Posting Point
The question “Are you willing to relocate?” may be asked during a job interview, depending on your field, occupation, and experience level. You can be questioned about your capacity to move during a preliminary phone interview or later in the interview process.
The recruiter may inquire about candidates’ ability to relocate when contacted directly by contract-jobs agencies, which businesses hire to find top talent for open positions.
Hint: For the “ideal” hiring, these employers frequently agree to cover relocation expenses.
This question is asked more frequently because, if you are recruited, you may be required to travel to several job locations or satellite offices. For certain occupations, relocating is a given. Those considering careers in the military, foreign service or international aid, as travelling nurses, as consultants, or as consultants should anticipate having to move as their assignments change.
There may be a relocation policy at the company you’re interviewing with, or your compensation package might be changeable. According to an Allied study, 26.4 per cent of respondents had some of their moving costs paid for, 15.75 per cent received temporary housing assistance, 12.05 per cent received an expenditure allowance, and 8.7 per cent received a lump sum payment to cover expenses.
What the Interviewer Wants “Are you willing to relocate?”
Are you willing to relocate? It is a question that will test your self-awareness during a job interview. When correctly worded, your response—if you have the freedom to move as the job requires—can help you get the job and negotiate the terms of your employment and job relocation package.
Employing managers can reduce the number of candidates they are considering by using this query. The most outstanding candidates are those eager to move for their job. Generally speaking, although not always, a complete refusal to relocate is a deal-breaker.
Interviewers want to know what trade-offs a candidate will have for their flexibility in relocating to a new position. Some examples are salary, benefits, relocation assistance, temporary housing, spousal assistance, signing bonuses, help with a new home, and cash allowance.
Hint: You might indicate in your resume and cover letter that you are ready to move if necessary.
Are You Willing to Relocate? How to Respond.
- Be sincere with yourself and the interviewer. This position might not be suitable for you if you have any reservations about your ability or willingness to move, either now or in the future.
- Take advantage of the chance that is being offered. Use your readiness to move elsewhere as a “selling point” to advance your candidacy. According to a poll conducted by the international outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., the percentage of employee relocation has consistently decreased since 2000, down from 19 per cent to 11 per cent. Fewer professionals are willing to accept relocation as a condition of their employment due to the significant increase in telecommuting and remote work options.
You can distinguish yourself from some of your competition for the job by emphasising your availability and eagerness for relocation in your response. - Don’t underestimate the power of “Maybe”: Even if you’re unsure of your willingness to move, it’s a good idea to mention that you might think about doing so. Be honest in discussing your concerns about relocating because you might have legitimate worries about a cost of living increase or the impact on your family. Hiring managers interested in you as a candidate may respond by suggesting adjustments the company could make to ease your concerns.
Recommended Read: Why Should We Hire You
The best examples of responses
Are you willing to relocate? Example responses are provided below for you to use as a guide when writing your own. Examples of “yes,” “maybe,” and “no” responses are provided.
If the Answer’s “Yes”
Absolutely! I just finished college. Therefore I don’t have anything attaching me to this place. I aim to work for a large corporation where I can develop my career over the long term. And if doing so requires travelling to improve your operations, get experience, or land promotions, go for it! There are always unique encounters and new acquaintances to make while I explore and acclimate to recent locations and local customs.
Why It Works: The best answer to the relocation issue is this enthusiastic “yes.” As a team member who can adapt to change to contribute to the firm’s success, the candidate not only conveys that they are driven and passionate about furthering their career.
If the Answer’s “Maybe”
I recently purchased my first home in this neighbourhood because I adore it. I would, however, be more than willing to relocate for the excellent opportunity. To assess the cost of living and determine whether the advantages of moving there would be comparable to those our family currently would require some investigation on my part. Could you elaborate on the possibilities of a move of this kind?
Why It Works: This effectively uses the word “Maybe.” The interviewee expresses reasonable reservations about moving but doesn’t completely discount it. They then return the initiative to the hiring manager by posing a query that reveals their genuine interest in the organisation.
If the Answer’s “No”
I cannot move at the moment because of a current family obligation. I have had experience working remotely, though, and if necessary, I could make frequent trips to your other offices.
Why It Works: Occasionally, a person’s current circumstances prevent them from moving. This candidate responds with a “No, but…” without going into unnecessary detail. There is always the chance that the company will opt to hire them without requiring them to relocate if they are the best applicant for the job.
Avoiding saying
Never say never. Try not to sound like this would always be the case, even if you cannot relocate. Mention that you might be able to move at some point in the future.
Don’t disclose too much personal information. Not every aspect of why you might be debating a move needs to be admitted to the interviewer. Just forget about your “family commitment” or “present life situation,” which can make relocating difficult.
Don’t be critical of your current surroundings. Don’t express negative to the interviewer if you are someone who would love to move to a new town as soon as possible since you don’t like your current one. Instead of concentrating on why you want to leave town, consider the opportunities that moving with the company would present.
