Expanding Your Search – Relocation

So, you decided to expand your job search during these trying times and are considering positions that would require relocation: either to another city or even to another state. Before starting the process on your own—but especially if you have engaged a recruiter for assistance—ask yourself these questions:

• Are you serious, or just fearful you won’t find something close to home?
• Will you actually relocate when the time comes?
• Are you just spinning your fantasy wheels?

Let’s break down the challenges and solutions to understand the nuances of this significant life decision.

1. ARE YOU HONESTLY WILLING TO RELOCATE?

The question, “Are you willing to relocate?” should emit a simple yes or no answer. However, it is never entirely as cut and dried as that. Being committed to relocating is essential for success. If you are “on the fence,” and spending time trying to convince yourself to move, you are at a clear disadvantage. Starting a new job with negative feelings will lower the chances of achieving success from the start.

You must be entirely agreeable to making a move and embrace all the experiences involved. Your and your family’s willingness to move is vitally important. Remember, they have as much of a stake in the move as you do.

Takeaway
Be sensitive to your and your family’s needs as well as the process because when all the pieces fall into place, the odds are perfect that you will find an excellent new company and new city.

2. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH STRESS?

If you typically struggle with work-related stress, you are probably not the best fit for a job-related relocation. The mere process can be wrought with difficulty and challenge. Having to make decisions that affect all aspects of your family’s life—housing, schools, leaving extended family—may be more pressure than you can handle.

Takeaway
You need to be able to handle pressure and multiple challenges positively and constructively. When a person is willing to relocate, it shows a passion and dedication to their job and that they are in it for the long haul.

3. DO YOU UNDERSTAND AND VALUE DIFFERENT CULTURES?

Having experience and knowledge of different cultures is an excellent benefit if you are going to relocate. A good understanding of a variety of cultures and backgrounds will help you adjust more easily and quickly to a new work environment.

Takeaway
You must maintain a positive attitude and adaptability to new cultures to adjust to the company itself and for establishing the chemistry with new coworkers.

4. HOW GOOD ARE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS?

A poor communicator is a lousy communicator, no matter where you are. It is critical for you to have the ability to connect verbally with a new team. Without good communication skills, sharing successes and problems will be daunting. This problem can extend to the family who has also relocated and may leave them feeling insecure and alone.

Takeaway
A person with good people skills will relocate successfully.

SUMMARY
Relocating for a job is more than just about work; it changes people’s lives. From the place you call home to what you do for a living, your social network, and future opportunities. There is no denying it is a HUGE step that requires careful planning and consideration to make it a success. Keep these facts in mind when considering relocation, remaining flexible to accommodate the best outcome for all! And, most important, find yourself a good recruiter to make the process as smooth and seamless as possible.