New Job, New City?
What are the best cities for your career, and would you move for the right opportunity? Two new reports from Robert Half put the spotlight on these questions. The Robert Half Career City Index ranks 25 U.S. cities on a variety of factors; the Robert Half Relocation Survey gauges workers’ views on moving. Read on to see the top cities and what’s influencing workers to move …
Would you consider moving to a new city for a job?1
67% of workers would consider moving to a new city for a job
People in the South and West regions are significantly more likely than those in the Northeast and Midwest to ponder a move
Men are significantly more likely than women to consider moving
Do you think moving to a new city will improve your career prospects?
37% of workers think moving will improve their career prospects
44% of workers in the West say moving will improve their career prospects – the highest response of any region.
Robert Half Career City Index:
Top 10 Cities Overall2
| 1. Seattle |
| 2. Boston |
| 3. San Francisco Bay Area |
| 4. Washington, D.C. |
| 5. Raleigh |
| 6. Dallas |
| 7. Salt Lake City |
| 8. Denver |
| 9. Houston |
| 10. Des Moines |
What factors are most important in convincing you to move for a job? 1
(multiple responses allowed)
| 88% Higher salary |
| 61% Lower cost of living |
| 58% Career growth prospects with the new company/city |
| 39% Being closer to family/friends |
| 31% Having better access to leisure/outdoor activities |
| 17% Having better access to schools for me/my family |
An equal percentage of men and women consider being closer to family/friends a key factor in moving for a job.
The Northeast region has the largest percentage choosing lower cost of living than any other geography.
People in the West are significantly more likely than any other region to want better access to schools; men are significantly more likely to want better schools than women.
Companies: Recruiting an out-of-town worker?
Emphasize the team culture
Newcomers appreciate being part of a community at work, especially if they don’t have other connections nearby
Are you offering solid benefits and work-life balance? These will help retain workers long after they’ve relocated.
Be ready to address the issues
Your city may not be a hot spot for entertainment, but perhaps it has great schools or parks. Highlight the things that make your area special.
Job Seekers: Conducting an out-of-town search?
Get input
Talk to people who have recently moved to your chosen city for their insights.
Know your motivations
What’s pulling you to a new city besides a job? Would you move even if you didn’t have a career opportunity?
Work with the right firm
A staffing firm can advise you on demand for your skill set and help you find a job in a new city. If you’re moving with a spouse or family members, the firm may be able to help them find work too.
Sources
1 Survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults working in professional environments
2 Robert Half Career Center Index, commissioned by Robert Half and developed by The Economical Intelligence Unit
For more information and rankings, download the Robert Half Career City Index at www.roberthalf.com/career-city-index
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© 2016 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.
