If you don't live here, don't apply? (Orlando: home, living in)

[GinnyFavers]

I've always heard if you're not currently living in Orlando, don't bother applying for jobs in Orlando.

I'm a professional working in higher education administration, and I wonder if that's true for people in my type of skilled position? I don't think anyone in our department would hold it against someone if they were in the process of relocating, as long as they didn't expect us to pay for it.

Not applying for about another five years, but then I will be seriously looking. I am interested in working at UCF, specifically.

I have several friends who live in Orlando, some of whom would allow me to use them as a home address, but I hate to go that route unless it's necessary.

TIA,

Amanda

[TehB33nz]

I think you can say that now. There are a lot of people who live in Florida who need jobs with all sort of education and experience. If you are not applying for 5 years from now, I say cross that bridge when you get to it. You have no idea what opportunities will be available and what the state of the economy will be.

[qdogfball]

The company I now work for asked me the question about residency.

I told them I was in the process of moving to Orlando. (but not without their job!)

(I think they wanted to save money by not having to pay moving expenses.)

[beachmouse]

If you're talking faculty or high level professional positions, the usual rules for academe still apply. And UCF has really been trying to upgrade itself in recent years, so if you look like a shiny improvement to the people they've already got in that area, you're probably just fine with an out of town address. (Though in many areas, experience in dealing with the quirks of Florida higher ed can really help improve your chances)

[annerk]

It really depends on your skillset and field. Certain professional fields are still in demand, and having an out of town address won't hurt you. But for generic administrative, blue collar, clerical, general labor, retail, hospitality, etc. type positions, the employers around here only want local applicants.