Long distance job hunting?

[Lindsey]

I might be living with my boyfriend's family for the summer, 9 hours away from where I currently am.

If this happens, I'm going to need a job as soon as I get there. I have no money at all, I didn't have a job this semester because my professor didn't need a TA/LA for any of his classes anymore and I had too much on my plate academically to search for a job off-campus.

Does anyone here have experience or advice about searching for jobs over a distance? I know what city I'll be living/working in, and my boyfriend has suggested to me a few pet stores that would be a good fit (I worked at a pet store for 3 years before starting college this year), but I don't know how to go about being hired when I'm not physically there. Is there anything I can do to make a better presentation/impression and hopefully overcome the fact that I'm not physically in their store, applying and being interviewed?

I do have a stellar recommendation letter from my old boss at the pet store, so I'm hoping that will help me out here. I've also prepared a resume and a cover letter, which I know a lot of people don't bother doing for retail jobs - but it helped me get hired easily the first time I job-searched, so I'm absolutely going to do it again here.

Anyone want to share experiences or ideas?

[taxguykarl]

See if this article helps any.

[Treasure]

look into summer seasonal work - and when you contact them, make sure you note in there somewhere that you'd love a phone interview as you are currently still attending classes 9 hours away; don't get too detailed, keep it vague, but honest;

I'd like to take a day or 2 to get settled about town, but otherwise am ready to jump straight into things; be sure to let them know your "move" date ....

[KiaKat]

Are you able to go there at any point for a physical interview? I'm pretty sure I got my new job because I was willing to move, as well as being able to actually walk into the store and talk to them.

Seasonal work is also a good idea. A lot of large retail stores are happy to hire for the summer, and understand if you can't get there for a physical interview. Can your boyfriend or his mom grab a few applications for you, or keep an eye out for who might be hiring?

Also look into specialty retail. If you knit, look at yarn stores. If you're a booze fan, check out neighbourhood wine stores. If you have any experience waitressing, wait till you get there, then wander around to restaurants and see who might be hiring - frequently restaurants won't go through a lengthy interview process, but rather will try you out on a shift either that day or the day after.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Is your former store a chain with a location where you'll be? Maybe your old manager can help you through store channels?