In an interview, first impressions are always important and that is why the interview starts the moment you enter the building till your departure. The truck load of questions they will throw at you include; ‘are you willing to relocate’?
Before you respond to their queries, you should be wary of the impact it has on the final decision and answer some of the following questions within you.
Are you certain of your answer? Is your response truthful? Do I find it difficult to respond? Also, know that the interviewers are on the lookout for non-verbal signals in line with other things to check whether you’ll be a solid match for their organization.
What does the Interviewer want to know when they ask ‘Are you willing to Relocate?’
Recruiting for a serious position requires a lot of exertion regarding the business, which incorporates sifting through many applications.
If you discover you cannot remain with the organization after a short time because of relocation challenges, time and resources will be wasted. When applying for a job, having the appropriate answer to such a question is critical.
This job interview question demands you know yourself if you can move about as the job requires. Therefore, cautiously phrasing your response can assist you get the job and negotiate the terms of your employment and job relocation package.
More so, this question aids the recruiting managers to sift the number of candidates they are considering. Applicants who are amped up for moving for their profession generally make the best impression.
However, a total refusal to relocate isn’t a major issue.
Tips for Answering ‘Are you Willing to Relocate?’ Question
While you’re seated to be interviewed by the recruiters, remember you are indirectly interviewing them. So, here are a few tips that will help guide your answers to this tricky yet tactful question.
What Should I not Say?
As much as you are required to be honest with your answers, there are things you shouldn’t say. See some of them below.
10 Best Answers to ‘Are You Willing to Relocate’ Questions
If the Answer is ‘Yes’
Maybe, you’ve recently graduated and want to live in a lot of cities. On the flip side, don’t consider yourself to be connected to a particular area.
Or, you’re so frantic to secure this job that you’ll do everything to get it. Reply the question with one of these answers to exhibit your versatility and excitement.
Recall that, as with every interview question, you need to set yourself apart from other applicants who are as excited about the position. You can further convince the interviewer by accentuating on what makes the job special to you.
#1.
‘I’m very enthusiastic about this chance and believe I can add a lot to this team’.
#2.
‘I’m more than willing to relocate for the right opportunity—and this job, with [why you like it so much], is definitely that’.
#3.
‘I’ve been looking to relocate to [location]/have family in [location]/am looking for a change of scenery, so this job would be the perfect opportunity to do so’.
If the Answer is a Maybe
It’s understandable if you want a job but don’t want to leave your existing life to get it. Maybe you’re used to working from home. Perhaps, you’ve recently moved into a new home and don’t want to leave it so soon.
Perhaps, your close acquaintances live in proximity and the company’s location means you’ll spend less time with people you care about. These are acceptable reasons you may not consider relocation an option.
However, understand that being hesitant to do so may have a detrimental impact on how far you progress in the interview. Use the following approaches in the way you respond.
#4.
‘I appreciate living in [current place] and might want to keep on doing so. If the ideal possibility introduces itself, I’d migrate if essential.’
#5.
‘I recently bought a townhouse and relocated my family here. I’m as of now, bound to this area because of my partner’s business/ (another legitimate reason). ‘
‘I will relocate if I factor in the expenses, my children’s school plans, my partner’s work possibilities and other things (you may consider).’
You may also want to read: How to Get into Acting Jobs with no Prior Knowledge
#6.
‘If the work is a solid match, I’m willing to relocate. I’ll also prefer to discuss working remotely or out of the office, since that would be the best alternative for my current situation because (reason)’.
If the Answer is No
This question can emerge abruptly, and you might not have expected the need to move. Accordingly, you’re speechless and don’t have a clue how to say no without shooting yourself in the leg.
Remember two things. One, it’s entirely suitable to proclaim your reluctance to think twice about key-life duties for the sake of a job.
Secondly, a recruiter isn’t completely offended when you say no. They understand that there are conditions you can’t control and so, eliminating relocation from the condition for the right job is worthwhile.
So be honest, but don’t go into too much detail about why you can’t or won’t move. The interviewer has to know why so they can adjust their reaction to you (and devise a strategy if they choose to push you ahead).
However, they don’t have to know everything about your manner of thinking or nerves.
These instances of answers can be helpful;
#7.
‘I’m extremely thrilled about this opportunity, but I’m unable to relocate due to [obligation]’
#8.
‘I’m really excited about this role, but I’m pretty content where I live currently and can’t commit to transferring now’. ‘However, if you consider it to be plausible, I’d be more than ready to make it work remotely/out of the [location] office.’
#9.
‘Absolutely, relocating in the future is interesting to me, particularly for this position, meanwhile, travel/working distantly is a choice I like.’
#10.
‘Unfortunately, I cannot relocate. However, I can guarantee my complete dedication to the role.’
Conclsusion
Having a prepared answer to the ‘are you willing to relocate?’ question shows the interviewer that you’ve prepared carefully for the job interview. Keep up with your confidence and spotlight on what you have to bring to the table, paying little attention to your answer.