How to let potential employers know you would relocate
Debra,
How do I tactfully let potential employers know that I can relocate my household for an opportunity at my expense? It seems employers are reluctant to interview people who are not currently living in the area. Is there a strategy to deflect my current location in the pre - screening process?
Thanks, Brian
Dear Brian:
When you send a cover letter, indicate your interest in the role and the geographic location. It is important to reassure the hiring company that you are a serious candidate who is not just willing to move, but desiring to move to that area. Give a time certain for the move supports that message. You should also communicate your willingness to assume the expense of the travel for the interview and your availability to travel at a time convenient to the hiring company. Here is an example of closing paragraph language you may be able to adopt for your cover letter.
My spouse and I plan to relocate to the <City Name> area in <Month or Season> in order to be closer to our families. In addition to the excellent career opportunities, we love <City Name or Region Name> and think it is the ideal place to <raise our family – or insert other reason.> I am in the area frequently as I plan the relocation and can meet at your convenience. I am also available to talk via telephone or Skype. I will call next week to inquire about the possibility of meeting with you to discuss how I can help you reach your goals.
If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.
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Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is President of Careers Done Write, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Reader Comments (2)
Great advice. I recently relocated (to Austin, TX) and started applying for jobs before I got there. I basically wrote at the end of each cover letter, "I am moving to Austin in October but will be available for interviews via Skype or phone at your convenience" etc. etc. I don't have a test case to compare it to or anything, but it did work (I got a job through a series of phone and Skype interviews) and nobody seemed to think my location at the time was a real obstacle.
Thanks Debra for this valuable post. One can relate with it.