Oh The Places You'll Go: Relocation Woes

The technology boom has created a lot of opportunities for young professionals. If you're someone who is just getting into the workforce or is trying to make a career change(Hi. It's me. I'm making the career change), now is the time. We are in one of the best job markets that we have seen in over a decade. The landscape has changed, and new careers in the technology or startup worlds are more possible than ever before. There's just one little problem.

Picture this: You find the perfect company. They are solving an issue you really believe in, and you decide you just HAVE to work there. You look on the website and find that they're hiring! Better still, they're hiring for a position you'd be more than qualified for. The job would require a significant move, but that's not a problem on your end. You tailor your cover letter and resume, fill out the application, and hit that submit button. A few days go by, and you get an invite for an interview. Interview day comes and starts off really well! Then the question arises, "We see you're in *insert faraway state here*, when can you reasonably start?" You pause to think about it, "I think I could reasonably be there in three to four weeks, keeping in mind relocation. But that's not a problem!" There. That was a response that was realistic but still should keep me in the running for the position. You get through the next questions, then the interview concludes. "We'll get back to you with next steps." Great!

Time goes by. You follow up with the hiring manager, no response. You try not to get discouraged, maybe they're still interviewing candidates. You let a few more days go by before you follow up again, still no response. Another week goes by, and yet nothing. You reach out one more time and finally hear back. "We thank you for your time; however, we will not be proceeding with your application at this time. We have decided to pursue other candidates." There's the final blow. It hurts, but you still have to be professional. You send a response saying, " Thank you for your time, and I would love to be considered for future opportunities." You take this a step further and ask if there is anything you could've done to be a better candidate. Surprisingly enough, you do hear back. "While we do think you have the qualities necessary for this position, we want to get someone in this role started right away and your current location plus the time needed to relocate does make this a little difficult. You are still encouraged to apply if you see another position you are interested in."

Going into the application, you knew there was a chance that your location would work against you. You don't blame the company, but it still stinks. Does this mean your only chance is to relocate before finding a job and pray it works out? It shouldn't be this way, but the reality is that a lot of companies are hesitant to take on or even interview potential hires from out of state for the same reasons listed above. So what's a job applicant to do? How can I take advantage of these opportunities when the majority of them are with companies that are in California, Washington, and the other major professional hubs, and I don't already live out there?

Thankfully, there are several possible solutions to the problem. One that intrigues me the most is corporate housing. Further, still, there's a company that makes this concept sound less like a dormitory for professionals situation and more like a place you can call home. Zeus (bonus points for the Greek Mythology reference because who DOESN'T love mythology?!) makes it easy for professionals from all over the world to pursue job opportunities in some of the biggest job markets without having to deal with the typical wait that comes with relocating. Find a property that's in the ideal location for where you're working, apply, sign your lease, arrange your monthly rent payments and you're ready to move in when YOU'RE ready. Best part? This process takes only a few days, not weeks. Time is one of your biggest luxuries, especially on the job hunt, you don't want to lose out on an opportunity due to the long process of moving.

Companies can benefit too! Zeus also is available to partner with corporations so they can have accommodations for their hires that are turn key ready and able to get to their new home and new job quicker than ever before. Now you can focus on finding the best talent as opposed to limiting your search to your surrounding area.

Aside from the quick turnaround time, what I love most about Zeus (apart from the name, because again, MYTHOLOGY, YOU GUYS) are the little personal touches. Like I said earlier, "corporate housing" sounds like a dorm for professionals and who wants that? Zeus makes sure that your new home is fitted with the things you'll need to get your job done, whatever that may be. It's not a computer just assigning you somewhere and leaving you to fend for yourself. There are actual people you can speak to about issues with amenities or if you need a special request. On top of all that, you have 24/7 care. All the benefits of an Airbnb with hotel level service and amenities. You get the best of both worlds (no Hannah Montana).

I have been trying for the longest to not only make a career change but also explore outside of Minnesota. As I've gone through the job application process, one of the things I run into most is how I can reasonably either relocate before finding a job or after one. I know I'm not the only one. I'm glad there are things out there like Zeus that make it easier for young professionals to explore all possible job opportunities. The opportunities are out there, and now the tools to take advantage of those opportunities are out there as well. I'm excited to see where I go next.