How To Answer "Are You Willing To Relocate?" In Your Next Interview?

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An interview can often feel too much to deal with - you need to balance your body language with communication skills; sound prepared but not rehearsed; study about the role and the company. But there are ways to ease the interview stress. 

The interview is a well-balanced mixture of a plethora of known as well as unknown questions. No one can anticipate all the curveballs that might come your way during an interview. However, there are certain expected questions during job interviews that you can prepare for in advance.

Here, we've covered one of the most frequently asked questions, that has most interviewees thinking, "I don't how to answer that". Yes, it's the question, "Are you willing to relocate?"

The question of relocation often leavers interviewees confused and nervous. They try to frame answers that may not always be true, but which they feel can land them the job. However, that's not the right approach to answering questions about relocation.

So let's understand why interviewers ask, "Are you willing to relocate?" and tips to answer the question. 

Why Do Interviewers Ask "Are You Willing To Relocate?"

Not every job requires the employee to stay in the same city and work for years at the same location. Certain jobs have the inevitable necessity to relocate the employees based on their performance and skill set for either the same position or another amazing opportunity. Then there are instances where an interview takes place at a location different from the main office - it could be a campus interview, or the interviewee could be giving the interview from a different location. In such cases too, the interviewer may expect the interviewee to relocate to the office location. 

Asking interviewees if they're willing to relocate is a way for interviewers to gauge several things about them. Such a question gives the hiring manager an idea about how willing and interested the candidate is if the job role requires frequent shifts. It also enables them to judge how an interviewee reacts to unexpected situations. Ultimately, the possibility of relocation is ever-present in most organizations, and hiring managers need to understand how candidates respond to it.

Thus, while it's imperative that interviewees answer this question effectively, it will do them well to remember that there is no single right or wrong answer. And answering it negatively doesn't necessarily impact a job seeker's employment prospects.  

Have a ready answer to this common interview question before the interviewer asks you. So let's see how this question can be answered.

How To Respond To "Are You Willing To Relocate"?

During the hiring process, hiring managers initially shortlist candidates by matching their resumes and/or skill sets with the job profile. Hiring managers go through numerous resumes. Thus, this is where an amazing resume can set you apart.

Further shortlisting is done on the basis of several rounds, including one or more interview rounds. Herein, job seekers can come across questions that they may fumble upon and answer wrongly.

While it's natural to not know the answer to every possible question, ignorance should not be the approach for a common question like, "Are you willing to relocate?" If answering this question feels like a daunting task, then we have practical advice for you.

This question, "Are you willing to relocate?" has three possible types of responses:

1. The absolute readiness to relocate.
2. The 'maybe' answer.
3. An absolute no. 

The absolute readiness to relocate

This might be the ultimate answer if you are willing to relocate or if you have been caught off guard by this question. The readiness for relocation also comes in as an opportunity to gain more experience, secure promotions, and interact with different individuals - all activities that can help you climb the career ladder.

But remember to give an honest answer to yourself as well as the hiring manager, keeping in mind your current situation and future career aspirations. Your reasons for relocation should not merely be, nailing the interview and getting a job. The idea of relocation is not one to toy with - it's a major life and career decision.

Candidates who have clear reasons for relocation are more likely to come up with a faithful answer. This also shows the interviewer your sense of responsibility. It will show that you are willing to be a part of the company and grab hold of a perfect opportunity.

An ideal answer to this common interview question can be "Given the right career opportunity, I am willing to relocate. I believe that this company and the wonderful opportunity provided will help me climb the career graph."

However, after giving a positive response about the relocation decision, asking the interviewer a few questions regarding the relocation policy will create a sense of faith in the interviewer. It will give the hiring manager reassurance that you are actually willing to relocate if required in the future, and not responding positively just to crack the interview. One may ask potential employers questions about various relocation requirements, like job relocation packages, cost of living in the new place, relocation cost reimbursement, etc. At the same time, you may even share any prior experience with relocation, if you have to showcase your preparedness. 

Ideally, the human resources team should be able to answer most, if not all, of these questions. You may even ask about how the organization handled previous relocations to get a better understanding of their approach. 

The MAYBE Answer

In a certain situation or due to some personal reasons, interviewers may struggle with saying yes to relocation at the time of the interview. It could also be that you find relocation challenging. Considering all the relocation factors, your mind will be in a dilemma about whether or not should you consider it. Thinking of answering it as a complete no will lead to thousands of questions in mind - Will it hamper my chance of success? Will I lose this job opportunity if I answer it in negation? Will my career development stop? Will my long-term career goals plummet?

So when the mind is on such a bewildering journey, then the way to answer this career interview question is maybe.

You can reply in this manner, "I find this multinational corporation and this city the most enjoyable place to work with. But if my job role requires relocation then I am up for it. However, I would like to know more about the relocation policy and associated details beforehand."

In such an instance, it's even more important that interviewees ask questions about relocation and gather the right information. The answers you receive can very well influence your decision, and provide you with much-needed clarity about whether to relocate or not. You can ask about who will be bearing the cost of relocation, the available relocation packages, prospective relocation options, relocation timeline, etc.

How to say an absolute NO?

There can very easily be a situation where an interviewee does not consider the option of relocation at all. For any number of reasons,  you can have an issue with relocation, and it may not be a viable option - and interviewers are well aware of that. Yet, saying an immediate no as a response to the interviewer might leave a very bad impact on the interviewer.

Keep in mind two things: Firstly, there is nothing wrong with saying no to the employer because you have certain family responsibilities or maybe just because you are happy working in this city! Secondly, if answered properly, then there is no reason why an interviewer rejects you.

Simply put, saying no is not the wrong answer. But there is a way to say no to the idea of relocation. 

When asked such a question start by saying, "This job opportunity is my dream job opportunity. I would love to work with the team here. I enjoy this area and place of work and would want to continue with this company". Alternatively, it can also be answered as "I am very passionate about this role but because of (mention your obligation) I might not be able to relocate. However, since I enjoy working in this city, I would love to continue doing my role here."

The issue of relocation is not the only deciding factor in an interview. But, it's important that interviewees have clear ideas about relocation and why they're rejecting it. You can even enquire about relocation alternatives from the interviewer to showcase your interest in the role and willingness to adapt. 

Are You Willing To Relocate?: Sample Answers

Let us have a look at certain sample answers to get a complete idea about what is the best and most effective way to answer the relocation question: 

When the answer is yes

Sample Answer 1:

"I am very excited to work in this role and I will strive to give my best to this opportunity. I am extremely determined to work with the team and widen my horizon as well as work efficiently for the company's growth and so I am open for relocation."

Sample Answer 2:

"I have been looking for opportunities which allow me to shift and travel to places so that besides being able to work for the company, I get to meet new people and adapt to new working culture as the work culture for every place is a bit different."

When the answer is Maybe

Sample Answer 1:

"I am very comfortable working here (current location) and love the work culture here. But if my role demands relocation then I'll be up for it. However, I would love to know about the relocation plans you have in place, as well as the relocation procedure followed by the organization."

Sample Answer 2:

"The job profile offered is amazing and I would want to work with your company. But I have recently relocated to (the current city's name) and my family is settled here for now with my children already admitted to a new school. However, if my role demands necessary relocation then I will be willing to go for it because I am extremely happy and settled working with your multinational corporation."

When the answer is NO

Sample Answer 1:

"I am passionate and dedicated to working for your company but at this point in time, it will be a bit difficult for me to relocate as I have to look after my parents who are settled in (current city's name). It will be a bit difficult for me to change my work location because my parents are aged and cannot move and adjust to a new city ."

Sample Answer 2:

"I am really excited and determined to work with your institution but currently I am in a position where relocating sounds a bit difficult for me. However, if the job offers me the opportunity to work remotely or work from out of the current office then I am ready to do so, if it sounds suitable to you."

Things To Keep In Mind When Answering, "Are You Willing To Relocate"?"

Here are certain things to keep in mind when answering the question, "Are you willing to relocate?":

i) Be honest - Don't say yes to relocation, simply for the sake of clearing the interview. If you go back on your decision later, it may impact your career advancement. Thus, always be honest when responding. 

ii) Ask questions - Always ask questions about relocation so you have the utmost clarity about what the relocation process will entail. This ensures that when you relocate, there are no unexpected surprises that may sour your experience. Here are certain key details about relocation that you should try to gather information about: 

• The cost of relocation - while the company usually bears the relocation expenses, it may bear it prior to relocation or reimburse the cost after you relocate. Make sure to have clarity on this aspect. 
• Salary after relocation - there may be instances where you're relocating to a location where the cost of living is higher than your present circumstances. Or you may have more expenses. Analyze this and enquire about changes to your salary, if required. 
• Opportunities for career growth - Always get clarity on how the relocation is helping your career advancement. A relocation is a major change and it's important that you understand the role it plays in long-term career success. 

iii) Don't go overboard: Lengthy answers are not the way to go about answering this question. Irrespective of whether your answer is a yes or no, keep your answer honest and to the point, giving valid reasons for your choice. 

Summing up...

In a gist, it can be concluded that when such questions are put to you in your ongoing interview process then always answer convincingly. Always show more concern about the position rather than the relocation criteria. Answer as if the relocation doesn't mean much to you as much as the role does.

There is no correct answer for such open-ended questions But there is an effective and convincing answer that will neither offend the interviewer nor hamper your chances of success. 

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