Job search... Must be local to be considered? (Seattle: home, find a job)

[ijoe13]

I've been applying to companies in the Seattle area for I.T. positions but have been seeing more and more job ads which state "local candidates only." Has anyone out of state had any luck landing a job in Seattle recently? I'm wondering if it would be easier to relocate without a job and then start searching as a local. Your thoughts?

[UnusualSuspect]

I've moved several times and every time found it easier to land a job once I actually lived in the place where I was looking for work. If you and a local candidate are equally qualified, odds are the local candidate is going to get the job (even if the ad doesn't specify that the company wants local candidates), and the competition is fierce right now. I'm planning to head back to Seattle as soon as I find a job or in June, whichever comes first, and I fully expect to be on my way to Seattle this summer without a job lined up.

[ptfcNassoc]

Local. It took for me to use a college friend's seattle address to finally get some leads. If you are going to do that you have to be agent zero and be on top of your game when communicating with employers and be willing drop some dimes on plane tickets because of the possible short notice since they think you're down the street.

[uclabruins]

yes i did this when i lived in la to move to dc ^^

[MaikeerinWA]

Get one of those disposable cell phones, where you can specify your area code. You could also considering getting a private mail box, like at the UPS Store (the address looks kinda residential).

Sometimes, depending on the type of job, "local candidates only" can mean that they aren't going to pay relocation, nor are they going to wait for a month or so while you move. But either way, you will be at a disadvantage to locals, other things beings equal.

And like the earlier post said, it can be hard - and expensive - to come to an interview on short notice.

[TotalFat]

I haven't had any luck getting any companies to even talk to me even after making it clear I will cover all expenses getting to interviews and relocating. I would like to have a job lined up when we move from Houston to Seattle in 2 years, but if not we are going anyway. I'm going to quit a great job here and move 2000 miles away and be unemployed for a little bit. We'll make it work. I have considered adding a local phone # since I am with Vonage and I can do that with our home phone for cheap ($5 or $10 I think). If I do that I imagine I really ought to come up with a local address also.

[UnusualSuspect]

Originally Posted by TotalFat

I have considered adding a local phone # since I am with Vonage and I can do that with our home phone for cheap ($5 or $10 I think). If I do that I imagine I really ought to come up with a local address also.

I have a local phone number and all of my references from past jobs are in Seattle, but I'm still having a really tough time, even though I have also made it clear that I'll fly out for an interview and pay for relocation costs. I'm probably going to do temp work for a while when I get to town.

[fiveten]

I'm from California and I actually live here, I'm finding it hard too. But I don't have any IT skills so you're ahead of me on that one.

[VeronikaW]

Amazon is pretty good about recruiting from outside of WA. I know they sought out my husband even though we lived in San Diego.

[ijoe13]

Originally Posted by UnusualSuspect

I have a local phone number and all of my references from past jobs are in Seattle, but I'm still having a really tough time, even though I have also made it clear that I'll fly out for an interview and pay for relocation costs. I'm probably going to do temp work for a while when I get to town.

I thought about using a Seattle based phone # as well, but thought against it. Listen here for details...
Seattle Waiting