How to find a job before relocating to the Cleveland area??? (Mayfield Heights: 2015, insurance)

[ArmyMO0205]

Hello everyone. I have decided to move back to the Cleveland area in May 2016. I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in Communication in December 2015 and I will also have my PHR certification before then. I would like to find out how to start applying for jobs while residing out of state? I don't want to leave until I have a job offer in hand. It will be myself and my four year old daughter moving. We will be residing with my mother since she's getting older in age and will need help with certain things. I am looking to get back into the Human Resources field (was a human resources specialist in the Army) or anything as an Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, etc. How should I start this long process and how do I let employers know I am serious about moving back? I am familiar with the area (resided in Mayfield Heights)due to graduating from high school there in 2005. I am willing to pay my own relocation costs, so that's no issue. Any helpful advice will help!

[WRnative]

Join both linkedin.com and monster.com. Check out the employment opportunities at large employers such as Progressive Insurance, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, KeyBank, Parker Hannifin, Eaton, etc. Large employers are more apt to offer child day care centers.

Jobs at Progressive Auto Insurance - Search for Jobs Online, Create an Account, Post Your Resume

Here's the job center for the Plain Dealer.

Cleveland Job Search and Employment Opportunities

Make certain you have a great resume. Perhaps hire a professional to help you prepare a superb one.

You'll likely want to have an intense job search as you will have to come to Cleveland for interviews. Are you certain it wouldn't be easier to move back before beginning your job search? I wonder how willing employers will be to make an offer to someone who doesn't even live in Ohio, especially for a relatively entry level position.

Good luck!

[teacherdad]

My cousin landed a job next summer at PNC Bank. She is graduating from college this June. It's a very good first job with room for advancement. However, she is IN Ohio and her majors were computer science and marketing.

I'd begin hitting up jobs right now. No fear! Get a connection or make one. It may not be with your current major. Employers want someone that is employable (not always fitting the major). It's more about people skills vs. a GPA in the end.

[SquareBetterThanAll]

Originally Posted by WRnative

You'll likely want to have an intense job search as you will have to come to Cleveland for interviews. Are you certain it wouldn't be easier to move back before beginning your job search? I wonder how willing employers will be to make an offer to someone who doesn't even live in Ohio, especially for a relatively entry level position.

Skype interviews aren't that uncommon now - I had a friend who recently had a Skype interview for a position that was local. Particularly for large employers this shouldn't be unusual. It really just depends on if they are open to interviewing someone from out of the area or not.

I would start reaching out to recruiters via LinkedIn so you can start making connections now. That way when you are ready to come back and you are looking for jobs you will have already established a rapport, or at least have a name to reference.

[ECBeastor]

On the out of state issue; I don't think it will be an issue. These companies spend a lot of money training employees so getting one of them to fly out for an interview or them paying the travel expense for you usually isn't an issue. Most usually vet the candidates over the phone nowadays and all the government agencies have offices across the country. If you're a solid candidate, they will cover the minor travel expense for an interview. They also might even give a decent relocation bonus. I had a company fly to me out of state for an interview and this was during the recession in 2009.

This probably goes without saying but, when you apply, send a personalized cover letter for each application attached with your resume and state in it your desire to move back. I applied for hundreds of jobs over the years and rarely got serious interest without a cover letter.

I'd look into the Department of Defense, the IRS or Social Security Admin. Have a relative who recently graduated with a Human Resources degree and got employment at the Dept of Def. He too was former military and finished college after his service. He's in his mid 30's and had offers from all of them. The pay isn't likely as good as the private sector but his hours are a consistent 8 hrs day-to-day and he'll have his retirement covered which the private sector rarely does anymore.

Another place to look could be the trucking or railroad industries. For example, USF Holland CSX and Norfolk Southern. I know CSX even has a section on their website showing what job titles your specific military experience correlates to.

[WRnative]

The Dept. of Defense is an excellent suggestion.

Cleveland has one of the largest payroll processing centers for the DOD in the U.S.

[ByeByeSanDiego]

I worked in recruiting about 15 years ago, and while some things have undoubtedly changed, I don't think entry level hiring has. Most staffing agencies or companies have plenty of qualified candidates at home, on the ground. It's NOT common to hire someone who is out of town for an entry level position. ArmyMO0205, you'll be living with family which is very helpful.

Also check the VA. I've heard they're an excellent employer, and as a veteran you will probably be given "extra points" for any open position.

I don't mean to seem like Nancy Negative - just trying to be realistic. Oh and remember temporary work is always an option. That can lead to some wonderful full time opportunities. I know because it happened to me. Good luck!