How To Find a Job in a New City Before Moving

Here’s the quick answer: Moving to a new state can open the door to fresh opportunities, but the process isn’t always simple. If you’re hoping to land a job before you move, you’re not alone.

At moveBuddha, we’re pros at helping people make cross-country moves smoother, and we know what helps job seekers stand out before they even arrive in their new city.

Here’s how to improve your odds of securing a job in another state and make your move as successful as possible.

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Research the local job market

Start with a strong foundation. Know what industries are thriving in your destination city and who’s hiring. This helps you tailor your applications and focus your networking efforts.

Tailor your resume and cover letter for relocation

Hiring managers want to know you’re serious about moving and not just applying on a whim. Be upfront and confident about your plans.

• Add a relocation note: Include a line in your resume or cover letter: “Relocating to [City] in [Month/Year].”
• Highlight local fit: Emphasize skills relevant to the market or industry.
• Use a local address if applicable: If you have one, it can help you avoid bias.
• Mention relocation on LinkedIn: Add your target city in your summary and location fields.

Sample cover letter closing:

I am actively relocating to Denver in August and am excited to bring my skills in marketing analytics to your team. I’m available for virtual interviews now and in-person meetings as needed.

Start building your network early

You don’t need to wait until you move to start making connections. The right introduction can make all the difference and unlock roles that never get posted.

Sample outreach message:

Hi [Name],
I’m relocating to [City] this fall and would love to hear your perspective on the [industry] and opportunities. Would you be open to a short call or virtual coffee chat?

Streamline your job search

Instead of applying everywhere, focus your efforts on your destination city’s jobs. Here’s how to narrow your search:

• Create city-specific alerts on job boards like Indeed, Built In, or regional platforms
• Attend remote job fairs or webinars hosted by local employers
• Follow local companies and recruiters on social media for early postings

Example city resources

Follow up like a pro

Don’t be shy about following up. Out-of-state applicants can sometimes be overlooked, so staying on top of your applications helps.

Sample follow-up message:

Hello [Hiring Manager],
I’m following up on my application for the [Job Title] role. I’ll be relocating to [City] in [Month] and would love the chance to contribute to your team. Please let me know if I can provide additional info.
Thanks!

Prepare for remote interviews

Remote interviews are standard for long-distance hiring. Treat them just like you would an in-person meeting:

• Test your tech (camera, mic, internet) ahead of time
• Choose a clean, distraction-free background
• Dress professionally, even for video
• Be ready to explain your relocation timeline

Pro tip: Practice your elevator pitch for why you’re moving and how soon you can start.

Decide when to move

Should you move before you land a job, or wait until after? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown of when to move:

• Move first: You’ll be ready for in-person interviews and faster start dates. But there’s more financial risk.
• Wait for a job offer: Less risky, but may take longer and limit your options.
• Bridge the gap with remote work or temp jobs: Helps cover costs while you search.

Factor in cost of living and salary

That dream salary may not go far in a pricier city. Do your homework before you accept an offer:

• Use cost-of-living calculators and our moving cost calculator to add up expenses
• Research salary benchmarks on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Payscale
• Ask about relocation support since many companies offer it

Sample script:

Based on my research, [City] has a significantly higher cost of living. Would you be open to discussing relocation support or a salary adjustment to reflect that?

Understand hiring customs in your new region

Job search etiquette and hiring timelines vary by city. Here’s how to adjust:

• Ask contacts about interview formats and expectations
• Tailor your tone and materials to the local culture
• Be aware of peak hiring seasons (e.g., spring and fall for many industries)

Take care of your mental health

Relocating and job hunting are both high-stress life events. Stay grounded by:

• Setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins
• Joining newcomer or job seeker support groups
• Staying in touch with friends and family
• Taking breaks and prioritizing self-care

Get involved early

Feeling at home takes more than landing a job. Start putting down roots:

• Join local groups (Meetup, Facebook, Nextdoor)
• Attend local or virtual networking events
• Volunteer or take part in community projects
• Introduce yourself to neighbors and co-workers

Get more tips on making your transition successful in our ultimate moving out of state checklist.

Ready to make your move?

Landing a job in another state doesn’t have to be a gamble. With focused prep, local knowledge, and a clear relocation plan, you can stand out and start strong in your new city.

Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes and plan your relocation with confidence.