We recently published the findings of a report on Canada’s best cities for young people in 2021. [See: Canada’s best cities for young workers right now.] It makes launching your career a whole lot easier if you are located in a region that has ample opportunities, a thriving economy, and effective transit systems in place.

But what if you don’t happen to live in one of those spots? How can you find a new job in a different city?

Well, you’re in luck. With the rise of remote working that the pandemic made a necessity for many professions, location doesn’t matter as much as it used to. There is a rising trend in workers physically moving further away from their place of employment because they no longer have to commute there daily, if at all.

Finding in-person jobs in a new city comes with some distinct advantages for your career. When you are willing to relocate, you have access to far more opportunities than if you simply rely on the local job market. You can also gain a wider variety of life and work experience and an expanded network when you live and work in different regions.

Also, if you relocate to a thriving city for a new job, and that job doesn’t work out, you’ll still be located in that robust job market for landing your next gig.

While recent trends (thanks, COVID) are changing things, many employers have traditionally had a bias against remote candidates – or at least towards local ones. The worries were that arranging interviews and meetings could be challenging, there might be delays in a long-distance candidate being available to start work, or they may demand expensive relocation costs from the employer.

Here are some tips for applying remotely

Don’t include your mailing address on your resume

Employers are never going to respond to your job application by mail, so why would they need a physical address? An email address and phone number should suffice.

Use a local phone number

If you know you are moving to a new region, consider acquiring a cell phone number in that area code ahead of time so that you can apply for jobs from a local number. Although this matters less and less as regions adopt new area codes to meet demand, and people retain their cell phone numbers when they change regions. I have had an area code from a different city from where I now live for the past three years, simply because I kept the same number when I moved.

Address relocation in your resume cover letter

Your recent work history, education, and other details in your resume will likely offer some indication to potential employers that you have not been working in their city recently. You can head off any concerns hiring managers might have about expenses or your availability by addressing them right off the top. Use the opening paragraph of your resume – usually reserved for a career or skills summary – to mention that you are relocating to the area of the job.

You can do the same thing in your cover letter. Include a brief statement that you are relocating to their region and will be available for interviews in advance. This lets the employer know that you are not expecting them to pay for your move and that you will be a ‘local’ candidate shortly. See also: How to research the company you want to work for

Most job interviews are being conducted remotely now anyway, so for the screening and hiring process, your physical location shouldn’t make a difference at all.

Looking for a new job? There are thousands of jobs available on CareerBeacon right now.

And for the hottest place for young people to live and work, check out Canada’s best cities for young workers right now.