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How to get a job in a different city?

over 4 years ago from , UI/UX Designer

I’m thinking about moving to a different city (for various reasons in which I will leave at that). I wanted to hear from folks who have experience with finding work in a new city.

Did you move first and then start the job hunt? Or did you secure a position in that new city before moving? If so, how did you find the job? How was the interview process like? Did you let the company know right away you were already based somewhere else? Did you hide your address or use a different address on your resume?

Thanks in advance!

6 comments

  • Account deleted over 4 years ago

    Hey. I've done this three times.

    First time was Auckland > London

    I just put a portfolio together before I left and when I landed applied to as many jobs as I could on job boards (as they retain your portfolio and sell it to recruiters) and also searched for creative recruiters on linkedin. Had 3 job offers in 3 days with a very average portfolio. This is due to London having a huge demand and not such a huge supply

    Next was Berlin - I got the job when I was in New Zealand over a Skype interview. I had built up a decent network of recruiters from my time in London so I just searched for 'creative recruiters Berlin' on linkedin and added them all. They pretty much do all the work and send you jobs and you apply for ones you're interested in. Started working remotely for 3 months then moved to Berlin.

    Next up is the digital wasteland that is Vancouver. Again I just searched for 'creative recruiters Vancouver' and again, some recruiters talked to me, i got a job offer during a Skype interview when I was drunk in Spain and had a job by the time I landed.

    TL:DR - Portfolio > Linkedin > search for city + creative recruiters > Interview > Job

    1 point
    • Jennifer Nguyen, over 4 years ago

      Thanks for the insight! What did you say when reaching out to recruiters? Was it short and simple or did it act more like a cover letter?

      0 points
      • Account deleted over 4 years ago

        Short and simple really. I basically just say "hi X, I'm moving to area in date and im looking for a new role. Here's a link to my portfolio. I'd love to have a chat about any roles you have available. Cheers, Todd

        That usually does the trick. Recruiters get paid by getting you a job and if you stay in that job for longer, they get paid more, so they have a good incentive to get you the best jobs.

        1 point
    • Don $, over 4 years ago

      If you don't mind me asking, why didn't you stay in London? Too expensive?

      0 points
      • Account deleted over 4 years ago

        I don't mind at all. As a New Zealander, we get a 2 year visa. I stayed there two years and had to move on after that. I could've tried to get sponsored for a visa, but I would've had to get a full time job there which I didn't want to do. Compared to NZ, London isn't expensive either, and it pays much much better.

        0 points
  • coffeebreak the Noble, over 4 years ago

    I'm in the same situation, need to move to a new & more competitive town. Most people tell me to secure a job there and then move afterwards, but this is making me post-pone the moving and the efficiency of my job hunting.

    1 point