How to Look for a Job in Austin

So you’ve decided you want to move to Austin. Great! As you’ve probably gathered from the other articles on our blog, Austin is a pretty fantastic place to live. Only one small problem – your job is located elsewhere and you don’t have a hidden stash of cash to keep you living in luxury until retirement. Time to start the job search!

With 110 new people moving to Austin each day, there is stiff competition for jobs. The good news is business is booming in Austin and new jobs are created each day. Still, the best way to get your foot in the door is through a personal recommendation. Many HR departments are inundated with the number of applications they get for each role and having a current employee recommend you for the position is the best way to get a leg up.

Austinites are Friendly

If you’re feeling a little awkward about contacting people for jobs, that’s understandable. It’s always a bit strange to pick up the phone and ask someone for help especially when you may not have spoken to them in quite some time. So take a different approach. While you’re still just thinking about moving is a great time to phone an old friend and ask them about their likes/dislikes regarding Austin. Plus you can ask how their experience was with finding employment. Austinites are friendly and helpful so many will offer assistance without you even needing to ask.

Find a Recruiter that Specializes in Your Field

Recruiters can also replace personal recommendations. I’d suggest contacting someone who is a specialist in your field if possible. If you think you’re too junior to use a recruiter, you may want to reconsider this. Many recruiters want to build relationships with up-and-coming talent to help with future placements. It’s worth reaching out to a few to gauge interest. Just be up-front with your level and job requirements.

Reach Out Directly to Hiring Managers

If you don’t know anyone in Austin and aren’t able to find a recruiter, there’s still hope. Many websites now offer ways to directly contact hiring managers or recruiters. I’d recommend a LinkedIn Premium membership for your job search if you don’t have one already. I found their InMail tool to be the most helpful way to submit your cover letter. Just make sure to customize it for each job you’re applying to (and don’t just change the company name.) A customized introduction and closing is usually enough. Also, remember they are busy, so some short bullet points and a quick reason why you’re a great fit for the job generally does the trick.

Be Patient – The Right Job Will Find You

And lastly, remember to have patience. If you’re expecting to find a job before you move, the search may be slow. Many companies will interview local candidates first, so discussions can stretch out while they exhaust those options. Just be dedicated to the job search and you too will soon be sipping a Mexican Martini in the sunshine.

Considering Relocating to Austin?

The team of highly trained Realtors at Eleven Oaks Realty can help make your transition as easy as possible. After relocating to Austin from San Francisco themselves, they’ve helped many families relocate to Austin as well. For more tips and advice, check out their Austin Relocation Blog and their Guide to Relocating to Austin. Then, call them at (512) 827-8323, email them at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out their Relocation Survey to get started.