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Since 2019, the days of Zoom-first (sometimes even Zoom-only) interviews have been commonplace, even expected, for companies seeking new talent. We have seen how this levels the playing field for candidates who might have found it tricky to have an in-person interview.
And yet many talented people continue to immediately discount job hunting in other regions because they think employers won’t give them a second glance.
As recruiters, we don’t judge negatively applications from people who live outside the city where the job is based. Our specialism is in the financial services, so we are well accustomed to finding jobs for candidates across the country – sometimes even outside the UK.
We’ve collected how you can take your first steps in looking for jobs outside your local region.
Consider your options
Many companies offer hybrid working environments. This means that sometimes you will work at home and sometimes in the office. A rising number of opportunities and companies are opening up to this new way of work.
Of course, if you do live very far afield then you must also think of work permits, but on the whole this new era of work will have fewer restrictions on geography. Having said that…
Be prepared that not every company wants to go hybrid
The decision for or against hybridity largely depends on company policies and the type of business. Despite companies being open to hybrid working environments, be prepared that many will still look more favourably on candidates who could potentially work in the office if necessary.
Define what you want
Create a list of cities where you could see yourself working. Making sure that you’re comfortable where you live is just as important. If you’re stuck or unsure, base these decisions on what you want out of life at that moment in time. Remember that you’re not going to be stuck in one place once you’ve made a decision. Do you want to be by the sea? How long a commuting journey are you happy with? How much of your pay packet are you willing to pay on rent?
Do your research
If you don’t have a network, we recommend contacting your friendly recruiter and asking them. We have often made introductions to events to help smooth the transition for candidates new to the capital – even to find flats!
Often, the most “obvious place” to move won’t be the only place! If you want to work in the financial services but London isn’t for you, Edinburgh is another of the UK’s financial services hubs – one where marketing skills are in high demand.
Remember the GROW Method
Spend time thinking about what you want from this move, and think beyond the job to the city. Could you imagine living there and enjoying living there? If so, write this down and make it your goal. Then move through the three further steps to the grow method: Is it realistic, what are the potential roadblocks, and do you have the desire to make it happen? We have a series of in-depth articles about the GROW Method, which you can find here:
- Grow Your Career
- The Grow Method: Goals
- The Grow Method: Reality
- The Grow Method: Obstacles
- The Grow Method: Will
Be clear with your recruiters
As recruiters will see where you are based, we recommend being clear about your plans in your cover letter. If you’re concerned that this might be a sticking point with your recruiters, the first line of your introductory letter should state that you are serious about moving to the city in which they are based.
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The thought of moving to another city can be a moment of great excitement – and also a moment of nerves! If you’d love to relocate to London for a job but you’re getting the jitters, we would love to hear from you and talk you through the process.
A financial and cultural hub, the capital is always hungry for talent, and by only thinking locally, you unnecessarily limit your job search and potentially stop yourself from finding jobs that are a great fit for your skills.