How open are medium to large employers to out of staters? (Denver: how much, living in)

[Bound4AZ]

I understand that the entire Denver metro area can't be painted with one brush, but generally speaking, how open are mid to larger employers to out of state candidates?

My wife and I do tech-related (BA and UX) work and are trying to relocate to Phoenix, but I've been told by two recruiters that the culture there is such that companies don't trust out of staters to follow through with a job offer. Apparently a lot of people get too caught up with wanting to live someplace (Phoenix) where it's summer all year round, and don't consider all the logistics. So they accept an offer, and then bail on it after a week when they realize they can't relocate for whatever reason.

Is Denver like that too? Like I said, I know it's not a simple yes or no, but if the overall culture leans one way or the other, we'd very much like to know that.

(The reason we're looking to relocate is that we want to escape the frozen tundra prison that is Minnesota, and Phoenix has been our first choice but we may need to consider alternatives. Denver and Dallas top our list for alternatives. We know Denver has a little bit of a winter but nothing like MN)

[ayoitzrimz]

I am thinking they'd PREFER local candidates unless you are highly qualified in a specialized field and they can't find candidates from out of state.

When I moved from NYC it wasn't easy to get interviews being an out of state employee but it was certainly not impossible. Software companies would be more progressive about it so you might get lucky. I think you will never know unless you try. Contact local recruiters in the area first.

[step33]

Most of my co-workers (and myself) are from someplace else, and many moved here specifically for their current job.

[bluescreen73]

I had a company pay to relocate me here from Dallas 4 years ago. That will likely be the exception rather than the rule, but if you can prove you've got the chops and aren't against relocating yourself there's definitely a shortage of workers here.

FYI - I'm from here but lived in Dallas for 12 years. While I appreciate what living in DFW did for my career, I wouldn't move there if I had a chance to do it all over again. Ghastly summers, bland scenery, and very limited from an outdoor perspective.

[Bound4AZ]

Thanks for responses so far, that definitely helps.

[mhuynh10]

Overall, medium-large companies in Denver are open to out-of-staters. I can tell you that WhiteWave, DISH, Einstein Bagels, Qdoba, Vail Resorts, Atkins and Level 3 hire out of staters with full relocation packages (that's just a small sampling from my own experience and friends off the top of my head who were hired and relocated there). Relatively speaking, Colorado is lacking in high-level talent/career development in its larger companies, especially in the marketing function.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by mhuynh10

Overall, medium-large companies in Denver are open to out-of-staters. I can tell you that WhiteWave, DISH, Einstein Bagels, Qdoba, Vail Resorts, Atkins and Level 3 hire out of staters with full relocation packages (that's just a small sampling from my own experience and friends off the top of my head who were hired and relocated there). Relatively speaking, Colorado is lacking in high-level talent/career development in its larger companies, especially in the marketing function.

I personally wouldn't recommend DISH to my worst enemy. Charlie Ergen is a despicable human being who treats his employees like dirt. DISH is consistently rated one of the worst companies in America to work for because of the tyrannical way the company is run.

[mhuynh10]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

I personally wouldn't recommend DISH to my worst enemy. Charlie Ergen is a despicable human being who treats his employees like dirt. DISH is consistently rated one of the worst companies in America to work for because of the tyrannical way the company is run.

I'm not going to argue with you about how much it sucks to be at DISH, as my friends who worked there echoed your statement and what's on Glassdoor. However, if you want a solid-paying job and can put up with it until you don't have to pay back relocation, then it's a decent option!

[zenkonami]

I would say if you have something really good to offer the company, they will certainly consider you. We just hired two out of staters...HOWEVER, we were not finding the talent we needed (more specialized) in state, and both candidates were willing to move quickly and sacrifice a little money for lifestyle. Out here, that's a tricky trade-off.

[Timmyy]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

I personally wouldn't recommend DISH to my worst enemy. Charlie Ergen is a despicable human being who treats his employees like dirt. DISH is consistently rated one of the worst companies in America to work for because of the tyrannical way the company is run.

That is why they try to hire people from out of state.