Relocating for a Job

The U.S. has a high unemployment rate right now, but there are some places that are doing better than others. You might want to think about uprooting and moving to find a better job in another state.

Before the economy turned so bleak, companies would have gladly paid your moving expenses to get the best talent for a particular job. But this is a different job market and it doesn't favor the job seeker. So companies are becoming less willing to pay for moving costs than they used to be. In fact, fewer than 30% are willing to pay a lump sum relocation payment. Almost all have at least cut down on the costs that they are willing to pay a new hire. Even ones that will pay have capped the costs at somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000.


Depending on whether you are a homeowner or not, the costs can be even higher. What happens if you are a homeowner and you aren't able to sell your home? Many people have been forced to rent out their home. Some employers won't even consider you for a job if you are located in another city. In their opinion there are an abundance of great candidates that are local who need jobs. If the choice is between a local and someone from out of town, the local usually wins, assuming they both have the same credentials. The exception to this is workers who will be filling skilled jobs and those who are highly specialized. Then companies are much more willing to pay for relocation expenses to find the right person for that type of job.

The bottom line is that you should be prepared to pay for your own expenses if you are going to look in other places for a job. Weight out the costs of uprooting your family and paying for relocation against the amount of savings you can afford to go through before you actually find another job. It may be worth it and it may not, depending on your own circumstances.

If you're planning to just jump off the cliff and move without having a job lined up in advance you should at least start networking before you move. Look to family, friends, Facebook friends, networking groups and others and find people who can help you figure your way around. Find out if they know anyone who's hiring. Have at least six months of savings before you leave and hit the ground running once you get to where you're going. Consider temp jobs and any other way you can get your foot in the door and prove yourself.