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Job seekers relocate for their next career step

An increasing number of skilled professionals are relocating in order to secure their next career step, says recruiting experts Hays.

“For many professionals, relocation helps to realise personal career ambitions that cannot be achieved locally,” says Grahame Doyle, Director of Hays. “During the downturn more people than ever were flexible in the locations where they would consider working. But even though the GFC is behind us, people are still willing to relocate in order to revitalise and advance their career in opportunities that simply aren’t available to them in their present location.

“But it’s not just jobseekers that see the benefits of relocating for a work opportunity. As the candidate market tightens in the face of rising job numbers, it is inevitable that wide-spread skills shortages will re-emerge and interstate candidate attraction will become a significant focus for employers in the war for talent. Already job ads are increasingly stating that relocation assistance is available for the right person.”

The Northern Territory is one location in Australia that is attracting a growing level of interstate migration. “Traditionally the Territory attracted candidates looking for a lifestyle change,” said Simon Lance, Senior Manager of Hays in Darwin. “But now, fast-tracked career opportunities and strong employment prospects have also attracted people keen on advancing their career.

“At the moment, Darwin has high demand for professionals within accountancy and finance, architecture, construction, property, engineering, mining and oil and gas. Strong prospects are also available for IT, HR and logistics professionals.”

According to Simon, most failed relocations are the result of poor preparation. “Research into the lifestyle, climate, accommodation and recreational activities is just as important as researching the employment market,” he said.

If you are thinking of relocating for your career, Hays offers the following advice:

  1. Make sure jobs are available in your area of expertise: “Talk to a recruiter and explore opportunities before packing your bags,” says Grahame.
  2. Be realistic in your salary expectations: “Salaries differ by location, so make sure you are aware of typical market rates. Cost of living also varies and needs to be taken into consideration.”
  3. Consider lifestyle factors: “Whether the relocation will offer a tree-change or a sea-change, the lifestyle available needs to be as agreeable as the career advancement on offer.”
  4. Investigate the daily commute: “If you want to move from a regional centre to a large city, it is likely you will spend a considerable amount of time commuting to and from work. How will this impact you? What is the public transport like? Have you considered parking costs?”
  5. Accommodate your partner’s career needs: “Relocations often fail if a partner’s career needs are not met,” warns Grahame.
  6. Know what it’s really like to live there: “A one to two week trip to your intended destination is an excellent way to get to know the place before you commit to relocating there.”

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

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For further information please contact Lucy Sharp, Marketing Manager of Hays in Australia and New Zealand, on 02 8226 9885 or lucy.sharp@hays.com.au

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