The Literal Career Move: How to Land that Out-of-Town Executive Food & Beverage Position (Part 2)

September 30, 2013 in Career and Job Search Tips

 

 

Finding a new executive food & beverage job in another city should be a cinch for you. After all:

  • You’re gainfully employed at the top of your field.
  • You have a track record of success in positions of increasing responsibility.
  • Your references are impeccable.
  • Employment prospects in your desired city are bright.

So why haven’t you landed that job yet?

It could be because you’re applying from out of town.

Employment discrimination based on relocation is not currently covered under its own set of federal laws – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Employers have a lot of leeway in deciding whom to hire for an open position. If they have a good local talent pool, or need to hire someone immediately, they may take the path of least resistance – and expense – giving preference to candidates who live close by.

So if you want to move closer to family, live in a warmer climate, or if you’re just ready for a change of scenery, start planning now. Use these ideas from Kinsa to find the right out-of-town job opportunity and keep yourself in contention:

  • Tap your local network. Do you have friends, relatives or colleagues who live where you want to move? Enlist their help uncovering opportunities. Let them know that you’re looking to relocate, and ask for their help in making local connections and setting up informational interviews (which you can conduct over the phone).
  • Use local job sites. Not finding the jobs you want on national boards? Investigate local job sites to uncover more opportunities in your desired geographic area.
  • Leverage industry associations. Contact local chapters of the national professional organizations to which you belong. You can broaden your network and inquire about job opportunities in the area.
  • Address relocation in your cover letter and resume. Finding jobs, but not getting the response you’d like? It could be because recruiters aren’t giving your resume a second glance due to your location. Address the relocation issue head-on. Make it clear that you are planning to move to the city, and that you are more than willing to travel there for interviewing purposes.
  • Take the plunge. If you are truly committed to relocating, but you own a home in your current city, put it on the market – NOW. If you are able to sell quickly and move into a rental, it: shows a new employer how committed you are to the relocation; ensures an easier (and less expensive) transition once you accept a new job; and prevents back-and-forth travel to keep in touch with family or to close on your house when it finally does sell.
  • Enlist the help of an executive recruiter. If you’re ready to relocate, a national executive food & beverage recruiter like Kinsa Group can match you with a great position in your desired location. With over 25 years of experience, we provide access to unadvertised job opportunities with leading employers across the country. Search executive and C-level food & beverage positions here.
  • Consider contract food & beverage opportunities. If you are able, accepting a long-term assignment in your target city allows you to make a move without having a direct offer. Once you’re living and working there, relocation is no longer an issue – making you a more attractive candidate.

Already have a job offer in a new city? This post explains what you should expect from standard relocation assistance packages.