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Career Advice for Job Seekers

They Want You To Relocate? 5 Questions to Ask First

William Frierson AvatarWilliam Frierson
January 9, 2015


Woman walking on the road to the city, in front of an empty billboard concept. Moving to the city. Billboard on the road leading to the city of skyscrapers. Back view.

Woman walking on the road to the city, in front of an empty billboard concept. Moving to the city. Billboard on the road leading to the city of skyscrapers. Back view. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

So you finally made it. You have conquered the long and strenuous road known as college. With your degree in one hand and ambition in the other, you hit the job market full steam ahead. As a young cultivated individual, there should be no problem landing a job, right?

I wish that were the case. No matter how long you have been on the scene, finding a new job can be exhaustingly difficult, but, jumping at the first available opportunity is not always the optimal decision for your career. Especially if relocating for the job is a requirement.

Landing your first job out of college is exciting, but before accepting a job that requires you to move, make sure that you have considered the following questions:

What Are the Specific Responsibilities of the Position?

I know it might be hard to believe, but companies can lie on job descriptions. Through animated verbiage, companies will draw aspiring young adults to apply for their positions. What may seem like the job of your dreams, will actually leave you pondering why you wanted your degree in this area.

You should ask, “What is actually required of the position?” It might be an even better idea to shadow someone in this position if that is possible. Being stuck in a position that is not utilizing your skills or at least providing a stepping stone to do so can result in a major setback for your career.

Is this a Temporary Position?

This is a major question that needs to be answered. Before saying yes to relocating, it is imperative to understand how long they would like someone to hold the position. Will they only need you for a certain project? If they lose a major client will they have to make cuts? Do they only need someone through peak season?

The length of employment for a position is not always specified. Moving to a new city is a major life change that can have an impact on your future career. If the position is temporary, find out why. You want to make sure that you will be leaving the company on your terms, not because they need to make cuts.

Why Me?

The answer to this question will provide answers to many others. Most college graduates sit through an interview without doing one key thing, asking questions themselves. Put the interviewer on the spot for a change.

It is a simple question- Why me? Let the company themselves explain why they have chosen you to be considered for the position. In doing this, you will be able to gauge if you are the right fit for this position. The answer will give you one of two feelings: A) You feel that you are the right person for this position for this company, with a bright future, or B) This position will only lead to a dead-end and it definitely doesn’t fit your expectations.

Are There Advancement Opportunities?

Starting your career is very exhilarating. You are now a part of the working society with a career, income, and bright future ahead of you, or so you thought. There is nothing more demoralizing than working hard every day with nothing to show for it and that is the situation a lot of young employees find themselves in.

Find out about advancement opportunities that the company provides or soon will be open. Starting a position knowing you will be doing it your entire stay with the company, can crush your spirits soon into your employment. Not that you don’t enjoy what you are doing, but there are many factors on why you would need opportunities to advance your career. You may be starting a family soon, buying a home or simply wanting to improve the company. Not having those opportunities available could be reason enough to just say no to an offer.

What Do I Want in a Career?

This may be the ultimate question, and it is one to ask yourself- What do you want in a career? Answering this question honestly will help in any decision making for a job. Once you have outlined what you want in a career, decide if the job fits into your description. Will it help you reach your career goals? How will it utilize or further your skill set? Is this somewhere you would like to be for a while?

Answering this question is crucial for your entire career. Without a plan or set of goals, you could find yourself daydreaming in an office ten years later wondering what could have been. How you start your career could determine the path that follows.

Bio: Caleb McElveen media relations specialist representing Allied Van Lines. Allied provides full service moving and packing services for local, cross country and international moves.

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