Hiring managers or agencies often look for people closest to their location. For this reason, you don’t want to miss a chance of snagging your dream job just because you currently live outside of their area. Read on to learn how to mention relocation when you write a cover letter.
If you’re applying for a senior role or a job with limited qualified candidates, you have a good likelihood of being considered for the job even though you currently live in a different location.
However, if you’re applying for a low or mid-level position where there may be many qualified applicants who already live in the area, there is the possibility of being screened out if you submit documents with an out-of-town address.
Employers will be more likely to consider someone who is already going to be in the area, so they don’t have to deal with the logistics and expense of moving a new employee.
That’s why you need to articulate your cover letter correctly, so you can get your application considered by prospective employers, even if you currently live outside of their region. You need to phrase your cover letter correctly, so you can get your application considered by prospective employers, even if you currently live outside of their region.
You will first need to keep the focus on your qualifications for the job rather than on where you live. Secondly, make it very clear that you are planning a move to the new location.
Then, if your budget permits it, you can mention that you are more than happy to travel, at your own expense, to their office for a personal interview and that you also plan to be responsible for your moving expenses.
SHOULD YOU INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS ON YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER?
Some career consultants advise excluding your physical address on your resume and cover letter entirely, because this may weaken your chances of consideration and because of potential identity theft.
Still, many hiring managers or agencies will see such an omission as a sign that the candidate is not trustworthy. Until omitting physical addresses on professional resumes becomes common, it’s probably best to be upfront and explain your current address and relocation plans.
HOW TO MENTION RELOCATION IN YOUR COVER LETTER
You can either mention the fact that you are moving at the beginning of the cover letter or closer to the end. But either way, a statement that addresses your interest in the job itself should precede any reference to the fact that you’re relocating.
Probably the best way, regardless, to address relocation is to integrate a statement in a final paragraph that mentions traveling to the area. This:
~ allows you to focus on the job and your qualifications themselves at the beginning of the letter; and
~ gives you more time to make it clear that the employer wouldn’t be accountable for your travel expenses, moving costs, or any other expenses.
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