What headhunters/temp agencies work with out of state applicants? (Seattle: student loans, moving)

[MasterShake36]

Hello,

I am a technical writer here in the KC area, looking to relocate to Seattle. I grew up in Spokane and Montana, and after about fifteen years in the midwest I'm really wanting to return to the northwest.

The issue is that, in this economy, I'm really scared to give up a decent-paying full-time permanent position to move and hope I land something. This means, of course, trying to land something before moving, which makes things hard, especially as some places like Quardev explicitly state they want local candidates only.

So...I'm kinda hoping some locals might know of any head-hunting or temp job agencies that are willing to hire someone out of state. Basically - finding some way to line up a job before quitting this one and making the move.

I know that makes it harder - I'm under no illusions - but as much as I'd love to just up and move and hope for the best, as a 33 year old guy with student loans and other bills, I really feel I need to have things lined up first.

Thanks for any suggestions/advice, and apologies for rambling!

[Jalhop]

One possibility is to get a telecommuting job. I'm not sure how difficult that is, but it seems increasingly common that someone on my tech team is based elsewhere. You could call the major tech recruiters in the Seattle area (check Monster etc. to find them) and tell them what you're looking for. Call them and ask to talk to a recruiter; don't email. Worst case, you'll learn what the possibilities are.

[The Siobhan]

I'm presently in Illinois staying with family, I got a phone call a week ago from a headhunting firm. I would have taken the position but they needed someone to start immediately.

I would say that people with database or specialized tech backgrounds are in a good position when it comes to temp agencies. I would recommend that you reach out to Volt or Apex Systems. I know that two of the biggest employers use their services for contract positions.

[ryanmm]

To be hired outright before moving you'll likely need to have an unusually in demand skill, advanced training, be highly educated, etc.

A local phone number and address will be helpful in getting responses and interviews. Hardly anyone will take you seriously otherwise--there's too many local candidates, and too many looky-loos who aren't serious about moving.
Google voice (free) for the phone and the cheapest mailing service you can find.

Telecommuting is a decent idea--they don't pay very well, usually around $10 for clerical stuff, maybe $15 for tech support work--but a full-time gig of that sort would be enough to survive on.

[MasterShake36]

Thanks for the responses.

I kinda figured that I don't have the specific skills to really stand out - just trying to find any kind of crack in the wall, as it were.

I'm a bit puzzled by the suggestion of using local contact information. I guess I understand what you're trying to do, but the fact that my current job's in another state would seem a pretty good giveaway that I'm not local, and I don't know how that would look to have to fess up about lying on the contact information if they directly asked or were trying to set up an immediate in person interview.

[ryanmm]

No outright lying required--simply start using the local contact info somewhat prior to the move--say, a couple weeks, maybe a bit more. Since it can take awhile to get responses back that will give you a head start.

Suppose it depends on whether your background will lead to immediate interest, or if you expect a hard slog.