While you can prepare only so much for an interview, there are a few commonly asked questions that you can expect to come up—and keeping an answer in your back pocket can help the interview go all the more smoothly.
One of them is this: Are you willing to relocate?
If a job does require relocation, it’ll typically say so on the application. There is a chance, however, that the question will come up in an interview regardless of whether it was on the application.
Maybe you're willing to move, or maybe you're not. Maybe you're not quite sure yet. Here are a few ways to answer the question during the interview process.
Read more:The Questions You Should Be Asking about Relocation Assistance
1. An enthusiastic yes
First and foremost: Don’t just say yes because that’s what you think your potential employer wants to hear—you should say you’re willing to relocate only if that’s actually the case. If you are willing to move, then here are a few examples of what to say that show your passion and flexibility without going overboard.
I feel that this position is the opportunity I’ve been looking for, so I’d be more than happy to relocate, but I would love to hear more details about what that might look like.
I’ve actually looked into [area] and think it would be a good fit for my lifestyle. If the job required relocating, I’d be more than happy to talk details.
I’m excited about the potential that this position has to offer, so I’d be more than happy to consider making a move if that were required.
Read more:16 Interview Questions & Your Guide to Crushing Them
2. A hesitant yes
Maybe relocation isn’t wholly off the table, but it certainly wouldn’t be your first choice. In that case, you should convey a bit of your hesitation, but make it clear that you’re open to discussing the logistics if the situation does arise.
I’m not currently looking to make a move since I’ve established a lifestyle here that I really enjoy, but I wouldn’t rule it out for the right opportunity.
Relocation is certainly on the table, but I’d love to discuss remote work before then, if possible. That being said, I wouldn’t rule out relocating if the right opportunity presented itself.
Relocation is something that I’d need to discuss with my family / significant other. In the meantime, I’d love to hear more details about what that might look like.
Read more:The 5 Best Ways to Answer: Why Should We Hire You?
3. A definite no
If you don’t want to relocate, then there’s no way around that. Not being willing or able to relocate won’t necessarily disqualify you from being considered for the job; the employer may be willing to hire you in your current location or talk about remote work.
If the answer is no, you should be honest during the interview.
Right now, I’m not able to relocate, but I think this position is the perfect opportunity for my career goals and I would bring a lot of unique experience to the job.
I can’t relocate, but I would be very open to remote work.
Relocating may be an option for me in the future, but I only recently settled down in the area, so making a move this soon isn’t feasible for me.
Read more:How to Counter a Job Offer & Get What You Want
FAQs
"I am absolutely open to relocating for the right opportunity. In fact, I am looking to take on more responsibilities and challenges, and I believe this position is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I am excited about the possibility of relocating and immersing myself in a new environment and culture."
What is the best answer to Are you willing to relocate? ›
"I am absolutely open to relocating for the right opportunity. In fact, I am looking to take on more responsibilities and challenges, and I believe this position is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I am excited about the possibility of relocating and immersing myself in a new environment and culture."
How to answer when can you start when you need to relocate? ›
If you need to relocate for the job, it's fine to inquire about what timing would work best for the company; after all, you'll need time to move to the new location. Alternatively, you may simply want some time to decompress so you'll feel fresh and recharged on your first day in the new position.
Why do jobs ask if you are willing to relocate? ›
Employers have several reasons for asking this question. The first, of course, is that the position you're applying for does require you to move, or may require a transfer later on. But the interviewer may also be testing your commitment and enthusiasm for the role and the company, as well as your flexibility.
How to answer why are you considering a move from your current role? ›
Consider the following:
- I want to learn more.
- I feel like I'm ready to take on more responsibility.
- I believe I've progressed as far as I can in my current role.
- I need a change of environment to motivate me.
- I want to develop a new skill that isn't required in my current job.
Example: "Yes, I am more than happy to take a position some may view as less prestigious if it helps me move into this industry. For me, the title I hold is less important to me than the work I accomplish, and I feel this opportunity would allow me to do work that I could be proud of and would enjoy for a long time.
How to answer location preference in interview? ›
I would be happy to relocate, and I would prefer to stay somewhere in the Northern part of the country. Ideally, I'd like to stay within driving distance of this city, but I am flexible and would consider other areas with your company."
How do you say you're willing to relocate on a resume? ›
Here are a few ways to word your relocation preferences: Targeting a specific area: "Please note that I will be relocating to Los Angeles in March 2019. Your opening presents the precise challenge I am seeking, and I would welcome the chance to discuss this opportunity with you."
Why do people want to relocate? ›
Career advancements and job relocations remain one of the most common reasons people move. Whether it's pursuing a new job with better prospects, transferring to a different location within a company, or seeking employment in a different city, the necessity to be closer to work often triggers a household move.
What is the most common reason that employees relocate? ›
With that said, the most common reasons for relocating employees include: Competitive advantage. A high-performing employee can be moved to a location that gives them more room for growth in ways that improve the company's competitive performance. Office efficiency.
“I'm looking for a new challenge.” “I want a job with better career growth opportunities.” “I had to leave due to family or personal reasons.” “I don't like the hours at my current job.”
Why should we hire you? ›
A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .
Are you willing to relocate for this position? ›
The answer is yes, maybe is an answer and not a bad one. It is how you answer that is important. You might respond with: “I very much enjoy this area and would love to continue my career here, but this position is a great opportunity for my career and if relocating is a part of that, I would definitely consider it.”
What are your three weaknesses? ›
Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination. An authentic answer goes a long way. That's why the best solution is to identify your real weaknesses and take proactive measures to address them.
Why are you willing to change your current job? ›
I believe that a new environment will provide fresh challenges and opportunities for growth." Why are you looking for a job change? Best answer sample: "I am motivated to make a job change because I am eager to take on new challenges and expand my skill set in a different work setting.
How to answer a relocation question in an interview? ›
I'd be open to relocating, but would need to take into consideration moving costs/my children's school schedules/my partner's job prospects/[another factor you'd have to weigh].” “I'm happy to consider relocating if the job's a good fit.
What is the best answer for switching jobs? ›
Here are the top 7 reasons you can mention to address job change questions in interviews:
- Looking for Greater Responsibility.
- Seeking a More Challenging Role.
- Need Better Job Security.
- New Skill Development.
- Career Growth.
- Relocation.
- Unfavorable Company Culture.
Here are five examples of reasons for leaving a job that a hiring manager would view positively:
- More responsibility and better career growth. ...
- A career change. ...
- Company reorganization. ...
- Better work-life balance. ...
- Relocation.
“What motivated you to apply for this position” answers
- Research the company. ...
- Understand the company's values, culture and mission. ...
- Review the job description. ...
- Align your skills and experience to the role and the company's needs. ...
- Perform a self-assessment. ...
- Incorporate industry-specific knowledge and relevant achievements.
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
Key phrases to use
- My years of experience have prepared me for the role.
- I have experience in leadership.
- I understand what is needed to keep the customer happy.
- Based on my background, I am confident that I would mesh well with the other employees.
If an interviewer asks you if you're willing to relocate, you can assume one of two things: (1) Being open to relocation is a preference for them, if not an outright requirement, so if you say 'no', you probably won't get the job; or (2) they really like you and they're already thinking of your promotion potential down ...
How do you tell your company you want to relocate? ›
Identify concrete ways the move could improve or add value to the business and rehearse clear explanations for your reasons for relocating and prepare responses to any questions or concerns your boss may have.
What does reliable commute or relocate mean? ›
Reliably commute means that you must have reliable transportation so that you can commute back and forth to work. Plannjng to relocate is an option used for the new hire indicating that they will be moving / relocating closer to the job so they can reliably commute.
