This was originally a posting to the baylisa mail list (a list for local admins in the bay area) in response to a discussion about the scarcity of jobs. Thought it would be worth repeating here...

Again, I'll throw my few cents in here. I have to agree with one previous comment that you have to be willing to relocate if you're pushed against the wall for work. Here in LA I have been looking for very senior admins with large dot-com exposure and really it hasn't been easy to find people with the required depth of skills. The jobs are out there.

On the other hand, employers are a little leery about making offers to long-distance folks who promise to make a move. I can give you a number of instances where the deal was done, the offer extended (and accepted!) and then a day before the person is to arrive, they back out. It's understandable. People have their roots in their current location and a move is hard. Backing out at the last minute is still devastating to recruiting efforts so nobody wants that situation. It doesn't help the employee or employer.

What can you do? You can show that you have some roots in the hometown of the potential new employer. If you went to school there, make sure you mention it! If you have friends or relatives local to the new employer, mention it! Even if you've visited previously and got a chance to really look around, mention it!

Another good thing to do is to plan your own trips to places you'd consider relocating. Mention during a phone interview that you're going to be in town for the weekend and would like to meet with some of the team. If you're talking about a San Fran to LA flight their really cheap so that shouldn't cost too much. I know it's a pain, but it shows commitment. Just so you're aware, most employers will of course foot the bill to fly you out and get you to and from the airport (might even throw in a lunch). I'm just talking about the "impression" your leaving.