| Q. For my next move, I am relocating to | | | | someone with your background. |
| Greatville to be near my family. I've been told to | | | | Mark had been teaching elementary school for |
| wait till I move before job-hunting -- but I'm | | | | fifteen years -- but the school system wouldn't |
| nervous about moving without a job. | | | | hire anyone past entry level. Sally had been an |
| A. You are absolutely right to be nervous. Moving | | | | award-winning salesperson -- but employers |
| without a job gives you the thinnest identity of all. | | | | devalued her experience because "we don't sell |
| Banks and landlords like to see a number in the | | | | that way here." |
| block marked "Salary." And socially you're | | | | 3. Before the movers finish unpacking, begin to |
| identified by that "What do you do" question. | | | | network aggressively. |
| 1. If you're entry level, you may have to move | | | | Daphne moved to a medium-sized town in the |
| without a job. But if you're senior, companies may | | | | southeast to be near an aging parent. She |
| conduct national searches to fill your position. | | | | volunteered for the Chamber of Commerce, the |
| They may not give preference to local hires. | | | | local symphony, the museum and more. Her |
| 2. Before you start packing, identify what's | | | | contacts paid off: she landed a management |
| available by talking to people who actually live in | | | | position within two months. |
| the community. Don't rely on stereotypes ("Oh | | | | And while she moved without ajob, she was soon |
| they have everything there!). Sure, you may be | | | | a newcomerwith a job and a wonderful |
| moving to a big city, but the style of doing | | | | networkof resources. |
| business may create unexpected barriers for | | | | |