Is it pretty much impossible to get a job out-of-state without a college degree? (job offer, apply)

[mgaaemilien]

I'd really like to move out of state (looking at (central) New York right now, but I'm open to anywhere in that region of the US), but I don't have a college degree which obviously limits the jobs I'm able to apply for. I know that, because of this, there will already be a lot of competition for the jobs, but will the fact that I live out of state almost make my application throw itself in the trash can?

I'm going to pay all of my relocation fees, and I have some really great past jobs. Could that give me a chance, or am I going to be stuck where I am forever?

[Osito]

It's hard to get a job out of state regardless. If college is a doable option for you at this point and you know what you want to do, I say go for it, but really I have a college degree and I couldn't get a job out of state. I had to get a job in retail in order to transfer, that's my plan after spending a crapload of money to go to college. I hope this helps.

[MidwesternBookWorm]

It's tough landing something out-of-state even with a degree. Unless you have a really esoteric, high-demand skill that is hard to find (not easy in this economy), employers really don't want to talk to out-of-state applicants.

Turn it around and look at it from the employer's point of view. He's got a vacancy to fill, and every week that goes by without a person in that spot means that the rest of the team is farther behind, more work is undone, possibly complicated by morale problems due to the workload. He's considering a pair of candidates with roughly equal qualifications. One is local, and could start in two weeks (assuming the usual two-week notice to the current employer - could be immediately if the local candidate is unemployed). The other qualified candidate lives 800 miles away, is planning to move, but doesn't have an apartment, hasn't lined up his moving arrangements, and the best he can tell the employer is that he hopes to be available to start in maybe four weeks, likelier five or six. Even if the out-of-town guy is planning to pay all his own relocation expenses, which applicant do you think is going to get the job? It's going to be the one who can start in two weeks, every time.

Then there's the reference checks. The last time I went job-hunting, I had four professional references. Three were local and one was from the state where I used to live. The employer called all three of the local ones, didn't even bother with the out-of-state one. If all your references are out-of-state, too, which is likely, the employer is going to have to make multiple long-distance calls to check your references. Employers aren't looking to spend money they don't have to, especially now.

I'd agree with Osito. Your best bet to uproot and relocate is to get a job in your community with a company that has a national presence. Work there long enough (and hard enough) to earn a good reputation, then put in for a transfer to the location in the city where you want to live. Once you get there, have a local address, get some local contacts and references and work history, THEN you go on the hunt for the job you really want. Big-box retail is probably the most common approach, though there are others.

Good luck in any case.

[TRC2k11]

I was an unemployed Savannah, GA resident out of work 14 months when I accepted a job in Seattle, WA for a major Boeing supplier. I machine aluminum and titanium parts.

I have no college degree... paid my own relocation... worked 5 months as an Aerotek temp before going perm in October.

The best decision of my life moving here... I just wish I had looked out of state sooner. Within 15 mins of emailing my resume I got a call back and the job offer a week later. It was pretty easy... they told me they had been looking for someone for a couple months.

The money is great... lots of overtime too. Even in this horrible economy Boeing is doing well. Lots of work out here.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by TRC2k11

I was an unemployed Savannah, GA resident out of work 14 months when I accepted a job in Seattle, WA for a major Boeing supplier. I machine aluminum and titanium parts.

I have no college degree... paid my own relocation... worked 5 months as an Aerotek temp before going perm in October.

The best decision of my life moving here... I just wish I had looked out of state sooner. Within 15 mins of emailing my resume I got a call back and the job offer a week later. It was pretty easy... they told me they had been looking for someone for a couple months.

The money is great... lots of overtime too. Even in this horrible economy Boeing is doing well. Lots of work out here.

You have a specific skill set that was in demand in that area. The OP doesn't mention having any real skills. Big difference.

If they do, they should say so and perhaps people can give assistance as to areas where those skills might be in demand.

[mgaaemilien]

Thanks for the replies everybody. :-)

Is anybody familiar with the customer service jobs where you work from home? Would it be viable to obtain one of these jobs (I know that they're not much easier to get than a regular job, but let's assume that there are openings), take leave to relocate (after setting up living arrangements and such), and do that job while looking for a better one locally? I've heard of people doing it, but it seems too simple. :-P

[TRC2k11]

Originally Posted by annerk

You have a specific skill set that was in demand in that area. The OP doesn't mention having any real skills. Big difference.

If they do, they should say so and perhaps people can give assistance as to areas where those skills might be in demand.

Good point.

Originally Posted by mgaaemilien

Thanks for the replies everybody. :-)

Is anybody familiar with the customer service jobs where you work from home? Would it be viable to obtain one of these jobs (I know that they're not much easier to get than a regular job, but let's assume that there are openings), take leave to relocate (after setting up living arrangements and such), and do that job while looking for a better one locally? I've heard of people doing it, but it seems too simple. :-P

If it seems to good to be true...