Is it worth it to travel for a job search?

May 22, 2011 10:11 AM

Is it worth it for me to travel to try to get a job in another area?

I'm a graduating senior from a college in Kansas, where I've spent the past ten years of my life, but I'm looking to move out to the West coast in August. I will be attending an event in Los Angeles in early June, and am now looking at staying in LA for an entire week to focus on getting a job in the area. Is being a walk-in from another part of the country a positive attribute? Does this have any advantages over applying online from 1,500 miles away?

If it makes a difference, I'm looking to get a job in the tech industry on the softer side of things (copywriting, public relations, marketic, etc.), preferably in video gaming.

posted by Hot Like Your 12V Wire to Work & Money (5 answers total)

The optimal strategy is to start applying now for jobs that interest you (and jobs that do not) and state very early and clearly in your cover letter/cover email that you are relocating to LA, will be on the West Coast from date - date to make those arrangements, and are available for interviews during that week.
posted by DarlingBri at 10:37 AM on May 22, 2011

Combining job-seeking with relocation is quite a bit of work. I'd suggest you find events such as job-fairs, career day, etc... in the area and make plan to attend them. Look for large universities in the area; these usually will hold events and invite local employers looking for entry level employee. Also, network at the event you are attending, and if you have good friends in L.A., ask them to help and/or advise you. Face-to-face meeting with hiring managers are very important. What are your plans to do interviews?

No, generally being from another part of the country isn't an advantage in job-seeking. It may cost employer a little bit of money more to pay for your relocation (if they have this policy); but otherwise, you will be judge simply by your ability and fitness to the position.
posted by curiousZ at 10:58 AM on May 22, 2011

PS: travel and relocation are two different activities. In the context of job search (specifically for a non-traveling job), you should be planning for relocation.

The best case scenario is: travel to the city and see if you like to live there or not; then research companies in the area; apply for jobs; get interviews (try to schedule them close together); fly out to take interviews; get job; plan moving and relocation; start job.

The slightly less optimal scenario is: move to the city, living on saving while looking for job + interview until getting job.

The least optimal scenario is: get job, then hate job and/or the city you are living in.
posted by curiousZ at 11:10 AM on May 22, 2011

In the experience of me and my friends, you have a much better chance of being called back for entry-level interviews if you are already local. Do you know anyone in socal who will let you use their mailing address?
posted by samthemander at 11:25 AM on May 22, 2011

Why not see if you can set up some informational interviews while you're out here. Network like crazy, check out CL, etc., and see what or who you can get into see. You don't have to be all specific about when you're moving, but hey, you could get lucky.

Check out www.entertainmentcareers.net, Mandy.com, GameJobs.com.
posted by Ideefixe at 12:13 PM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]