Why Might Location Be Important When Searching For a Job
As you begin your job search, one important factor to consider is location. The location of a job can have a significant impact on your career, including the opportunities available to you and your earning potential. In this article, we will explore why location might be important when searching for a job and how you can navigate this aspect of your job search.
Some industries are located in certain areas
The location of a job can often be linked to the industry it belongs to. For example, if you are interested in a career in finance, New York City might be a prime location due to its abundance of financial institutions. Similarly, if you are looking for work in the tech industry, Silicon Valley or Seattle might be your best bet.
Certain industries tend to be clustered in specific geographic areas, which can make it easier for you to find job opportunities in your desired field. By doing research on the industries you are interested in and the cities where they are most prevalent, you can increase your chances of finding a job in that field.
If your target industry offers remote work opportunities, they may still list a location on their job postings. By knowing which locations your target companies are concentrated in, you can better find them when searching for job listings. This will enable you to find more job leads in less time and maximize your job search ROI.
Increase the opportunities available to you
When you limit your job search to a specific location, you are also limiting the opportunities available to you. If you are open to relocating, you can significantly increase the number of job openings available to you.
Expanding your job search to other cities or even other states can open up a whole new world of possibilities. If you are flexible with your location, you can pursue jobs that might not be available in your current city or town. This can lead to exciting career opportunities and help you achieve your professional goals.
Increase your earning potential
The location of a job can also impact your earning potential. Certain cities or regions may offer higher salaries for certain jobs due to factors such as cost of living, competition for talent, and industry demand.
For example, a job in San Francisco might come with a higher salary than the same job in a smaller city. By being open to different locations, you can potentially increase your earning potential and improve your overall financial situation.
Sometimes expanding your geographic reach a few miles can make a big difference. You don’t necessarily have to relocate to increase your earning potential. For example, if you live in Riverside, CA, commuting fifteen to twenty miles west into Orange Country or Los Angeles country can easily add an extra fifteen percent or more to your annual salary.
When researching salary ranges be sure to check nearby cities as well for potential salary changes.
What if a location isn’t listed on the job ad?
Sometimes, job postings may not list a specific location. This can make it difficult to determine whether or not the job is a good fit for you and conduct salary research. In these situations, it’s important to do your homework.
One way to find out more about the job’s location is to look up the company’s headquarters or main office. This can give you a sense of where the company is based, where you might be expected to work, and what the job may pay.
Additionally, you can always reach out to the company’s HR department or hiring manager to ask about the job’s location. This can help you determine whether or not the job is a good fit for your needs and preferences.
What if there are multiple job locations?
In some cases, a job may have multiple locations listed. This can be a great opportunity for someone who is open to relocating or looking to work in different areas.
When applying for a job with multiple locations, it’s important to consider each location carefully. You may want to research the cities or regions where the job is offered to get a sense of the culture, cost of living, and other factors that could impact your decision.
It’s also important to consider any potential relocation or travel requirements for the job. If you are open to working in multiple locations, you may need to be prepared to travel or relocate as needed.
Different locations may pay different salaries based on those locations so it’s important to research salaries based on each location and ask about the salary bands during the interview process.
What about remote jobs?
Remote work has been on the rise since the pandemic of 2020, but it’s not always clear whether a job is one hundred percent remote or hybrid. Even if a job listing states the job is remote, you’ll want to ask early on to confirm that it truly is - especially if you’re not interested in relocating for the job.
Even if the job offers remote work, many companies still give preference to local candidates. Searching for remote jobs within your current city or cities you’re willing to relocate to could give you an advantage over others.
Is location important to list on my resume?
In general, when it comes to your resume, it’s important to be clear and specific about your location. This can help potential employers understand where you are based and whether or not you are open to relocating for a job.
The best way to list your location on your resume is to include your city and state in your contact information. Most experts agree that including your full address is unnecessary and can even make your resume look outdated. In addition, scams are rampant these days online, and putting your full address on a resume could open you up to unnecessary risks.
If you are open to relocation, you may want to consider putting that phrase next to your current city and state or replacing your location with the phrase “Open to Relocation.” You could include the cities that you are open to relocating to; however, it is redundant to list them. If you are applying for a job opening, it is generally assumed that you are open to relocating to the location of the job.
If you are applying for a remote work opportunity, consider removing your location from the resume entirely. Some companies give preference to candidates who are local or in the same time zone. Including your location could disqualify you before a hiring manager or recruiter gives you an opportunity to speak with them. It may be better to omit your location from your resume when you are not local.
If you’re unsure about what to do, try a/b testing resumes to find out what works for you.
In Summary
Expanding your job search locations even slightly could increase your salary potential by twenty percent or more without relocating
Knowing where companies are based can help you identify potential job opportunities faster - even for remote jobs
When you know the job’s location, you can perform more accurate salary research which will help you prepare for negotiations
Knowing where the company is based can also help you determine whether to list your address on a resume
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