Job search in 6 months, how to prepare?

November 6, 2006 11:38 AM

I'm moving in the summer of 2007 to a new city. I'm a web designer/developer, how can I get a head start on my job search? (likely to Asheville NC, if that helps)

The destination has a good handful of web companies but not an abundance. I have the experience, education and portfolio to get an ok job... if it is available.

Job-sites (eg, dice.com, simplyhired.com) do not list much and adoption of craigslist in this small city isn't widespread. But since I won't be applying until 2Q 2007, the actual job search is only testing the water.

Tips on how to increase my chances? Or, should I just apply to every job in sight when the time comes? I hear networking is big on the internets but I know no one in that area atm... Or, should I just work on beefing my portfolio/skills?

posted by jacobjacobs to Work & Money (3 answers total)

Definitely get SOME kind of local postal address you can use when applying - i'm in the same boat and i've gotten waaaay more calls back when i've had a friend whose address I can use in the area, even if only to put on my resume.
posted by casconed at 1:09 PM on November 6, 2006

I have to second casconed. I just moved to Raleigh, and I didn't get any calls until I put a fake address local address. It also helped me to buy a second cell phone with a local number. I was going to get a new phone anyway, so it wasn't a big deal. Finally, have a very firm date for when you can start working. I got the impression that employers didn't want to deal with relocations, but not because I was asking for relocation assistance because I wasn't. I had to impress upon employers that I was 100% definitely moving to Raleigh. I had sold my house and got an apartment to rent until my new house closed.
posted by clearlynuts at 1:53 PM on November 6, 2006

I third the local postal address idea! I'm looking to relocate, too, and I ended up "borrowing" a friend's address. The only caveat is that employers will expect you to be able to interview at a moment's notice, as though you're a local.

You're right about Asheville's job opportunities not being the sort that appear on Dice or SimplyHired. I'm from the Asheville area, and from what I've observed, most web designers/developers tend to freelance.

Although the job search experience in Asheville can be ... well, nontraditional, I've found Asheville's social climate to be very creative, supportive, and friendly. It's easy to make friends and connections once you're there. You might try visiting the area for a week or two and talking to folks there about the job prospects for your career area.

MountainXpress is the local weekly; you can get a sense of what's available work-wise in their classifieds section.

The Media Arts Project promotes art and technology in Western North Carolina. They're a great group of folks.
posted by vindyloo at 5:49 AM on November 8, 2006