Relocating for work after college graduation is a popular theme in media these days. Last week, I read a Bloomberg article about a new program in Kansas that offers as much as $15,000 toward student-loan repayment for new grads who relocate to areas hit hard by population declines. And on the same day, I posted “10 U.S. Areas Recruiting New Graduates,” which outlined areas in need of fresh talent and the money they provide for the local economy.
As the stagnant job market continues to be a major disappointment across the country, new grads are considering packing up and relocating for work. But is relocating for work really the best career move? Here are four questions new grads should ask before relocating for work:
Will Your Employer Help Pay For Relocation?
Survey results released by Careerbuilder at the beginning of 2012 revealed that 32 percent of surveyed employers would be willing to pay to relocate employees, and 19 percent said they’d be willing to pay a smaller first-year salary so they could offer a signing bonus to relocate an employee. If you’re a new grad who has applied, interviewed, and been offered a position that calls for relocating, ask your new employer if assisting with relocation is possible before accepting the offer. After all, if you’re the right person for the job, your new employer should want to do as much as possible to make your move easier.
Are There Career Advancement Opportunities?
Thinking about your next job isn’t likely to be high on your list of priorities when accepting a new job, but in our economy, it should be. If you’ve already been offered a job with a company, ask for projected timelines for advancement within the company. If you’re relocating for work without having been offered a job just yet, research the companies within the area that hire employees with your skill set. If there are very few companies looking for employees like you, consider another area. The last thing you want to do is relocate only to immediately relocate again.
What Is The Community Like?
Even with the growing encroachment of technology on our lives, employers don’t expect us to be working 24/7, so the type of community you’re relocating to makes a big difference, especially if other family members are going with you. Before applying for a job that will call for relocation, research the area where you’ll be moving. If you think it’s a good fit, send in your application, but also ask more questions about the area’s atmosphere if a recruiter gets in touch. An employer doesn’t want a miserable employee just as much as you don’t want to be the miserable employee.
Where Are Your Connections Located?
Networking is still one of the best ways to land a job and further your career. For new grads, the job hunt isn’t over even after securing a job. You’re going to need connections in your new area. Before relocating, see if any of your connections are in your new area. If not, find where the connections of your connections are located and make your network work for you. If you do decide to relocate, immediately begin making new connections in your area. You never know how quickly you’ll need them.
Are you a new grad considering relocating for work? Where are you looking to move and why?
