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I've been job hunting for a month or so with damn little luck locally so I've finally decided to relocate to a larger city with more opportunity. I'm just about to apply for several positions and was wondering if I should have a statement about my intent to relocate immediately upon securing employment in the cover letter. I'm ready to put my house on the market and move within two weeks of accepting an offer. It's fairly obvious that I would need to relocate if I live in PA and am applying in NC but should I voluntarily offer a brief explanation? I can honestly say that my twin brother (and nephew) lives there and my current position has zero opportunity for advancement. Also, as a single person with no kids, I'm bored to death and would like a little more excitement.

Does it hurt your chances because a company might have to pay your travel expenses to interview in their city? If so, should I mention that I visit my brother often and can be available to interview in-person on short notice, implying that I will eat the travel costs (which I will)? Or would that seem desperate? I only ask because I've been involved in some interviewing in my current job and we don't even consider out of state candidates unless they're an absolutely perfect fit (with the exception of executives). I want to make every effort to see that I get the same consideration as a local candidate.

If it matters, I'm a mid-level tech manager and most of the jobs I'm applying for pay in the $55-70K range and are in either the health care or education field.

jhack's picture

No need to explain. Just say that you're willing to relocate.

Most first interviews are over the phone, so there is no cost to determining if a face to face interview is desired.

If they want to meet you in person, let them invite you. If they're serious, they'll let you know the rules (reimbursement, etc). You can agree to cover the cost yourself if you wish, but most companies will do it for you.

Sure, all other things being equal, they might go for the local candidate. Fortunately, all other things are never equal.

John

PS: Do you have the interview series? Well worth it, absolutely.

AManagerTool's picture

By the way, you may not want to go right ahead and offer to pay your own relocation right up front.

bda72's picture

[quote="jhack"]PS: Do you have the interview series? Well worth it, absolutely.[/quote]
I did purchase the Interviewing Series. I'll admit I was doubtful but it is worth every penny. Lots and lots of great advice in each part. One of the things I like the most is all the little details mentioned throughout the series that won't necessarily help you get the job but could easily cost you the job if it happens to be that interviewers pet peeve.

HMac's picture

If you're applying to a job that's not local to you, I think your interest in relocating pretty much goes without saying. So I think it's unecessary to put into your cover letter (which you want to keep completely on pint about how your background specifically matches their needs).

When asked about your interest to locate, I believe the best answer still remains:

"I would relocate for the right opportunity."

-Hugh

kklogic's picture

Judging by how my day has gone so far, it looks like my title should be changed to Director of Dissent.

I say you mention that you are happy to pick up interview expenses. When we get an out of town resume - and we have viable local candidates - we're likely to think, "Ugh. This'll be expensive. We have to pay to get him/her in here for interviews (we do at least 3 in person) and may have to pay relocation costs." So, we might not even talk to you unless your resume blows us very, very far out of the water (and no one locally has done the same).

HMac's picture

Fair point, Director of Dissent.

But it would be critical to provide that offer in a way that doesn't make the candidate look anxious or sound defensive....

So there MAY by circumstances (certain types of jobs, certain types of companies, certain skillsets) where you'd say something like:

[list][i]"Although I current reside in Pennsylvania, my interest in your company is in part due to having family members located near you. I am often in your area, and would be happy to arrange to meet you at your convenience."[/i][/list:u]
I don't know - it still sounds like I'm drawing attention to the deficit, and giving them reason to screen me out...waving a big red flag?

-Hugh

AManagerTool's picture

kk,

I think too that it depends upon the position and the rarity of talent. In my line of work, we HAVE to provide relocation because there are so damn few of us in the field and they are scattered all over.

jwyckoff's picture

I'm trying to relocate as well, and I say the one of the two following statements in my cover letter:

[i]My wife and I decided recently to move to North Carolina for family reasons, and therefore I am beginning to actively make my network connections in the area. I do not consider my location an issue for North Carolina positions, and I will make myself available for all interview opportunities.[/i]

- OR -

[i]My wife and I decided recently to move to North Carolina for family reasons, and therefore I am beginning to actively make my network connections in the area. I do not consider my location an issue for this position, and I hope you concur.[/i]

One is showing more of your cards than the other.