How early is to early to look for a job when moving?

[iluvtofly 0]

So I'm not going to actually move to Florida until late April/early May. My sister-in-law has told me that it's not too early to start looking for a job down there but I've already lost a couple of people interested in an interview because I'm not moving for a while yet. But, I don't want to wait until the last minute and not have anything lined up when I get down there.

Also, I figure I kinda need to have a job and know how much I'm going to be getting paid so I know what kind of apartment I'll be able to afford.

This is my first big move on my own. Prior to this I've only moved 5 miles at most (with the exception of moving to college). I really am getting very confused trying to figure this all out. Any and all help/suggestions would be really appreciated.

[BillyVance 35]

You will find that some companies will not hire you if you don't live nearby or in their city/state.

There are companies out there that will fly you to their headquarters for an interview at their expense, and then pay for your moving costs/temporary living arrangements.

These are just the two extremes, but they are out there. You'll just have to figure out how much of a risk you want to take.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[iluvtofly 0]

Well I don't think I'll be getting a good enough job where they'd be willing to pay for me to fly down or help with moving expenses. What I'm hoping to do is get a tech job at a hospital and then next fall go back to school for nursing. My sister-in-law who is a nurse down there said that it's the perfect plan. Like I said, I already got a couple call backs from hospitals but as soon as I said that I'm still currently living in Pennsylvania (which they should have figured out by the address I put on my application) they said nevermind.

[Andrewwhyte 1]

Quote

So I'm not going to actually move to Florida until late April/early May. My sister-in-law has told me that it's not too early to start looking for a job down there but I've already lost a couple of people interested in an interview because I'm not moving for a while yet.

You haven't lost them, you have put yourself on their radar screen. You don't work for them this time because of the timing, but if they were otherwise interested in you they will likely be interested in you in the future. Contact them again just before you move. Maybe when you have an exact date and address you can leave the impression that the barrier that was there last time (timing/availability) has been removed and you are now the right choice.

[DrewEckhardt 0]

Quote

So I'm not going to actually move to Florida until late April/early May. My sister-in-law has told me that it's not too early to start looking for a job down there but I've already lost a couple of people interested in an interview because I'm not moving for a while yet. But, I don't want to wait until the last minute and not have anything lined up when I get down there.

It really depends on who you want to work for and what the position is.

I've worked for startups where we start with $X from venture capitalists and people get hired and fired ASAP because the work needs to be done before the money runs out. I've worked for and talked to companies with lots going on where some time in the next year would work just fine.

Some positions take 6-12 months to fill. Some positions take just a phone call.

If the company + position combination you're looking for is in the "hire fast" category and you don't have obligations like finishing school, you might re-evaluate your priorities. I've moved and worked out of long-term stay hotels (monthly and weekly rates are way more reasonable than over-night, and some states have sales tax exemptions on hotel rooms used as residences).

As a tangent, you need to be looking at more than just what sort of apartment you can get. Retirement would be one big one. Starting your 401k conributions at 22 instead of 30 could get you twice the income to live off of in retirement. Putting 20% gross in an index fund could have you retired in 23 years.

Before that, you might want to buy a home and should have enough cash reserves that a lay-off or injury doesn't mean returning home to live with your parents.

[futuredivot 0]

I got a resume today from a guy that will be moving to this area in 2 1/2 months. The cover letter states that he will be visiting between dates X and Y and would like to schedule a meeting then. Unfortunately, I don't do the hiring so sending the letter to me isn't doing him much good. And.....since it appears that he wants to interview for my job, I don't see me kicking the package to HR.

Lesson-do your research.

You are only as strong as the prey you devour

[tigra 0]

Do you have a place to stay for a while after you move? It would be a lot easier to find both a job and an apartment once you are there if you have friends or family who will take you in for a few weeks (or more) while you look.

Otherwise, I'd suggest planning a "recon trip" a month or so before the big move. Take the time then to look for both a job and a place to live. And if going back to school is your ultimate goal, I'd suggest looking for a job and an apartment close to campus.

[iluvtofly 0]

Actually my brother and sister-in-law said that I could move in with them for a while if I needed to. (I think they just want a free babysitter ). But I'm a very independent person and feel like I'd be mooching off of them if I did that so I'm trying to avoid that. I will if I have to but it's going to be a last resort.

[tigra 0]

You're only a mooch if you over-stay your welcome and become the houseguest from hell. They offered and you will probably be better off in the long run if you give yourself a chance to get the "lay of the land" so to speak before you make any semi- permanent decisions. (Security deposits, that kind of thing..........) Its a big move- why not give yourself the time to do it right?

[wayneflorida 0]

The more darts you throw the more likely you will
get at least on bull's-eye. Good luck.