Joanne Said:

Will moving to a different state make my job search easier if I have a past criminal history in my state?

We Answered:

most likely not, a criminal back ground check will find your convictions no matter where you are living!

Joan Said:

Can I claim any part of a trip to another state for a job search?

We Answered:

If the primary purpose of the trip is for job search, the costs can be deductible. If the primary purpose is not for job search, then only the costs associated with looking for work in that area are deductible.

No part of the transportation, lodging or meals would be deductible as these would have been incurred as part of the personal travel.

This would be true even if more time was spent on job search than personal if the primary purpose was for personal.

Example: You scheduled a one week vacation in Florida. After three days there, you notice an want ad for a position in your field. You send in a resume and four different interviews on four different days.
Only the costs associated with going on the interviews (i.e. parking, tolls, phone, etc) would be deductible. The cost of airfare, hotel, meals, etc are personal expenses even though you spent more time in job search activities than on vacation.
The vacation was the primary purpose of the trip.

Bobby Said:

What's a good timeline for an out-of-state job search?

We Answered:

I think I would send them out at least two months in advance, most jobs take at least a month from the time they recieve applications to interviews to hire to start date, most jobs I've had take closer to two months. So I would personally send them out 3 months before I moved to give a bit of extra time.

Byron Said:

Conducting an out of state job search? Advice?

We Answered:

It's not a good idea to leave one job before finding another one to replace it. So, your best bet is to stay put while looking on-line. If you any opportunity in the future to take a few days or a week off to visit this state in which you are looking for a job, then by all means, do that in addition to the on-line search.

Hang onto that savings - there is no guarantee that if you move without the job first, as to how long that savings will have to last you, and you might just run out first before finding a job.

Ramona Said:

How do you job search for an outof state job without living in that state?

We Answered:

I moved to California from Missouri. My situation is a little different though. I was moving there anyway but I contacted the local newspapers and ordered their Sunday editions. You can do this online now and even view the job listings online. Careerbuilder is great for out-of-state jobs. After sending resumes and getting phone calls back, I picked one week to go there and spend the week. Once I knew the week I would be going, I set up all the interviews/meetings for that particular week. It worked out well. The only problem is a lot of the jobs wanted me to start within the week or two and I wasnt ready to move that quick. So, my job opportunities were limited a little bit. Regardless, I did find a job that way.