Advice on long distance job hunting

I know that I'm still very new so this may come across as a bit forward.  I'm currently in my last semester (only a month and some change left) in my master's degree so I'm starting to get a bit antsy about job hunting.

Thus that leads me to this post.  Since I feel that many folks here probably have way more experience in things such as life than I do.  If you're willing to share, would anyone have advice on how to efficiently and effectively job hunt when you're trying to move across country?  For the record I do live in the US.  I have wanted to live in WA for, ugh who knows how long at this point.  Unfortunately I don't live anywhere near it.  And while I am using the internet and different sites that post for jobs in the PNW in my intended field (Library and Information Science with concentration in technology), I was wondering if folks may have experiences that could give me a boost in a good direction.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Check Intel, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Nike and Epsons site. Those are all big dogs up here in pnw huge campuses. Ive founx my last 3 jobs on craigslist but havent been lookinv for a job since 03. So im a bit out of the game.

Thanks Fog, didn't even think about Microsoft or some of the other tech companies.

Finding networks is the more challenging part at the moment.  A lot of the organizations related to LIS are national ones that are particularly aimed at one area.  But I'll definitely consider Linked-In.  Have you used it before Dougie?  I've heard of it but haven't ever really considered it.  Didn't seem like it was being used a lot at the time when I first started hearing rumblings about it online.

LIS can be hard to break into in the best of times. Keep your CV up to date and include any volunteer work you've done as well as paid. Contact people you know who work in this field and live in that area to see if jobs are open. You're right to get started this early. With this degree, you may have to take a job in Outer East Badislavia to get your foot in the door, and then work your way to the location you want to be at.

Does your University have a placement office? If so, most offer a lot of resources, and some offer assistance such as resume and cover letter review.

@Dougie I'll have to get something set up to give it a go.

@JaeOnasi I'm definitely looking for other areas that are closer (such as ones in the state lol) and within a reasonable driving distance (like TN, SC, etc).  Though granted I am looking to get out of the south (no one says pop down here and I get funny looks still ; ; ).

@Cyvil no placement office unfortunately.

Thanks for all of the advice folks.  Much appreciated.  So far I have applied to about 5 jobs.  Currently battling final projects as the semester creeps towards an end.

Every place has its good and bad. There is no BBQ like Southern and/or KC BBQ, for instance. :D

There should be a professional organization associated with LIS, and probably a student branch of it, too. Check with the national/international office to see if they have job listings. Ask some colleagues and your profs where the best places to search are, too.

I have managed long-distance job searches a few times -- in fact, I am searching now.

LinkedIn is a nice way to build a network of connections.  The key is to find people more advanced than you in the profession and then get into their network by sending them invitations.  Connecting with your peers is nice for keeping up with colleagues, but not usually too helpful for finding a job.  I have had a number of people contact me looking for jobs via LinkedIn, and there are a lot of professional / HR recruiters on there.

Recently I have found www.indeed.com to be a great resource. 

Professional organizations frequently have job boards.  Also, The Chronicle of Higher Education job board may be a good resource for LIS.

Good luck with your job search!

Fym

https://www.us.jll.com/en/careers

When I was looking for a job as a DBA about 4 years ago I used a few of the headhunter companies to expand my search to include Orlando (I was living in Utah at the time). That's how I landed my current job. I'm not sure about your sector specifically but you might try Robert Half and similar companies for contract to hire opportunities.

Edit: just saw the original post date....

Bookmark the employment pages for the county governments where you might want to live. Especially with that degree. I would think.

Spokane county is cheaper living than Seattle area. 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa