Question: Is it wise to move to the US before finding a Job?

The situation: I've been out of the country for 12 years and just god laid off from my overseas job. I have enough reserve to live for the next 12 months but not sure if it's wise to move to the US first and then find a job. I'm already passed 40 and held senior positions overseas. I"m also finding it difficult to connect or apply in the US without a US phone number, address, timezone difference, etc.

Answer:

Get a recruiter since you are a professional.
A company would hire you and pay for your moving.

Check the job sites like monster.com, indeed.com and careerbuilder.com, see what the job market is like for the type of work where you want to live in the US.

Also get connected with some good temp agencies who recruit people in your profession. Ask them questions.

An finally if you're out of work out there, you need to get back to the US ASAP to find a job.

yes, very wise

You might try Monster.com or other on-line job search places. But like you said, it's difficult to get a job if you don't have a permanent address in the U.S. where they can contact you. If you know which city you'd like to live in, you might just move there first, and then look in the local papers for a job. But if you are upper management, you'll be looking for a position in a large corporation, like an oil or construction company, where they may have a position in a city where you are not presently located. So when you move to the U.S., find an inexpensive apartment to live in, so moving out won't be a problem if you get a job in another town.