Tips to sooth the angst of a potential new job, out of town

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Dear Joan:

Hello Joan: I applied for a job with a city in another state and I've been invited to take part in a job interview. This has resulted in some unease in my household. There are questions such as: Can we sell our home in a down market? Will my wife be able to manage two young daughters alone? Does the salary justify the move? I've been out of work four months. I've had a total of two interviews after sending out countless resumes. I don't think I should turn down any interviews. HELP!

Answer:

How can you tell if the sky is falling without ever looking up? Of course there will be questions about your lifestyle and where you want to live but go find out what the job is about before discounting it.

Being out of work for much longer will create a bigger worry—like how are we going to pay our bills? And if you’ve only had two interviews, I don’t think now is the time to let the unknown scare you off. The employer can read your resume and see that you are from another state, so they already know you won’t make a move unless it makes financial and personal sense to do so.

If you do get the job, you will probably have all moving expenses covered by your new employer. Often, they will also supply support for the spouse, sometimes even assisting the spouse with job hunting, or finding reliable day care. Many employers will also play a role in selling your old home—some will even buy it at a guaranteed price and sell it for you.

It seems as if your wife has the most concerns. Perhaps a move represents leaving a family support system. There is no doubt that this is top of mind for any young family considering a move. However, if the job is a great fit and the salary and perks are worth it, a move may open up a whole new group of friends and support. You won’t know until you have an offer and start to explore the area.

I recommend that you go for the interview (I assume they will pay your way). If nothing else, it’s great practice. If you get a call back for a second interview, request that your wife accompany you. If the employer wants you, they know full well that a spouse can derail the deal. Usually, they are more than willing to roll out the red carpet—some organizations even use relocation experts who can show her the city and introduce her to some resources.

When the interview discussion turns to an offer, you should express your interest in the job (presuming you are), and be candid about what might prevent you from taking it. For example, “I think this job is a great fit for me. I can see all kinds of areas where my background could really add value. But I will be candid with you. The salary is a little lower than I had hoped. Is there any room for negotiation?”

Some of the things you can use for negotiation, in lieu of money, are extra weeks of vacation, flexible hours, working from home a day a week or tuition money. Another option is to request an interim performance and salary review, for example at the end of six months (but get it in writing). This gives your new employer the opportunity to assess your performance before granting your request for more money. And of course, you can always ask for a “signing bonus” (a one-time lump sum paid when you sign on, to help you with extra moving expenses).

Don’t start asking too many questions about potential barriers, until you have the job offer in hand. Up to that point, keep the discussion focused on your skills and background and how they could help them reach their goals. If they do a phone screen, ask as many questions as you can about the job. Only at the end should you request information about the city and potential relocation.

No doubt they will want to know your salary requirements before they decide to bring you in for an interview, so you will probably have an idea about what the potential salary range might be. If they ask you what your salary requirements are, say, “I’m not familiar with typical pay ranges in your city. What is the range of the position?” Then simply reply, “That’s in the ballpark for me.” Another response could be, “I’d like to know more about the position and the total compensation package—vacation, benefits, and so on—before getting into much detail about salary. I’d like to make sure it’s a fit first.”

A move could open up an exciting new chapter for you and for your family. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? Even if you don’t like the job after a few years, start job hunting back in your home town. With new experience under your belt, you will even be more attractive to employers in the future.

Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions? Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd? Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search:

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, 8-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, 10-page PDF by email  – no shipping charge)
The Resume That Opens the Door and the Interview That Gets the Job (Detailed, 37-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)