When you’re in a job interview, you might expect questions about your skills and experience. But sometimes, they’ll ask simple yes-or-no questions that can be really important. One of these is, “Are you willing to relocate?”
Why do interviewers ask this question? Well, sometimes the job is in a different city than where you live now. If you’re in Topeka and the job is in St. Louis, you’d need to move to take the job. The company wants to know if moving is okay with you before they go further.
But there’s another reason they ask. Even if you don’t have to move for the job, the interviewer might want to see how much you want it. If you’re willing to pack up and move, it shows you’re serious about the position. This can matter a lot if they’re choosing between two people who are both great. If one is willing to move and the other isn’t, the one who is might get the offer.
We’re here to help you figure out the best way to answer this question, no matter how you feel about moving for a job.
What interviewers want to know when they ask about moving
When interviewers ask if you’re willing to relocate, they want to see if moving is something you’re open to. If you say no, it doesn’t always mean you won’t get the job, but it tells them they might need to find out more.
If your answer isn’t a big “yes,” it could lead to a longer chat. The interviewer might ask more questions about what you’re thinking. They may wonder if you’d move for a higher salary or if you’d need help with moving costs.
They ask these questions to understand what you need and to see if they can make things work. Knowing how you feel about moving helps them decide if you’re the right person for the job.
How to answer “Are you willing to relocate?”
Think about how you really feel about moving
Before you answer, take a moment to think about how you truly feel about moving to a new place. Are you super excited to pack your bags and start fresh somewhere else? Maybe you’d consider moving if the job comes with a cool title or a bigger paycheck. Or perhaps you really don’t want to move at all.
If your answer is a big “yes” or a firm “no,” then it’s pretty simple—you can just tell them the truth. But if your answer is “it depends” (which happens a lot), you’ll need to be a bit more thoughtful with your reply.
Give a thoughtful “maybe”
There are ways to answer without saying a definite yes or no. If you’re not sure yet, your goal is to keep the conversation going so you can learn more. Let them know you’re really interested in the job and that you’re open to thinking about moving.
This way, you show you’re interested but also give yourself time to decide.
Ask questions to learn more
If you need more information to make up your mind, now is a great time to ask questions. This helps you understand what moving would really mean for you. Plus, it shows the interviewer that you’re thinking carefully about the job.
By asking these questions, you gather important details and show you’re seriously considering the offer.
Suggest other ideas
If moving isn’t something you can do right now, but you really like the job, you could suggest other options. Maybe working from home could be possible, or perhaps you could travel to the office when needed.
Since you wouldn’t take the job if you have to move, it doesn’t hurt to ask about different possibilities.
Share a personal experience
Sometimes, sharing a bit about your own experiences can help the interviewer understand your situation better.
This adds a personal touch and shows you’re being honest and thoughtful.
Be honest and stay positive
No matter what, it’s important to be truthful. If you’re open to moving, say so with enthusiasm. If you’re unsure, express your interest in the job and keep the conversation open. And if you can’t move, let them know politely while showing your excitement about the role.
Remember, employers appreciate honesty and enthusiasm. By thinking carefully about your answer and communicating clearly, you make a great impression and keep the door open for possibilities.
How not to answer when asked about relocating
Don’t say “yes” just to make the interviewer happy
If you really don’t want to move, don’t say “yes” just because you think it’s what the interviewer wants to hear. You might believe that once you get the job offer, you can talk them into letting you stay where you are. But that’s usually not how it works. If the job must be done in a certain place, the company expects you to be there. If they find out you never planned to move, they might feel tricked or even get upset. Plus, you’ll have spent a lot of time interviewing for a job you won’t take.
Don’t say “no” if the question surprises you
Maybe you didn’t think moving was part of the job, and the question catches you off guard. If you’re not sure how you feel about relocating, don’t say “no” right away. You might need time to think about it. If you say “no” too quickly, you could miss out on a great opportunity that you might have considered after thinking it over.
Sample answers to “Are you willing to relocate?”
Example #1 – Asking for more information
“I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I think it could be a great fit for me. Moving is a big step, especially since I’m just starting my career. Could you tell me more about where I’d be relocating to and what kind of support the company offers to help new employees settle in?”
Why this works:
In this answer, you’re showing enthusiasm for the job, which is important. You’re also being honest about your situation as someone new to the workforce. By asking about the location and the support the company provides, you’re showing that you’re thoughtful and responsible. This lets the interviewer know that you’re open to moving but need more information to make a good decision.
Example #2 – Buying more time
“Working for [company] has been a goal of mine since I was in school, so I’d definitely consider relocating if I get the offer. I have some commitments here in [current city], like my involvement in local groups, so I’d need a little time to think about how a move would affect that. Could we talk about the relocation timeline?”
Why this works:
Here, you’re expressing strong interest in the job and the company, which is great. As a young professional, you might have local commitments like friends, family, or community activities. By mentioning that you need time to consider how a move would affect these commitments, you’re being honest and thoughtful. Asking about the timeline shows you’re proactive and helps you gather information to make an informed choice.
Example 3 -Yes, but would prefer not to
“I really enjoy living in [current city], especially since I’ve built a network here after graduation. My first choice would be to stay here, but I’m open to relocating if it’s necessary for the role. Is there a chance to work remotely or from a local office?”
Why this works:
In this response, you’re being honest about your preference to stay where you are, which is understandable when you’re early in your career and building connections. At the same time, you’re showing flexibility by saying you’d consider moving if needed. By asking about remote work or local options, you’re showing initiative and a willingness to find a solution that works for both you and the company.
It might feel a bit scary to think about moving for a job, but it’s good that this question comes up during the interview. Talking openly about relocating helps you figure out if the job is right for you. You won’t spend time on a job that doesn’t fit your needs, and you might even find out that moving to a new and exciting city could be a great adventure!