliated with your target job. The Encyclopedia of Associations, available at most libraries, gives useful descriptions. Note the officer’s names and the date and place of their annual conference. Plan to attend if possible. Contact the association's officers for help with networking.
- Contact the career services office at your undergraduate and graduate schools. Request a print out of alumni/ae working in your field near your target location.
- Tell anyone you know of your plans to relocate. Ask if they know anyone who lives and works in your target location and if they would be willing to send an e-mail asking if you might contact them for networking.
- Check out craig's list for job postings. Many major cities have a “craig's list”--a site that is becoming increasingly popular for finding anything from jobs and roommates to furniture and housing.
- You may choose to contact headhunters/recruiters/executive search firms. Search these professionals by location or industry at: www.i-recruit.com.
- Know the salary ranges in the new locale for the position/s you are targeting. The informative site The Riley Guide has a links to salary surveys, as well as severance and separation packages.
- If your profession requires licensure or credentialing, you can look up requirements by state at Career One Stop Centers.

Stay focused on your goal and take specific steps each week toward it. Before you know it, you'll be living and working where you want to be!