Mike asks:
In two months I am moving to Los Angeles, and am wondering how to go about mentioning this in my cover letter. Does it just take a sentence or two? I know you’ve stressed being as brief as possible.
As per the advice of my industry friends, they have prompted me to get out as many C/V’s as possible, but it feels weird to apply for a PA jobs on the other side of the country.
Don’t.
I wouldn’t mention the move at all. I can’t think of version of it that wouldn’t be interpreted negatively.
No coordinator will hire you if they can’t interview you in person. We spend a lot of time together, and you really have to meet someone face-to-face to decide if you can stand them for fourteen hours a day.
Plus, why would someone hold a job for a PA coming from out of state, when there are hundreds of perfectly qualified PAs already here in Los Angeles? As they say, 90% of success is just showing up; if you’re not here, you’re basically 10% of a PA.
It’s good to get your resume out there, but you won’t be able to land a position until you actually arrive.
In other news, don’t say “CV” unless you’re actually from a Commonwealth{{1}} country. You just sound like a poncy{{2}} douche. In America, a “CV” is a “resume,” a “meter” is a “yard,” and “football” is “lame.”
[[1]]If you had to click the link to find out what the Commonwealth is, you’re not from a Commonwealth country.[[1]]
[[2]]Yes, I used British slang while being incredibly jingoistic. It’s called irony.[[2]]
5 Responses
I’ve learned this the hard way. I’ve had 2 calls for potential interviews, and when I say that I’ll need a day or two to fly in, suddenly there is no longer an interview available. On the other hand, I was checking out apartments in LA and lucked up with an interview during the time I was out there. They wanted me available within a few days. I said I could be there in a week and a half. Suddenly the interview was over.
I’m officially waiting until I am physically in LA for more than a week before I apply to any more. Lesson learned – the hard way.
A bit off-topic, but “CV”, “meter” and “football” are used elsewhere in Europe as well. But you’re right, football is lame.
I love your advice! Enjoy your posts *so* much. And ‘resume’ sounds awful poncey to me!!!!