Location, location, location

A lot of times in life, opportunities arise from being in the right place at the right time. Relating this to my job search, I feel like I'm in the wrong place, geographically.

When I originally started looking for a position, I was focused on finding something in Southwest Florida (where I attended college and am currently still living). I wasn't ready for a huge change. I'm comfortable here -- I'm familiar with the area, have a place to live and know people.

After a couple of months I expanded my search to other metro areas in the state: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, etc. I basically extended my search to places that would be an easy move. I'm still open to positions in these locations, but I now have a different mindset. If an opportunity should present itself elsewhere, I am ready to leave and excited about the idea of living in a new, different city. I picked up and moved to Southwest Florida from Minnesota, knowing no one, for college, so this wouldn't be my first big move.

Unfortunately I feel that my current geographical location is holding me back. My resume clearly displays my city and state. I have been asked on more than one occasion, after applying for a position, whether I have plans to move to where the given position is available. No, I don't have plans to move there at this moment, but I am willing to relocate. No, I cannot move to that city at this time in hopes of landing an interview and, consequently, a job, but I would be willing to move should you give me the opportunity to interview regardless of my current location and offer me a position.

I get the feeling that my address immediately takes me out of contention for many positions in other parts of the country. Why bother with the hassle of a candidate 1,500 or more miles away when you have hundreds of applicants already living in the area? It's not like I'm contending for a top-level position; I'm looking for entry-level, like so many other recent graduates.

I understand that companies have to take into consideration the cost of flying candidates out for interviews and relocation expenses when dealing with those who aren't local. As someone who is considering a paid internship just as much as an AAE position, I'm aware that companies aren't always willing to pay these expenses when it comes to an intern. I interviewed with an out-of-state office of a large PR agency last month and paid my own expenses to do so. Unfortunately I didn't get the position, but I don't look back at the experience as a waste of time or money. Instead I view it as a successful learning experience. It was my first time interviewing with a corporate office, my first time flying across the country for an interview, and my first time renting a car. I'm confident that each of these experiences will benefit me in some way in the future.

There is a painting by Leanne Laine at the wine bar where my boyfriend works. It's of a young woman gazing out the window of her high-rise apartment that overlooks the city's skyline. Every time I see it I think of how I'd like that to be me, looking out the window of my new apartment in a new city. Along with that, of course, would come the PR job I've been searching for, which is the part I'm most hopeful and excited about.