College Grad Relocating to Dallas? (apartment, lease, public schools)

[TylerBarr]

Hi all,

I'm pretty new here, but here goes. I graduated in 2011 with my BBA and moved back in with my parents to the Shreveport area. I've been working and saving my money in order to move to a newer place. I had previously been applying to jobs in Little Rock and the Dallas areas, but I feel like many entry-level positions don't want to hire someone out of state, when there are plenty of local applicants with the same qualifications that I have. I know there are a ton of threads on here moving without employment, but any particular advice anyone has would be appreciated. I've saved up to around $10,000 while working, and my parents are more than willing co-sign for an apartment (they did this when I moved off campus my senior year). The plan in my head was to find an apartment with a 3-6 month lease, and put up with a commute to my potential job until my lease is up. The thing is, I don't really know where the most affordable place would be to start initially, seeing as how Dallas has so many parts to it. I have my own vehicle, so public transportation isn't an issue. I'm 24 year old, single male also, so public schools aren't an issue either. Thanks for any help or advice! I'm looking to start the process now and move sometime in December.

[cy_flembeck]

You only live once, go for it. Just make sure you hit the ground running. Network like crazy and don't just rely on sending resumes from positions you see on the usual job sites, they only represent a fraction of what's out there. Pick up the phone and call people, don't let a piece of paper do your talking for you. Make sure you are on LinkedIn and don't have pics on Facebook of you and the Olsen twins doing jello shots in Tijuana.

Ask a prospective employer what they are looking for in the person who fills the position, then articulate back to them examples of your skills that precisely match what they are looking for.

Good luck.