Q: I am a management-level scientist whose current position in California ends in March because of a downsizing. Prior to working at this job for the last eight years, I lived and worked in the New England area for nearly nine years. I still own a home there, which I have rented since moving to California. There are positions for which I qualify across the country. I am open to moving and can return to my New England home, as well. I am also willing to pay for my relocation expenses if I find the right position.

I have had human resources people tell me they are worried I would not like New England after having lived in California for so long. I have had to remind them that I lived in the East, even though company locations are listed on my resume.

Another issue is that while jobs are appearing, the companies have been slow to respond. How do I explain that I am happy to relocate even at my own expense, or do I mention this only if I am called for an interview? I don't want to be discounted early in the process because of my current location.

A: The responses you have received from human resource representatives are common because they focus on location and don't think like a research scientists, who focus on the professional work in their fields. Since you still own a home in the New England area, consider listing both addresses on your resume, which shows that you have ties to both locations.

In your individual cover letters (create a new one for every position, every company, every specific contact), state with conviction you are open to relocating for the right position in your area of expertise. Describe the work you have done and all that you are able to achieve. If you are responding to a job ad and only HR names are provided, obtain the names of those in upper management, and mail and email your cover letter and resume directly to them in addition to the names advertised.

Human resources serves as the gatekeeper, but at your level, you should also be contacting the executives with which you would be working. Don't try to skip the HR procedures but make an effort to also contact those who understand your field of research. Other scientists would understand a scientific mind and not question whether you would be unhappy to leave California weather.

If you have participated in conferences in your field, you have hopefully saved business cards. Renew those acquaintances and announce that you will be in the job market due to a downsizing. You are not asking these contacts for a job or even for favors; you are simply getting the word out that you are looking, which may stir some interest and trigger even more contacts.

You should also contact companies with research departments that are not advertising. They may be contemplating personnel replacements or additions, or creating positions not yet confirmed. Networking through professionally driven media is acceptable, since people have experienced downsizing at all levels. Your goal is to get your name and expertise in front of those in charge and those who can be helpful either now or in the future. If you are not comfortable using LinkedIn to communicate with people in your field, create your own list of companies across the country and the department heads at each, and contact them directly. Remember, you are management-level, so you may be able to help them and return any favors afforded to you.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.