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Considering Relocation? Do Your
Research!
By Wendy J. Terwelp
While job searching and relocating
simultaneously seem like daunting tasks, there are
several steps you can take to begin your search.
First, don't make a move without having a job in place!
Next, you can search for jobs online or at the library.
You'll need to use both to find out more about the city
where you plan to relocate. The library should have
newspapers from those cities. Some newspapers may also
be published online.
Don't just comb the "want-ads." Find out what the cities
are like. Who are the movers and shakers? What is the
environment like? Read the business sections thoroughly.
This will give you an idea of the city's economic
climate. Are there lots of small businesses? Is there
only one giant corporation? Who are the players? The
"mover/shaker" sections can be goldmines of information.
They can tell you what company is landing the most
contracts as well as who the latest company officials
are. Get names of companies and executives.
Another way to get names of companies and contacts is
through the city's Chamber of Commerce. The chamber can
be a wealth of information, especially if they publish a
membership directory. Directories can often be found
online at the chamber's website. If they're not
available online, the majority of chambers of commerce
will let you purchase their paper directories. They are
a great resource, because they not only give you names
of companies, but names of contacts and addresses as
well.
Once you find out names of companies that sound the most
promising, you need to find out specific information
about those companies (such as financial information via
annual reports). You can research these companies via
their web sites as well as through Dun & Bradstreet's
Million Dollar Directory, Thomas Register, and
Manufacturer's Guide among others.
Online tools can include www.hoovers.com and
www.corporateinformation.com. Additionally, you can use
online search engines to find the company's address, so
you can get an idea of how near the company may be to
your new home. You can also see if the companies have
stories about them in Inc. Magazine, Fast Company or
Forbes.
After you've completed this basic research, you'll have
a much better understanding of what opportunities may be
available to you as well as the type of companies in the
area where you plan to relocate.
Additional tools for relocating can include posting to
job search engines and e-mailing to recruiters.
Wendy J. Terwelp is the President of Opportunity Knocks™,
an organization that provides professional resume
writing, career assessment, and career coaching services
to a diverse clientele.
For more resume and career information, visit
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