Tell Employer You'll Pay for Relocation?

I don’t really think you enhance your chances at all by saying you would pay your own moving expenses; in fact, I think just the opposite. I think saying that so early in the process makes you sound a bit too desperate, and employers tend to shy away from such people.

Instead, focus your efforts on building a network of people in the East. Stress your competencies in your cover letters. Consider taking a working vacation to the East and schedule interviews — job or informational — during that time. Being available for interviews is what is important at this phase — moving expenses don’t enter the picture until a job offer is in the making.

I also assume you are applying for different jobs and have separate cover letters, correct? Remember that the cover letter is a selling tool; thus you never want to provide too much information… and certainly never want to provide any information that will derail your application.

So, I suggest sharpening your cover letter fundamentals — do so by visiting Quintessential Careers: Cover Letter Resources. I also suggest you plan a trip east. Before you go, set up interviews with potential employers and a few recruitment agencies. Finally, I suggest you up your networking through professional associations, friends, colleagues, alumni associations, etc.