Figuring out how to find a job in another state can feel overwhelming, especially when you are up against local candidates. The reality is, many employers are hesitant to hire out-of-state applicants due to relocation uncertainties, potential delays, and fear of flaking.
However, distance does not have to be a dealbreaker; with the right strategy, you can show you are worth the extra effort. In this guide, we will walk you through the specific steps to approach the process seamlessly and stand out, even when you are miles away.
Key Takeaways
To find an out-of-state job, research the state's job market, tailor your application, and then use your network strategically to uncover opportunities.
It also helps to apply to national or multi-state companies, attend networking events, and consider remote roles when trying to get a job in another state.
In your resume, you should be clear about your relocation plans; it is best to state your new address in the contact section or summary.
LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, FlexJobs, and USAJobs are among the best sites to find a job in another state.
Don’t forget to prepare for your future interview by practicing common questions, including those about why you are interested in relocating for a job.
How to Find a Job in Another State in 7 Steps
To find a job in another state, you should:
#1. Research the Job Market in Your Target State
Researching the job market in your target state should be the first step you take in your job-hunting journey. It will point you to the most in-demand industries and show you where you should be ready for intense competition.
Once you know what state you want to work in, narrow down on the region. Consider where you would thrive; do you prefer an urban or suburban setting? Next, identify the key industries in that area by Googling "[State] key industries," "[City] in-demand jobs," etc.
It’s helpful to assess how the available options align with your skills, salary expectations, and long-term career goals. From there, job boards with location filters can be useful tools for identifying potential opportunities. You should look at the number of job postings in the field you are targeting and take note of the top employers, as well as the most common job titles.
The latter will be important when you write a resume later on. Also, explore state-specific job search sites; for example, CalCareers (California), WorkInTexas (Texas), and Illinois JobLink (Illinois). There are also city ones, like LACity.gov, if you are looking for a job in LA.
Now, head over to your target state's labor department website and find unemployment and employment, hiring trends, and projected growth areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an especially good resource to drill down into metropolitan areas.
#2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
With an industry and role in mind, you can start creating a job-winning resume. Resume.co makes it easy, offering 200+ resume templates and a library of resume examples to inspire you throughout the process.
Ensure you study the job description and identify keywords related to the skills, qualifications, and tools required, and then mirror them to make your resume ATS-friendly.
Starting with relevant achievements can help highlight key strengths, especially when they are supported by quantifiable results. For example, you can say you “reduced client attrition by 32% through a redesigned onboarding process.” It is best to put the outcome first and then follow with what you did.
A concise resume tends to perform best, with an optimal length of 500 to 600 words for a two-page format. For one-page resumes, staying within 500 words is generally recommended.
Finally, complete your application with a tailored cover letter. Although mainly a resume builder, Resume.co also offers resources to help you craft a compelling cover letter that improves your chances of securing the role.
#3. Be Clear About Your Relocation Plans
Being clear about your relocation plans when finding jobs in other states helps you save time down the road and avoids raising concerns for hiring managers.
Here are ways you can do it during your out-of-state job search:
List the state you are relocating to in the address field, even if you are not there yet
Mention it in your resume objective
Mention it in your cover letter (remember to be specific about your timeline)
State it during your interview
The key is to be honest, but avoid sounding like you are just testing the waters. Hiring managers will appreciate it if you can reassure them about your relocation.
If you are not entirely committed to a specific state, say that you are open to relocating for a job and are currently exploring opportunities in [State].
#4. Use Your Network Strategically
The next step to get a job in another state is to use your networking strategically. Begin with your online presence; on LinkedIn, set your location to your target state to increase your visibility to local recruiters and connections.
Existing contacts, such as family, friends, and mentors, are valuable sources of support when looking for a job in another state. Alumni networks, through LinkedIn or university directories, may also offer helpful connections.
Connect with people who live in your target city and are in your field with a short message. Joining local online communities, such as Facebook groups, Slack communities, and Reddit threads, can help you find work before moving.
Whenever possible, offer value; after all, networking is a two-way street. Sharing relevant industry news, mutual connections, or updates in response to advice received builds stronger relationships. Even if nothing comes right away, make an effort to stay in touch with helpful connections.
#5. Apply to National or Multi-State Companies
When applying for jobs in another state, focus on national or multi-state companies to increase your chances. These are more likely to already have relocation policies and HR processes for out-of-state candidates.
There is also a higher chance they would sponsor moves or cover relocation costs. Moreover, if they like you for one location, they might consider you for openings in nearby offices or remote-friendly roles. Later, if you want to transfer states again, you will have a higher chance of internal mobility.
#6. Attend Local Events
Attending local events can further improve your chances of getting hired in a different state by introducing you to unadvertised roles and helping you build more relevant connections.
One of the top benefits of networking is that you can have face-to-face interactions that lead directly to referrals or even on-the-spot interviews. You might also be able to learn what companies are hiring or expanding soon.
To find networking events in your target area, search on Meetup.com or Eventbrite and keep an eye on LinkedIn Events. Professional association meetings, such as AMA, SHRM, PMI, and AIGA, are also valuable opportunities. If you are looking for your first job, fairs hosted by universities, career centers, or hiring platforms are a great option to start with.
Prepare a confident, clear, and career-focused pitch for your introductions and bring business cards along with you. Don't forget to follow up afterwards; simply send an email to people you have met to stay on their radar.
#7. Consider Remote Work
You should consider remote work so you are not limited role-wise when finding a job in another state. You might be able to start working before you relocate and earn income right away, which could ease financial pressure and let you move at your own pace.
If moving for employment is not set in stone, job hunting remotely can potentially lead you to a role that makes it unnecessary altogether. Here are some remote job search tips to keep in mind:
Check platforms like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, Remote OK, and FlexJobs.
Set your LinkedIn filter and preference to Remote.
Use keywords like "Remote" and "Work from home" when searching online.
How to List a Future Location on Your Resume
To list a future location on your resume, add it to your contact section or summary. Doing so signals a strong commitment, helps you appear in location-based searches, and prevents confusion.
It might look like this on your resume for relocation:
Or, like this, in your summary:
Should You Move First or Find a Job First?
Whether you should move first or find a job first depends on your risk tolerance, finances, and career goals. There are pros and cons to each option, as follows:
#1. Moving First
Here are some advantages of moving before finding a job in another state:
Pros
Starting right away, which might be attractive for employers who need a position filled fast.
Scheduling in-person interviews more easily, as most companies still prefer to meet candidates offline.
Showing a clearer commitment and proactively removing the barrier of location-based hiring biases.
Exploring opportunities that are harder to access from afar, such as in-person temporary, contract, or part-time roles.
Cons
Drains your savings quickly to cover living costs without a guaranteed income.
Might force you to accept the first offer just to make ends meet.
Might not entail relocation assistance because you have already moved.
#2. Finding a Job First
There are also some specific benefits and drawbacks to finding a job first, including:
Pros
Not going through stress about how long your job search will take or how you will cover expenses in the meantime.
Receiving relocation assistance, such as temporary housing, from your employers.
Having more time to plan your move and sort out the logistics carefully.
Cons
Missing out on opportunities that require in-person meetings.
Encountering hiring managers' bias against non-local applicants.
Having a harder time building trust without face-to-face interactions.
Being unable to build a strong local network and hear about hidden opportunities.
5 Best Job Sites for Finding a Job in Another State
The five best job sites for finding a job in another state are LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, FlexJobs, and USAJobs. Below is a breakdown of each:
LinkedIn. LinkedIn is well-known as a networking tool, but it is also a fantastic site to find openings and connect directly with hiring managers. In addition, there is an Easy Apply function that you can use to submit your application with just a few clicks.
Indeed. This is a great site to browse listings with intuitive filters. You can set your target location, job type, salary range, and more to find the best fit.
Glassdoor. Glassdoor posts job listings, along with company reviews that you can use to assess culture fit before committing to relocation. You will also find useful salary data for cross-state comparisons.
FlexJobs. If you are on a remote out-of-state job search, this platform offers many flexible opportunities and screens them beforehand to protect you from scams.
USAJobs. This is the official portal for government or federal work. You can search by job title, department, agency, series, or occupation. Roles are often open to applicants from any location, and sometimes, relocation packages are included.
3 Final Tips for Finding a Job Out of State
To effectively find a job out of state, follow these three final tips:
Prepare for relocation questions. Employers will want to know why you are interested in relocating for a job and evaluate whether you are serious based on your answer. So, make sure you know what to say; mention any ties you have to the area and provide details like move-in dates.
Practice common interview questions. Aside from relocation-related questions, prepare for standard ones like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Practice out loud or with a partner to ensure you can answer confidently and clearly.
Polish your video interview setup. A lot of the time, first-round interviews happen virtually. You should make sure your laptop is up for the task; check your webcam, microphone, and Internet connection. It is also important to have a quiet, well-lit space ready to tune into the interview.
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Create a perfectly concise and job-winning resume with us today!Closing Thoughts
Finding a job in another state is not the easiest journey, but it is entirely achievable if you take each step carefully.
Begin by researching the job market and then tailoring your resume. You should be clear about your relocation plans, use your network strategically, and apply to national or multi-state companies.
Additionally, remember that you can always increase your chances by attending local events and considering remote roles. Once you find a job, don’t forget to prepare for your interview by going through some common questions and set up a space for potential video calls.
How to Find a Job in Another State FAQs
#1. What is the easiest state to get a job in?
The easiest state to get a job in depends on the industry you are in, your experience, professional contacts, and many other factors. Also, looking for states with lower unemployment and growing economies can increase your odds of securing a role.
#2. Should I use a local address when applying for jobs in another state?
You should use a local address when applying for jobs in another state, or note that you are relocating to it. This allows you to show commitment without being misleading.
#3. How do I explain my move in a job application or interview?
In a job application or interview, you can explain your move by saying that you are relocating to a specific state, highlighting your enthusiasm for the new location and your readiness to start work by a specific date. This way, you can reassure employers that you are serious about the role.
