This is the next entry in our series of articles focused on job search. The three previous articles explored ways to expand your job search and the forms of support available for accepting a job farther from home. This article takes a new perspective: by expanding the geographical area of your job search, you may be surprised by how much less competition you face..
Everyone wants the same job
As stated in our previous articles, many jobseekers limit their job search to what is familiar and close to home. Their job search focuses on their own region and on a few local employers. In practice, this means that a large number of applicants are applying for the exact same jobs. However, there may simultaneously be vacancies further away with significantly fewer applicants vying for them. In short, there may be more employment opportunities out there than your local search suggests, and often with much less competition.
Practical concerns limiting job search
It is always easy to find reasons to limit your job search, and understandably so. According to A-kassa’s member survey, the biggest hurdles for seeking employment from a distance have to do with the applicant’s daily life. 34% of survey respondents felt that organising matters related to family and daily life was the biggest obstacle to accepting a job further away, whereas 32% cited the length of the commute. Travel expenses and uncertainties surrounding relocation were also causes for concern. Jobseekers also often feel that their competences are tied to a particular location, making it harder for them to seize new opportunities.
Consequently, these same factors contribute to the fact that many jobs located further away have fewer applicants.
Fewer applicants – better chances
By broadening your job search area you may actually give yourself a real advantage. With fewer applicants for a position, your application stands out better. In practice, this may give you a higher probability of landing a job interview and help you find employment faster.
Therefore, expanding your job search not only increases the number of available vacancies but also your chances of getting a job.
Many sectors are recruiting from a wider geographical area
In many sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, and health care, employers are constantly looking for professionals from neighbouring municipalities when there are not enough local applicants.
This means that if you are the applicant willing to look a little further, you could be exactly the person an employer is looking for.
By combining a wider job search with available benefits and practical daily solutions, you gain a clear advantage: you are applying for jobs that many others may be overlooking.
A small change can make a difference
You may not get the best out of your job search if you stick too closely to your comfort zone. Sometimes even a small adjustment in your criteria and broadening your perspective can unlock new opportunities and, consequently, help you find employment faster.
When you approach your job search from a new, broader perspective, you may find work faster and easier than you ever expected.
How to improve your position in job search:
- Expand your job search beyond your local area
- Explore open vacancies others may be overlooking
- Use the mobility allowance and other benefits
- Keep in mind: fewer applicants = better chance of getting selected
Article series, part 1: Have you considered extending the scope of your job search? You could see a vast increase in the number of vacancies available to you
Article series, part 2: Did you find a new job further away? You may receive up to €800 per month in mobility allowance
Article series, part 3: Accepting a job further away does not have to disrupt everyday life – here’s how you can make commuting, housing and daily arrangements easier