Being a partner to someone who is frequently relocated isn't easy - especially with spouses that have jobs that require licenses that don't always transfer across state lines. When your partner gets relocated, the entire family has to make arrangements for school, work, and everything else. While their company takes care of the employee, the spouse is most often overlooked. One exception is Military real estate which is made easier by the VA, but even then veterans and their spouses are facing the same job market as everyone else.
If you're in the ranks of those whose career life seems relegated to second place, here are five tips I picked up from the wives of servicemembers to land a job before you relocate.
(Re)search the Internet
The internet is full of job-search sites, and this is the first place you should look to determine the employment possibilities in your new location. Pull up the official website of the state and city you'll be moving to, along with the local Chamber of Commerce. This will give you an idea of what industries are growing and which jobs are in demand in your new home.
Leverage Social Media
You are never alone in life. Your network of friends, family, and coworkers is an excellent resource any time you undergo a major life change. Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and post about your upcoming move to your Facebook friends. This will open conversations as people offer tips and resources related to your new locale. You may even be introduced to new friends of friends and build your professional network, so don't keep it to yourself.
Consider Virtual Work
Thanks to the pandemic, remote work is more prevalent than ever. Even in a post-pandemic world, an estimated 25% of North American jobs will stay remote into 2023. That means you don't need to wait until you move to find a new job; in fact, you may not need a new job at all. Talk to your existing boss to determine if you can work remotely or relocate within the company. If not, you can interview and land a virtual job at your soon-to-be home from your current one.
Get a Local Address
If you do need to work in-person, there's still plenty that can be done online, from the application to the initial interview. However, the new company may not take your application seriously if you use your current address. Friends and family may let you use their local address, or you can get a box at The UPS Store. Use this local address on your application and resumé to ensure you're not filtered out.
Be Both Diligent and Patient
Finding a new job can be stressful, but it's important to dedicate time to it like it is its own full-time job. If you are diligent, you can apply for dozens of jobs a week that you're acutely qualified for, but you'll also have to wait to hear back and get some rejections. Don't let these get you down - keep calm and continue pushing through. Things will work out as time gets closer to the actual move.
Getting acclimated in a new home is never easy; it's one of life's biggest challenges. But securing employment before you move is a great way to feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. By following these steps, you'll be on your way in no time.
This guest post was authored by Tonya Marie Towles
Tonya Marie Towles is Expansion Network Owner at . PCS Pro is comprised of military spouses and veterans who are passionate about military real estate and helping fellow military families and service members find their next home. With their expertise, you will have an endless amount resources that have all the permanent change of station military information that you could ever need. Having done it themselves, they are familiar with the entire PCS military process and strive to help their clients navigate the military real estate process with as little stress as possible.*****
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