Ask the Recruiter

Certainly, looking for a job before you move is difficult, as it puts constraints on your ability to respond to requests for interviews. However, it is a good idea to do at least a preliminary job search before you commit to the move and to see if the job market for your profession looks promising. You can do this search via the Internet--the California Employment Development Department's site isn't a bad place to start: http://www.caljobs.ca.gov/. If you apply for any jobs, you should inquire as to whether the initial interview could be done by telephone.

You should also contact some recruiters in your target location. A recruiter will be able to give you an assessment of your chances in that area's job market, as well as help to get your résumé in front of prospective employers before you have to move.

Finally, if you are in a regulated profession such as teaching or law, be sure to check on what credentials that state requires for your profession before you move, and find out what the process is for being approved to work in that state.

In short, when it comes to checking out the job market and any state requirements, the message on relocating is look before you leap.