Your long-distance job search can be successful if you follow these steps

When you search for a job long-distance, you face several obstacles. In addition to the fact that it limits your availability for a face-to-face interview, recruiters prefer local candidates since they incur fewer costs and are less likely to leave their jobs for better opportunities elsewhere.
 

In spite of this, moving is sometimes unavoidable, whether it's because you live in a different city than where the jobs are or you just want to move from one place to another. A good long-distance job search strategy can significantly increase your odds of securing a job before moving to a city.

Follow these steps:

Make a decision about which city you want to move to first. Your decision may already have been made for you; for instance, if your spouse has been transferred to a specific city, you will most likely seek employment in that city. However, if you haven't made the decision yet, it's crucial to do your research and decide if it's the right place for you. What is the state of the job market? What are the cultural differences? Does the city have a safe environment? Make a personal visit to the place to find out more about these things. Alternatively, you can read the local papers for an insight into the area.

Locate jobs by researching where they are available
Make use of the Internet to research the job market and find out where openings are.  A credible job website is a good place to start.

Think about the people who may be able to help you.
Networking becomes even more crucial in a long-distance job search where you will need all the help you can get—from assistance with finding a job to finding a house, to help with settling down. Scour your social media database for contacts and tap into both professional and personal links. Reaching out to your college alumni that may be working in the city is another good move. Also don’t hesitate to get in touch with industry bodies and chambers of commerce, many of whom are welcoming and helpful to professionals who seek them out for assistance.

If you plan on visiting the city where you’re looking to move, set up informal meetings in advance with any individuals who can share insights into the local job scene.

Think about - What is the best way to present your CV?
In your CV, make sure you include a local address. If you have an outstation address, recruiters are likely to back off. A relative's address, a friend's address, or a professional connection's address is fine. You can mention your current address if you have no friends in the city, but let them know upfront that you will be moving by a certain date. Your CV will gain credibility by including a line like "Moving to Dubai in June" and also let the employer know that you are from outside the country.  

 What is the best way to frame your cover letter?
Describe your skills and why you would be a good fit in the organization in the first few paragraphs, leaving relocation to the end.   Toward the end of your application, mention that you're interested in moving (do not elaborate on the reasons why as you'll probably be asked about that in detail during an interview) and which dates you'll be available.

In light of the costs involved in relocating an employee, recruiters aren't too keen on outstation candidates. This is where you should mention the costs of the interview and relocation if you do not expect the company to cover them. You can help level the playing field with local candidates by stating explicitly that the company will not pay for relocation expenses.

During the interview, you will be asked ‘Why do you want to relocate?’ Make sure you have an answer to this question.
It is natural for recruiters to ask the reason for your relocation, so prepare a plausible explanation. In interviews, convey enthusiasm and conviction as you tell your story. 

The reason for your relocation may be unsavory - for example the desire to escape a painful memory - but never tell a recruiter or prospective employer that it's forced on you. Present it as a positive decision on your part, driven by the exciting opportunity the position represents for you. 

It can be challenging to find a job long distance, but it's not impossible. A smart strategy and some luck should get you to the city of your choice with a new job, but you'll need patience.