How to Include Willingness to Relocate on Your Resume
10 min read
The search for a new job can be an emotional roller-coaster for job seekers. While it can be exciting to move on to the next stage of your life and career, there are often unexpected challenges and anxieties. That’s especially true when you’re planning to relocate and land a new job at the same time!
The good news is that being from another state doesn’t need to put you at a disadvantage in a long-distance job search. You just need to mention that you’re willing to relocate on your resume in a way that helps you compete with local candidates seeking the same job. Here are some of the best strategies to help you manage any out-of-state job search and minimize the concerns employers may have about dealing with relocation issues.
Why would a relocation be a problem for employers?
Before you even begin to mention relocation on your resume, remember that many employers are reluctant to hire out-of-state candidates. There are many reasons for this, but they all typically boil down to two things: the company’s time and expense. There are often increased costs associated with hiring candidates from out of state. In many instances, local candidates are typically available to begin work shortly after being hired. That isn’t always the case when candidates live in another state.
Some employers also view relocation as a risk for everyone involved. Here are some concerns you’ll want to address if you expect to land an interview and eventual job.
What happens if your move to their city doesn’t work out as you planned?
Will you become a flight risk and need to move again – forcing the company to go through the hiring process all over again?
Key Takeaway
Follow these simple tips when you mention relocation on your resume, and you’ll be able to effectively compete against local candidates for that out-of-state job you deserve.
How to mention that you’re willingness to relocate on your resume
As with everything in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to mention relocation on your resume during the job search.
First, let’s be clear: you do need to mention it. There are always some job seekers who present themselves as locals. Unfortunately for them, that deception is invariably discovered at some point. It is important to be honest with any prospective employer instead of lying on your job application, and let the company know that you’re relocating.
There are several effective ways to handle this subject, and to impress employers while you're at it!
If your relocation depends on landing a job
If your relocation is dependent on landing a job, then you need to mention that fact somewhere on your resume and/or cover letter.
In this case, you would mention relocation on your resume and discuss it in more detail in your cover letter.
You could mention it at the top of your resume and use one of the following:
Willing to relocate
Willing to relocate to Florida (if it's a specific desired location)
Regardless of which option you choose, the proper way to mention that you’re willing to relocate in your resume is to include that language after your current location. For example:
John J Smith
Anytown, AnyState (willing to relocate) | 555.555.5555 | email@email.com
Related: When your relocation depends on landing a job and a certain starting salary, read this post too: How To Include Desired Salary In a Cover Letter
Don't make this common mistake
Many job seekers make the mistake of listing the city they're relocating to as a current location on their resumes or LinkedIn profiles, and only bring up intentions to relocate when it comes time for the interview. This scramble makes you look unprofessional and dishonest – not a good impression to make on prospective employers!
Instead, if you're planning to relocate later and to a certain target location, you should mention that on the top of your resume with your contact information.
If you're moving whether you get a job or not
If you have a place secured and are certain about moving, you can include your new city and state on your resume in place of your current location. You don't need to mention relocation on either the resume or cover letter; however, you would generally be expected to appear for an interview.
If the date is still a few weeks out, you can provide the desired city you're relocating to along with the month and year.
Relocating to Florida in December 2018
Relocating to Austin, TX by 10/2020
Here is an example of including relocation on a resume:
John J Smith
Relocating to Anytown 08/2024 | 555.555.5555 | email@email.com
Remember that hiring managers are generally reluctant to interview those who are relocating unless it's for a high-level position that's difficult to fill.
Additional advice for job searching
During the coronavirus pandemic, there was a huge shift toward remote work and working from home. While that meant more remote opportunities during the pandemic, many employers have been rapidly returning to on-site employment again. Though remote opportunities still exist, it is important to clarify that issue as early in the application process as possible.
It should be obvious from the job description whether the position is remote, fully remote, or temporarily remote. If it isn't, you need to get that clarification during the interview! When you're not interviewing in person, it may be tempting to say you're local when you aren't.
Don't!
These lies have a way of coming out. For example, your new potential employer may need to mail you onboarding materials or notify you that you're expected to be in the office next week. Always be upfront about where you're located. Focus on the value you can add, regardless of your location.
If you aren't willing to relocate for this position, you need to be assured before getting hired that this position will remain remote indefinitely.
Expert Tip
Read our guide on How To Write A Resume For Remote Work to learn how to tailor your resume for a remote job.
How to mention relocation on a cover letter
The cover letter is where you would discuss your relocation in more detail. Look at the example below for more tips. You'll see that this type of statement would typically be placed near the end of your cover letter. That allows you to focus the main body of the letter on your potential employer's needs. It also enables you to establish yourself as the best candidate before the issue of relocation is mentioned.
I hope to have the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and your company’s needs at your earliest convenience. While my family currently lives in Minneapolis, we are already in the process of moving to [company’s location]. I am confident that the timing of the move can be mutually beneficial and believe that there is much that I can contribute to the success of your team.
I am prepared to travel to meet with you for an interview at any time. Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Expert Tip
Cover letters help your job application stand out to a hiring manager. Here's what a good cover letter looks like in 2024.
Express interest in video conferencing or phone interviews
When employers know that you’re either in the process of relocating or have expressed a willingness to do so, they are often open to conducting an interview via the phone or a video conference. It is important to also mention in your cover letter that you’re available for those options too. Be sure to include your email and other video conferencing information in your cover letter to aid in any interview scheduling process.
Writing a relocation resume: tips
To help you craft your own relocation resume, we’ve compiled some simple, step-by-step tips that you can use. As you create each section of the resume and add your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, remember to focus on the value that you can offer to employers.
1. Start with your contact information
Your resume should begin with your contact details, right at the top of the page. That includes your first and last name, city and state, phone number, email, and professional social media URL (LinkedIn). These details are critical since employers will need to be able to find this information if they want to schedule interviews or contact you with job offers. Add a brief mention of your willingness to relocate here.
2. Craft a job title headline
This headline should include the job you’re seeking, along with some descriptive language to help highlight your unique value as a potential hire. For example: Results-focused Marketing Manager with 10 Years of Leadership Experience.
3. Create a summary section
Some people like to think of this three to five-sentence paragraph as the resume’s equivalent of a salesperson’s elevator pitch. It should briefly highlight your key skills, at least one measurable achievement, and relevant experience in the industry and role.
4. List your core competencies or skills
Include both hard and soft skills in this important section. Always make sure that you analyze the job posting and role description to identify the key abilities that the employer is seeking. The language used in the job posting will often include keywords that you need to insert into your resume to get past applicant tracking system, or ATS – so try to use those exact terms in your skill section.
5. Detail your professional history
Of course, your resume also needs to include information about your work experience. List your relevant experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position. Include the job title, company name, and dates of employment. For each position, also add four or five bullet point examples of measurable achievements to help employers see the type of value that you can provide as a new hire.
6. Include information about your education
Your educational section should include the name of the school you attended and the dates of attendance. Add the degree that you obtained, along with any relevant coursework. You can also include additional instruction, certifications, continuing education, and other educational achievements that can bolster your qualifications for the position.
Depending on the job you’re seeking and your skills, experience, and achievements, you may also want to include additional sections. These sections could include:
Groups or other professional affiliations you may be involved with
Notable projects that you’ve completed
Job-related activities
Publications or research that you’ve completed
You’re here, your dream job is there, go get it
The fact is that you can – and should – mention that you’re willing to relocate in your resume and cover letter. You need to communicate that you're serious about the move and ensure that your resume presents you as the most qualified candidate for the job.
Unless you're applying for a remote job, competing against local talent is always difficult for out-of-state candidates. With the right resume and cover letter, however, you can level the playing field. And that can improve your chances of landing that job!
Good luck with your job search!
Need help showing that you’re willing to relocate in your resume? The resume experts at ZipJob can help! Get your free resume review today and get on the path to improving your job search results.
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Written by
Ken Chase, Freelance Writer
During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on ZipJob’s blog.
