Do employers take out-of-state applicants seriously?

bookshop_lady

Can you take those additional courses online or some other way?

It isn't impossible to get a job in another state before you move there, but you're going to have to really stand out above the other applicants. If the employer needs someone who can start in 2 or 3 weeks, are you available to move that quickly? Do you have friends, family, or other ties to Florida? I would be concerned that you would accept the job, move down here, and in 6 months decide you want to go back home. I don't want to hire someone who is moving on a whim. So be sure that your cover letter states very clearly how quickly you can move, how committed you are to staying put once you move, what your ties to your new community are.

Another drawback is an employer looking at your resume has no idea whether you're going to ask them to pay travel expenses to bring you down for an interview or if you may ask for moving expenses to be paid. A lot of times, that's the only reason a company will say "Local candidates only" - they don't have the budget for travel and moving and they just don't want the issue to come up. This is much more difficult to address in a cover letter although if you're responding to an ad that says "Local only," it might be worth explaining in your cover letter that you are able to travel and move without financial assistance since you intend to move anyway, no matter what.

Good luck to you. Job-hunting from a distance is so frustrating.

Crazeddoglady

Until you're physically there and have the license then they would consider you a waste of their time. If you're serious, get the license and then go to Tampa and start pounding on doors. Thats the only way.

sun1flower11

Out of state applicants are looked at when they are in demand. Have you looked and your job field in Tampa because the job market in Florida is not that great. Are these jobs offer signing bonuses, and referral bonuses because these are signs showing that the demand is great. Also, since you are currently in Nebraska and if they are not offering any addtional perks, they are looking at the issue of you having to move and relocate to that area and may need time to get adjusted. I would suggest to use a friend's address or get a PO BOX there to shop your resume. Only explain that you are in Nebraska when it's time for a interview. Do not give them no more than they really need to know and you can sell yourself as to why you are the best candidate and that you are in the process of moving.

Shane

STAY AWAY FROM FLORIDA! I moved to Florida in 2002 with no job prospects. I received the same responses and was fortunate enough to have one prospective employer state since I was from NY they feared that I may decide to return soon after. Florida is notorious for rejecting out of state applicants and the funny thing although this is illegal they get away with it! In Fort Lauderdale in particular I remember numerous classified ads stating they wanted someone from that particular area. I do not know about Nebraska, but if an employer even dared try that here in NY they would have every other governmental agency up there ****. Additionally, it is no secret that job prospects in all states are scarce due to our economy. Florida recently ranked 3rd per the Department of Labor. Do not move out there without a job first or consider another state. I still have many friends in different areas of Florida and with the exception of one they are all unemployed.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: