Are You Willing To Relocate For The Job?

Moving to a new city can be an exciting or daunting idea, but when a hiring manager asks, “Are you willing to relocate for the job?” they may be looking for something different.

There are a number of answers you can give to this question, but ultimately, an interviewer is trying to gauge your enthusiasm for the position.

Depending on your specific circumstances, there are a number of answers you can give, but ultimately, you want to give your potential employer the idea that you would be passionate about the position.

Points to Emphasize

Above all else, it is important when answering this question to be sincere, and there are certain things you should emphasize so that you are not automatically disqualified from the position. Here are some key things to keep in mind when answering:

• Respond with enthusiasm about the position regardless of whether or not you are willing to move
• Be honest with what you want so as to avoid any issues if you get the position
• Emphasize your sincerity for wanting to work with the company
• Ask questions to learn more about relocation to see if it is right for you

Moving cities may not be that big of an issue for you or it might be impossible for you to move at this time. Either way, honesty is essential.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

The ability to relocate can be a major deciding factor to whether you get the position, and there are certain mistakes you should evade in order to still be in the running for the job.

• Do not ask if you will get paid more if you relocate
• Don’t just say “No” if you are unable to move
• Don’t definitively say “Yes” if there are any uncertainties about your ability to transfer
• Don’t be wishy-washy with your answer that doesn’t provide any real information

Confidence and enthusiasm go a long way even if your answer is a “Maybe” or “No,” so don’t count yourself out of the running if you cannot relocate.

Sample Answer

For someone willing to relocate, a good response might look like this:

I believe this position will provide me with a lot of great opportunities, so I would definitely be willing to relocate.

If you are unable to relocate, a good response to keep yourself in the running might be:

I would love to be a part of this company, and this position would be great for my career. However, I am unable to relocate at this time but would consider it in the future.

Don’t think you have lost the job just because you cannot move to a different city. Sometimes, your enthusiasm for the position is all an employer needs to see.