Q&A: What About Relocating During a Job Search?

Posted on July 9, 2011 by The Résumé Studio

I used to do Q&As with newsletter subscribers. In 2006, a job seeker wrote in about relocation biases.

Dear Jared:

I’m open to relocation and have sent résumés to other cities. So far no one has expressed interest. I feel like they only want local candidates. — Anita, Tampa, FL.

Dear Anita:

They probably do. Many companies draw from local candidate pools first. It’s less costly, the candidates are familiar with the territory, and they’re easier to meet face-to-face.

As an executive search consultant who conducted national searches, I was surprised by how frequently companies got “geographically stuck.” We were often restricted in the talent we could find until we were able to convince the client to look at the bigger picture.

As a candidate, it’s your job to speak up, subtly. You can’t dictate what a hiring entity wants, but you can remove a few barriers upfront to improve the odds.

Here are a few techniques:

  • Place “Willing to Relocate,” “Open to Relocation,” or “Relocating to [City Name]” under your résumé address.
  • Have a friend of family member in your intended city? Ask permission to list their address next to your current address.
  • Start the second paragraph of your cover letter with a succinct statement about your relocation plans and your willingness to be readily available to interview and move at your own cost.

You never know when relocation will enter your job search, or how. But being prepared with the right tools can make a difference.

Until next time!

Jared Redick
Visit: The Resume Studio.com
Follow: @TheResumeStudio
Connect: LinkedIn.com/in/jaredredick
Call: 415-397-6640

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