How to Find a Job Before Moving to Another State
Trying to find a job before moving to another state can feel like solving a puzzle from a distance. You are learning a new market, meeting people you have never met, and explaining a move that has not happened yet. This guide walks through the questions worth asking and the places to research, so you can build your own picture of where you are headed.
What does the job market look like where you are going?
Before you apply, learn how your field works in the new area. Markets can differ from one region to the next, so build your picture from current sources.
Questions to explore:
- Which industries are major employers in the region you are considering?
- Is your type of work concentrated in one city, or spread across the state?
- Are employers in your field hiring for in-person, hybrid, or remote roles there?
- How do pay ranges for your role compare with your current area, once you factor in living costs?
Look into the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) for regional occupation data, and check the new state's department of labor or workforce agency for local labor market information. A search like "[state name] labor market information" is a good starting point.
Who are the local employers in your field?
Once you understand the broader market, start building a list of specific organizations. This list becomes the backbone of your search.
Ways to build it:
- Search for regional business journals and local news outlets that cover hiring, expansions, and new offices.
- Check the local chamber of commerce, which often lists member businesses by industry.
- Look up professional associations in your field and see whether they have a state or regional chapter with a member directory or event calendar.
Do you need a license or credential to work in the new state?
Many careers involve a state license, certification, or registration. Rules can vary from state to state, and they change over time, so this is an area where you should confirm details directly rather than relying on general advice.
Questions to ask:
- Does my occupation require a state license where I am moving?
- Does the new state recognize my current license, or is there a transfer or endorsement process?
- How long does that process tend to take, and can I start it before I move?
Check with the licensing board for your profession in the new state. You can also search "[your occupation] license [state name]" to find the right board. If you belong to a national professional association, ask whether they track licensing differences across states. CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org) also has tools for researching licensed occupations.
How should you present your move date to employers?
Employers may wonder whether you are serious about relocating and when you could actually start. Thinking through how you will answer these questions ahead of time can make your applications and interviews feel more confident.
Things to consider:
- Should your resume show your current address, the city you are moving to, or a line such as "relocating to [city] in [month]"?
- What is a realistic start date, and how firm is it?
- Are you able to travel for in-person interviews, and at whose expense?
- Will you ask about relocation assistance, and how will you bring it up?
There is no single right way to handle this. Ask recruiters or hiring managers in your field how they prefer to see relocation noted. A career counselor at your college alumni office or a local American Job Center can also offer perspective.
How can you build a network in a place you have not lived yet?
Relationships often matter as much as applications. Building a few connections in your new area before you arrive can help you learn things that never show up in a job posting.
Ideas to try:
- Reach out to alumni from your school who live in the new city.
- Join online groups or virtual events hosted by the local chapter of your professional association.
- Ask friends, former coworkers, and family whether they know anyone in the area.
- Request short informational conversations focused on learning, not asking for a job.
Questions to bring to those conversations: What is it like to work in this field here? Which employers have a good reputation? What do newcomers often misunderstand about the local market?
What should you research about daily life and costs?
Your job decision is tied to your living situation. A strong offer may look different once you factor in housing, commute, and taxes.
Look into:
- Housing costs in neighborhoods near likely employers.
- Commute options and typical travel times.
- State and local tax differences. Check with the new state's department of revenue or a CPA for guidance on your situation.
Where to learn more
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) for occupation and regional wage data.
- CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org) for job search tools, licensing research, and local American Job Center locations.
- The new state's department of labor or workforce development agency.
- The licensing board for your profession in the new state.
- Local chambers of commerce, regional business journals, and city economic development offices.
- Your college alumni association and career services office.
- Search phrases such as "largest employers in [city]", "[profession] association [state]", and "relocating for work checklist".
Questions to bring to an expert
- A recruiter in your field: How do employers in this area view out-of-state candidates? How should I time my applications around my move?
- A licensing board representative: What steps should I take now, and what can wait until I arrive?
- A CPA or tax professional: How might moving mid-year affect my taxes in both states?
Planning ahead gives you more choices once you arrive. To keep your search moving while you plan the rest of your move, try MyHeadhunter: we build you a personal job search, you get a private jobs page plus a daily or weekly email of new listings, and you apply yourself. It is $29 a month, flat. Point it at the place you are moving to, at home or overseas.