Recruiters ask "Are you willing to relocate" to not only filter the willing candidates but also to gauge the concessions that have to provided for it.
How you answer this common interview question can earn you your position in the company!
So, let’s jump right into how to answer "Are you willing to relocate?"
Points to consider while answering "Are you willing to relocate?"
Similar to answering other HR interview questions, here are a few points that every candidate must remember while answering this common interview question.
Show more concern about the position
You must show equal and more concern about the position offered.
After all "Are you willing to relocate?" might be the recruiter’s strategy to understand whether a candidate is serious about the job offered or not.
So, as important as asking questions regarding the relocation is, the job should remain the primary concern.
Ask necessary questions about relocation
Relocation is a big step. So, always ask questions regarding the topic to your recruiter.
They will be more than willing to help you with the necessary information and help to make your decision easy.
Be clear about what you are looking for in the company
Both the candidate and recruiter have expectations from each other.
Discuss your role, growth prospects, their expectations from you, and other necessary factors in detail.
Getting clarity about the job offered can help you to decide the relocation aspect.
Emphasize your interest in working with the company
Irrespective of your relocation decision, it is extremely important to let your recruiter know that you are interested in working his/her company.
This will leave an imprint on the recruiter that you are genuinely interested in working with them and they might consider your candidature accordingly.
Sample answers to answer "Are you willing to relocate?"
Such a common interview question can be categorized mainly into three options of Yes, Maybe, and No.
Here are a few sample answers to each of the options.
If the answer is ‘Yes’
Candidates who have recently plunged into work-life or those experienced professionals who don’t have any strings attached to themselves are often more open to relocating when asked “Are you willing to relocate?”
Here is how you can answer in the affirmative.
Sample answer #1:
“I am open to relocation.
This is my first job after graduating and the job profile offered by your company has a lot of exposure to learning and also growth opportunities.
I will happily relocate for such an amazing opportunity.”
Sample answer #2:
“I am open to the option of relocation for an opportunity that offers a great learning experience and further growth prospects within the company.
The job profile offered by your company is perfect and I am sure my previous years of experience will add value to your organization.
Therefore, I will happily relocate for this job.”
If the answer is ‘Maybe’
Relocation is a big step both professionally and personally.
There are a lot of things to consider for those who have responsibilities of a family or partners.
It is natural for such candidates to be skeptical about relocating to a new place for a job.
So, you can frame your responses to this common interview question in the following manner.
Sample answer #1:
“I have to admit the job role that you are offering is rather tempting.
However, I have recently just started my family and as you can understand relocating to a new city is a big decision.
Is it possible for me to take some time to discuss the matter with my partner and get back to you with an answer on the same?”
Sample answer #2:
“I would not mind relocating for the right opportunity.
However, I have recently just relocated (city’s name) since my partner has just started his/her new job here.
The job profile offered is incredible and would be a great opportunity to enhance my career graph.
I would like to work with your company, it would be great if I could be allowed to work remotely and opt for occasional travel to the (city’s name) office.
We can definitely keep our conversation open if your company is okay with this arrangement.”
If the answer is ‘No’
The reluctance in relocating is a candidate’s personal call.
You can let your recruiter know about it without divulging too many details in the following manner.
Sample answer #1:
“Thank you so much for considering my candidature for the job role in your prestigious organization.
However, I will not be able to relocate due to personal reasons.
I would like to work with your company in the future if there are any opportunities here. It was a pleasure meeting your acquaintance.”
Sample answer #2:
“Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet me and considering my candidature for the post.
I am sorry but I am currently not looking at relocating due to personal reasons.
However, in the future I would not mind relocating for a good opportunity and if you would consider my candidature then.
Thank you for the opportunity.”
Follow up questions
Based on your answers the recruiter is sure to have followed up questions to test whether you have thought your decision thoroughly.
Are you sure that you don’t want to relocate? It is a great opportunity.
This is a classic recruiter technique to make you reconsider your decision.
If you are sure of your decision, here’s how you can reply to it.
Sample answer:
“It surely is a very tempting offer but as I have already said I won’t be able to relocate due to personal problems.
I would have loved to accept the offer and I can understand I will be at a loss because of my decision but my problem is genuine and I cannot ignore it.
Thank you so much for considering my candidature and for your valuable time to discuss this factor.
I hope we will be able to work in the future.”
Would you reconsider if we make some changes in the deal?
This is another classic recruiter technique to make you reconsider your decision if you have answered maybe or no when asked ‘are you willing to relocate?’
You can tackle the question in the following manner.
Sample answer:
“Thank you for considering my candidature for the position.
Honestly, the job role offered is a perfect fit for me and I know my previous experiences will surely add value to the team.
I would love to accept the job but the concerns as discussed are also genuine.
I am open to discussion if you can provide solutions to my stated concerns.”
How soon can you relocate and join us?
You can answer this question after you have had a detailed discussion about the relocation factors.
Here’s what you can say.
Sample answer:
“As excited, I am to be joining your prestigious organization, there are certain relocation factors that I wish to discuss with you to provide the exact date of my joining.”
What not to say while answering “Are you willing to relocate?”
Now that you know how to answer this common interview question, here are a few things that you must avoid while doing so.
Avoid rash questions like “Will I be paid more if I relocate?”
Finance is an important factor to consider while relocating but your question should not be posed in a manner where your recruiter thinks you are in just for the money.
Instead, you can talk about it carefully and cautiously while discussing the salary aspect during the interview.
Avoid declining the offer with just ‘No’
It is always better to cite a reason when declining the opportunity to relocate.
Otherwise, your recruiter might assume that you are not interested in the job and their company and are taking their time for granted.
Ask for time if you are unsure about relocating
If you have your doubts about relocating don’t abruptly decline it.
Also, if there are confusions about the decision, you can always ask for a day or two’s time to make an informed call on the matter.
This will ensure the recruiter of your mature and professional attributes.
Now that you have all the answers to tackle this common interview question "Are you willing to relocate?” here are the perfect tips to bag the interview.
All the best!
