Make sure it's for the right reasons - and then do it the right way
By Julie Adamen

Over the past few months I have spoken with literally dozens of current or used-to-be managers looking for new employment that shared something in common: They want out of where they are and they want WAY out: Cross-country out, cross-ocean out, or, are seeking employment in several states at one time. What is going one here? I believe this trend is reflective of the general uneasiness in the country: The continual negative news cycle, the economic problems facing us and the polarizing (and seemingly never-ending) presidential election: We just want the world to stop and get off. Way off.  I've never seen anything like the way some of our people are reacting to this turmoil, and it's as fascinating as it is heart-rending to hear.  Sometimes, the desire to "get outta Dodge" is warranted, but much of seems to be an emotional desire to escape.  Unfortunately, I am here to tell you escape  is not as easy as it used to be, folks.

The employment market has changed, even in our recession-proof industry. No longer can any warm-bodied, upright, C-rated manager find work instantaneously. It takes time, it takes work, it takes a good-to-great track record and it takes focus while factoring in reality. Here's some food for thought:

Why do you want out?
What's your real motivation? 

Is this a fact-based decision (no local jobs available) or is it one based on emotion ("I just always wanted to live the dream in Los Angeles…and maybe become an actor…")? Obviously, I always recommend reviewing, and taking heed of, your fact-based reasons for wanting to move on.  My advice is: Do not make a large, life altering employment decision based on the emotion of needing to escape, and this has never been truer at any point in time than right now.

Where to?
Have you focused and researched the location?

Recently I had an employed, qualified, east coast site manager with a rather eclectic resume contact me because he had decided he wanted to move to Hawaii (I single out no one in particular, as I've had at several managers contact me with a similar request).  I ask - where in Hawaii? Turns out he's only been to one of the islands… and that was eight years ago…. But he is open to almost anywhere over there… Look: When you are job hunting, having fuzzy criteria like "somewhere in Hawaii" or "anywhere warm," isn't helpful.  When you know you want to move "somewhere" - you must focus that "somewhere" down to a "here's where" physical location and you must ensure that "here's where" has a relatively large amount of business in the community management field.

Are you really ready to move?
Is your family on board?

Despite protestations to the contrary, employers know that many people will not move even though they say they will when they "get the job." That doesn't fly at all in this employment climate. Employers know there is a certain level of entrenchment with family and friends that is very difficult to break, and unless you are a double A-rated site manager or executive with a great track record, right now most employers are not going to risk their time and money on you.

Can you be there to interview at the drop of a hat?
"We have you scheduled for an interview next Tuesday at 11am."

Let's say you have answered an ad, the resume is sent, and voila, you are asked to come to an interview. When can you fly out? It had better be when they want you, otherwise, it's a likely a dead deal.  And importantly, can you afford to pay those travel expenses if the employer will not? 

If hired, when can you be at the job?
You must be able to start within a relatively short amount of time.

If you are hired for a position and you can't start within a relatively short amount of time - 1-2 weeks for portfolio managers and about 30 - 45 days for on site managers - you are wasting your and the employer's time. If this is the case, don't bother applying.

Another major factor the employer considers is one you, should, too:

Can you sell or rent your current home?
If a move must be precipitated by selling your current home it will put a major crimp in your job search.

Depending upon where you are located, homes can stay on the market for months - even years. If this is the case with your location, or unless you are comfortable with renting your home, my advice is to hunker down and put the need to move on hold and wait it all out if you are able.

Can you afford to live where you want to be?
The romance of 75 degree weather goes away quickly when you realize you can't afford to go out to a movie.

When decisions are made on an emotional, not factual, basis, our judgment is often clouded when it comes to how much money we think is enough for us. For example, if you live in a relatively low cost-of-living area, say, Boise, ID, and you make $50k per year, thinking you can move to San Diego and make $45k and be financially happy…Is usually unrealistic. 

Are you looking for a relocation fee?
Companies may choose a local candidate over you if you will
not move there on your own.

Unless you are a qualified site manager or executive looking at a higher-end position, you can likely expect -0- moving fees. Consider that companies need to cut costs to stay alive in a tightening economy. That means the perks of yesterday for job hunters are on the wane.

Are you able to move to your dream location, and then look for a job?
Once you have shown a commitment, on your own nickel, to be in your dream location it will be easier to land a job.

Very difficult for almost everyone, but it is still the best course of action if you are looking for a (usually portfolio) position across the country.  Nothing beats being already established in a community and already involved in your local professional organization for showing commitment to the area as well as giving you many valuable networking opportunities.

If you have considered all the basics listed above, and you are still planning on "getting outta Dodge," the next hurdle is to effectively market yourself to a potential employer. As an employment consultant I can get you on track but you will still need to do the basics. This means you must actively market yourself.

To market yourself effectively, think like a vendor.
Show initiative to a potential employer to make them believe in you.

In the course of your career, how many times have you had vendors contact you to sell a product or service? Did you return their call or email the first time? Likely not - you're one busy and Very Important Person. The second time? Probably not then, either. But if the vendor was consistent, polite, and persistent - you may very well have given him/her a call. And why was that? They showed initiative enough to you to make you believe in their product or service. Moreover - you contracted that person because they had established a favorable, limited relationship with you via their behavior. It's no different with how you market yourself to a potential (management firm) employer. To wit:

Marketing material? Have a stellar resume.
Have your professional ducks in a row, and present them very, very well.

What's on your resume? In this market, it's best that you have outstanding qualifications and a great track record reflected on your resume. Folks having demonstrated these traits will be far more likely to land a position from afar than those who have not and do not.  

Resumes presentation.  I've written about resume writing for association managers many times, but in short make sure you don't have any typos, don't make it too long or too short, have your industry designations right up top. For more info on this subject, go to http://www.adamen-inc.com/Vol.-11-No.-01-2008:-Start-Off-on-the-Right-Foot~138207~12525.htm 

Consistent contact with a consistent recipient.
Again, think like a vendor. 

Vendors will always do a little research and find out who is the most effective contact to become their "point person." You should do this as well, as opposed to sending a resume to a blind fax or email. Once you have established who that person is - that's to whom you should be communicating regularly, even if they do not return your email or voicemail. How often should you ping them? Once a week, or every 10 days or so is being consistent, and no it's not stalking. Be pleasant, be professional, and don't sound desperate or angry even after the 10th voicemail. It's not personal - just business.

Be flexible
The most successful job hunters will be those who can adapt
to a variety of roles. 

In this market, it pays to be flexible in all sorts of ways. Maybe the job isn't exactly what you want, but close, maybe the money isn't exactly what you want, but close… Consider accepting it. You never know where it might lead, and there is great value to "getting your foot in the door."

The Bottom line: Have a plan.

We are all uneasy. It's been a rough couple of months, what with the market meltdown, the never-ending presidential election, the never-ending 24/7 bad news cycle. It has had an effect on all of us, emotionally and financially. For some of us, it makes us just want to move and try something new and different - miles, states, or even an ocean away from where we are currently.  The problem being, just when we feel that need to get out - the employment market has become much different - and much harder to penetrate - than it was even 6 months ago, let alone a year ago.

For the legion of you out there thinking along the lines of changing locations and positions in this complicated job market, my advice to you is to have a plan. Focus your wants, balance that with your needs and desires, and take a long look at reality. If you still believe you must move forward, move forward with a plan, and that plan must have goals, deadlines, and a focused result. GE Soft-white bulbs are great for mushy light diffusion, but laser beams can cut through steel.

Need to "Get outta Dodge?" It's not easy in this market, but it can be done. But it must be done with forethought, care, and precision.