Q: I have lived and worked in several regions of the U.S. — the East, Southeast, Midwest and West. I would like to return to the East, which was my original home, and I have chosen certain states I would consider moving to. I have preferences, but I want to remain open and would be satisfied living in any heavily populated eastern area.

I've registered on many job seeker sites, listing the states, industries and jobs suited to my education and background; I hope to make this move my last, as I have moved around enough in my life. I didn't start moving to different regions until my late 30s and 40s, so now that I want to return east and not move again, I'm not sure how to approach this. Wanting to return and stay in one area seems to have increased my confusion rather than to calm it. I am not tied down to one state, but I would like to stay east due to family and long-time friends.

I also don't know how to explain that I am not open to moving again after I find a new job. I don't want a company to think I have a desire to wander; moving was something that happened due to my field and the offers that appeared each particular time. I need to know what to say and what not to say.

A: Carolyn Thompson, managing principal of MeritoGroup.com, a U.S.-based talent acquisition company, has tried-and-true advice for job seekers wanting to relocate. First, don't wait for available positions to appear on job-search Websites. Narrow your search to one location and focus on the companies in your industry in that area. You have to apply to the job online but taking it one step further is what will get you hired. Research the names and titles of those making the hiring decisions, write those decision makers, and send a well written cover letter and resume by U.S. Mail, Priority Class. That's right. Do not email. Priority mail stands out and gets the executive's attention.

Don't put critical information in the cover letter; they often don't get read, though it shows a person you know proper etiquette and that you're capable of clear communication. Instead, add your must-see information to your resume. For example, if you are coming from a job outside of the U.S., list in the bullet point section of your profile that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Another bullet point might be: "Relocating to (fill in the state and date)." If you are seeking a telecommute option, state so. Your work attributes and your requirements should appear in your "profile summary" at the top of the resume.

If you think you may be open to another move in the future, look for companies with locations in cities across the country. Once you are in a company, it will be easier to transfer to another location if the desire or the need arises. If you are considering more than one location, don't mention it in your resume or cover letter. Hiring managers want to feel you are interested in their company in their specific location. Many locations in proximity allow for commuting between two states — New Jersey to New York, Virginia or Maryland to Washington DC, but if your potential locations include Florida and Ohio, for example, focus on each separately and discreetly.

Get feedback on your resume from friends in your field, even if you are using a professional resume writer. A new point-of-view can offer an angle or subject you overlooked.

You can email all questions to life and workplace coach [email protected] and visit her Website at LindseyParkerNovak.com. She welcomes and answers all emails.