Getting a job out of state - tell me your story

[Anonymous]

DH and I have been in the DC area since college. DC has been good to us, but for a number of reasons, we desperately need a change of scenery. We'd really like to relocate to another city in the next 1-2 years. Unfortunately, we're not independently wealthy, so there's the pesky issue of work. Both of us work for local companies, so transferring to another office is not an option. Both of our companies are also pretty old fashioned, so telecommuting is highly unlikely. That means one or both of us would have to find new jobs in our target areas. I know this can be very difficult when you're competing with local candidates.

I've heard different schools of thought on relocating - I've heard it's best to pick up and move to the target city (not an option since we have a child), and I've heard to put a local address on your resume (seems unethical). What's the best way to make sure we are considered for jobs even though we live out of state?

A bit about us: We are early/mid 30s. DH is an accountant, and I work in a more specialized industry but it has companies nationwide.

People relocate every day right? So please tell me how you managed to do it. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We relocated to DC from New England a couple of years ago. My husband got his job via an industry organization that brings in companies to do interviews during their annual conference. He attended the conference, interviewed with companies located here, Philly, West Coast, and we ultimately decided to come here.
I would guess that accounting (and prob your industry too) has a similar professional organization. My husband's industry is also fairly specialized, and his professional org also posts jobs on their web site via some sort of job board restricted to members.

[Anonymous]

What accounting level is your DH? Is he a member of the Financial Accounting Networking Group, which is nationwide. If he is a CPA, there are some other avenues as well.

[Anonymous]

I would find alumni of your colleges in areas you are thinking about and talk to them. Ask about the job market, what it is like to live there, etc.

[Anonymous]

IF you DH is a CPA he needs to start looking at jobs with major firms now, 2 years at KPMG / E&Y ect and he could ask to be transferred to another city easily. Once he has a job in the new location you move and start job hunting yourself.