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I am moving to New York in 2 mths, should I apply to postings that I find now or wait until I get there?

Is it a waste of time to send my resume to postings from Monster.com and Craigslist? Will it be easier to find a job once I actually live there? Do potential employers even look at resumes from other states? I am looking for a job in retail as an assistant buyer. I am available to go up to interview, but, I wot be moving there until August.

Public Comments

1. Well that depends on the job your applying for, everyone is different. If the postings says they are looking for someone in 2 months then yes apply. If it says someone ASAP, then obviously don't apply. They do look at resumes even from people from different locations. A lot of people relocate just because they found a new job somewhere else. I know someone moving to AZ in August, and already got a job a month ago there. So yes you can do that now if you want to. It will be better if you do. Just make sure to mention in your cover letter that your moving there in a couple of months.
2. It will take a few months to find a job here. It also depends on what kind of a job you are looking for - please post that info. If you send your resume now, they will have your old address. You will need to use a cell phone and e-mail for contact for now. You will not be available for interviews until you get to NY, so how would you respond if someone called you tomorrow for an interview? It will only be easier to find a job once you move because then it will be clear that you have no expectations of a company paying for a move. They will look at your resume if you include in your cover letter that you are moving and the date you are moving. Also let them know interview availability. Lastly, it takes a few months from interview to hire as several people are interviewed for a job and there can be more than one round. Good luck.
3. You definitely won´t waste time applying for jobs or posting your resume in a job board. I´m a recruiter and I can assure you that we look for people in other locations. Try putting a NY address, use a friends or a family member if you have one. That will up your chances. If you don´t find a job within two months (depending on the company, the hiring process can sometimes take that long) you can always take a temp job or work at a restaurant in the mean time, like everyone else in NY. Good luck!
4. You can definitely apply now, but you should have contact info for the city. Letting you know it does take a while to find jobs here, and some employers will be reluctant because it is only two months (unless they want a temp). You also need to state that you are only looking for work for two months. Your best best would be a temp agency. I can recommend a great one. I've worked with them before and they are great.