Planning a Long-Distance Move? The Pre-Move Networking That Will Make Your Life So Much Easier

Long-distance moves mean you’re going to be starting many new relationships. For many people, the most important new relationships center around the workplace. If you are relocating for your job, you will have new colleagues to meet; if you’ve yet to find a new job in your new town, connecting with the appropriate employers will be essential.

Career experts advise people in both situations to do some networking in advance of their move. There are two ways to conduct this outreach – digitally, via LinkedIn and other social media networks – and in person, by making a trip to your new hometown before you move there.

An Excellent Opportunity to Make a Great First Impression

If you’ve already secured a job, advance networking efforts can focus on introducing yourself to your new colleagues and getting to know them. Review your new employers’ LinkedIn page, as well as the profiles of any colleagues you can identify. If you’re headed to a job that’s not in the corporate world, a site visit may be the most efficient way to meet everyone you’ll be working with. It’s also a good idea to check out your new employer on Facebook – and to make sure your own Facebook profile represents you the way you want your new colleagues to see you!

Finding a New Job in a New City

If you know your new address, but aren’t quite sure yet what you’re going to do for employment, pre-move networking is very important. In addition to making sure your LinkedIn profile and other social media represents you accurately, experts recommend making an in-person business networking trip to your new town. If you have friends in the area, meet with them and ask for introductions. Check out local area job fairs and networking events. Investing time in building relationships early can streamline the job hunt: when people can associate a face with the name they see on a resume, they’re more likely to grant an interview.

Also Good To Meet Before The Move: School Teachers, Doctors, Veterinarians & More

If you’re making a pre-move networking trip, it’s a good idea to establish relationships with the other people who will have an important presence in your life. If you’re a student, or your children are, meeting the teacher in advance of the first day of classes can relieve anxiety and stress. Similarly, getting to know the professionals who will be helping you, your family and your pets stay happy and healthy can make moving to a new town far away from your familiar providers a little easier.