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applying for jobs across the country
I'm trying to figure out what to do.
Background: In order to be with my fiance, I am moving across the country, to the west coast, in August. I recently graduated from graduate school with a degree in a technical field, and have only been in my current position since January of this year. I'm young-ish, and in the entry-level stage of my career.
I'm planning on giving 2 weeks notice in mid/late July, so my last day would be early August.
Here are my questions:
1. When giving 2 weeks notice, does the day you give notice count as a part of the 2 weeks? I know, it's a stupid question...
2. When would it be appropriate for me to start applying for jobs? Ideally, I'd like to start working in September. Flying back and forth is very expensive, and my current job is quite demanding, so I'd prefer not to start interviewing until august. At the same time, I'm anxious not to miss out on good opportunities.
3. I don't want future companies to think they have to pay for my moving expenses; is there a proper way to say "I am paying for my own moving expenses" in my cover letter?
4. I'll be working at my current company for 6-7 months before leaving. Will this make me look like a flight risk to future employers? I'm only leaving my current job to move across the country to be with my fiance.
5. Worst case scenario is I can't find a job on the west coast. How large a gap between jobs is OK? A month? A few months? Do gaps make it look like I was fired?
Thanks! I am neurotic, I know. 
Re: applying for jobs across the country
1. I think this is sort of arbitrary. Some places, two weeks notice is really a week and a half, some places it's more like three weeks. When you give notice, just tell them when your last day will be. It can include the day you give notice or not. I don't think it really matters unless your company is very specific.
2. Honestly, if I were you, I would start applying now, or at the very latest in mid-June/early July. I just went through an interview process that took, from application to when I would have received an offer, 10 weeks. The job market is tough, and unless you are in a field where there are a lot of openings, it will be very difficult for you to find employment in only a month. I think it's rare for a company to move that fast. Most places I've interviewed with make their decisions in about 8 weeks (from first receiving applications to start date).If you're at all flexible on your move date, maybe move early, or just tell the new employer you can't start until August. Better start a bit earlier than intended and have a job, I think.
3. I would either use your future address, if you know it, on your resume, or say, "I'm preparing to relocate to X area." Don't actually talk about money. If they're not sure, they will ask (this happened with a friend who was moving from NY to FL -- she used that phrase and ended up with the job).
4. Maybe. You can probably address this in your cover letter with the phrase mentioned above (but don't get too personal by talking about your reasons for relocating).
5. Gaps don't make it look like you were fired; employers realize there could be any reason you left a job. Again, if you don't find a job right away, briefly address it in your cover letter, find SOMETHING to do in between that's related to your field (freelancing, volunteering, etc.) so you can say "Since relocating in August, I've been doing X," and be prepared to answer why you left on a phone interview, even if you already mentioned it in your cover letter.
I have an interview out-of-state on Wednesday, so it's not clear across country, but I can relate. My thoughts...
1. It's up to you how to handle the two weeks' notice. At my last job, my supervisor was well aware I had interviewed at my current position, and so when I got my offer, I went ahead and put in my two weeks. I got the offer on a Monday, and we made my last day the Friday of the following week. So it included the Monday. If you know your start date (or moving date) is a Monday two and half weeks' out, say, you can go ahead and give notice stating that your last day with the company will be x.
2. The sooner the better. With my upcoming interview, I started applying early thinking I wouldn't get a bite for months. We hadn't planned to move until July, but if I get the job, I will go stay with family to get started. Conversely, H started job hunting a few weeks before me and has yet to get a call.
3. I think most companies expect you are paying your own way unless they have headhunted you down and you are relocating solely for that job. In my cover letter, I state that our move is impending this summer due to my husband's employment. No company would expect to pay for me to move stating that.
4. There's always the possibility that companies will look at you that way, but as long as you lay it out in your cover letter that you are moving to a permanent locale, they will understand.
5. A gap between when you gave notice at your current job and when you are getting a new one at the new place should be easily explained. As the PP said, they should understand why you left the old place.
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