u/Own_Tomatillo_2982

Sorry if this isn’t allowed. I’ve been applying to jobs in 2 states, one neighboring state and one farther away but within the same region. It has been really hard to get noticed by employers when my resume shows zero connection to either state. How can I signal to employers that I’m dying to relocate?

I’ve been relatively successful getting interviews for in-state jobs, even in cities that are 7 hours away (whereas I’m geographically way closer to my neighboring state). With respect to the other state, I get zero attention except for the couple of times an employer has responded “sorry, this job is located in [state], not [your state].”

I’m looking to relocate (from elsewhere in the southeast) and Houston keeps coming up in my search for diverse, affordable metros. However, I’ve never been there, so I’d like some insight before I make any plans to visit.

EDIT: I hope this gives some perspective. I grew up in a major metro but live in a small, somewhat isolated southern city. Here’s what I miss (that my city lacks IMO): diversity, dining options, a decent airport (very expensive to fly out of here), decent shopping mall, high-end anything, entertainment. I feel like anywhere would be an upgrade (except Jacksonville Florida lol). I’m pretty used to the typical grievances about the South in general (politics, heat, etc) so I can’t imagine it would be a huge change in that regard.

I’m looking to relocate from my small southern city but I haven’t traveled much so I’m really clueless when it comes to my next step. Some things pushing me out of here are the lack of diversity and somewhat isolated location. Some things I do like about the city are its access to nature and relative affordability (I’d like to have a home/family in a few years). I don’t do well with gloomy weather and prefer to stay in the eastern half of the US. I’ve pretty much accepted that traffic and heat will likely be an issue anywhere I go.