Job Relocation Checklist

8/5/2021

Job Search Ideas August 5, 2021

Job Relocation Checklist: Moving For Your Career

It’s hard enough crafting your resume, searching for jobs, writing cover letters (relocation cover letter examples) applying, interviewing, and changing careers. When you decide to take a job in a new city, you’ve opened up a whole new set of challenges. While relocating for a job can be a fairly intimidating, life-changing shift, cities around the world can provide countless opportunities that your hometown may not offer. That said, you’ve done the hard part — you’ve made the tough decision. Now it’s time to take the leap and make a smooth transition into your new career in a new place. If this is the first time you’ve ever moved for a job, the checklist below will help you prepare for this new chapter.

Discuss A Relocation Package

Before signing any offers, know that some companies provide relocation assistance for new employees. This might come in the form of a lump sum of cash, reimbursement, or through a third party. You can inquire about and negotiate terms with your employer before moving. These agreements may include:

Pay adjustments
Flexible start date
Temporary housing
Travel expenses
Moving and packing services

Visit Your New Company and Town

Free visits may also be included in your relocation assistance package. How will you know if this is the right career move or the right city for you if you’ve never been there? Your employer wants you to be confident in your decision to relocate, so some will fund a visit. Tour the building and speak to potential coworkers to get a feel for the job. Also on this visit, you can explore the surrounding neighborhoods, restaurants, and activities to make sure this is a place you’ll want to live in long-term.

Arrange Housing

Before you start packing boxes, make sure you have a place to live in your new city. Do your research to find a safe and suitable neighborhood for you and your family. Then, search for houses for sale in your desired neighborhood and work with a REALTOR® to schedule tours. If you’re struggling to find a home, don’t worry. Oftentimes, companies will offer to find or fund temporary housing for new hires and their families until they can establish a permanent residence. So, feel free to reach out to your employer for assistance or to take advantage of their connections with local moving services.

Network In Your New Community

A new career comes with a whole new collection of people to get to know, bounce ideas off, and seek guidance from. Expand your network by introducing yourself to your new coworkers and taking advantage of any opportunity to be involved. Join groups or organizations and attend events within your field to network with other professionals, especially if you’ve accepted a job in a different field. Lean on your teammates and look for chances to learn and grow.

Moving for your career can be a scary decision to make, but with the right amount of research and preparation, you can walk into the first day worry-free and ready to kickstart your career.

Mandy Fard

Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.