The “where do you want to work?” question is a standard part of many interviews. While it can feel like a test, it is more of a logistical inquiry. Approaching it thoughtfully allows you to demonstrate your seriousness and show that you have considered the practical aspects of the job.
Why Interviewers Ask About Location Preference
Employers ask about your location preference for several practical reasons, primarily logistics. They need to confirm that you can realistically work at the location where there is a staffing need. If a role is based in a specific city, the hiring manager needs to know if you are already there or willing to move. This screening prevents investing further time in a candidate who cannot meet the job’s geographic requirements.
The question also relates to employee longevity. Hiring and training a new employee is a significant investment. Candidates who have a genuine, considered reason to be in a specific location are viewed as more likely to stay with the company long-term. This reduces turnover costs and helps build a stable team.
Your geographic preference also has direct implications for compensation. Salary bands and cost of living can vary significantly from one city to another. A company might have different pay scales for the same role depending on the location. Understanding your preference helps human resources align your potential salary with the budget for that specific market.
Finally, your answer serves as an indicator of your commitment. A candidate who has researched the company’s locations and can articulate a clear preference—or a reason for their flexibility—demonstrates a higher level of interest. It shows the interviewer you are specifically interested in this role and have thought about the practicalities.
How to Prepare Your Answer
Start by researching the company’s physical footprint. Look beyond the location in the job description and investigate all of the company’s offices and headquarters. This information is usually on their website and provides context for their operational scope. Knowing their locations prepares you to discuss your preferences in a way that aligns with the company’s needs.
At the same time, conduct a self-assessment of your personal and professional needs. Consider factors such as family commitments, a partner’s career, and the cost of living in potential new cities. Think about your long-term career goals and what kind of lifestyle you envision. This ensures your answer is confident and sustainable for you in the long run.
This reflection helps you define your genuine boundaries. For instance, you might discover that while you are open to moving, you would prefer to stay within a certain region to remain close to family. You might also realize that a move to an industry hub would be beneficial for your career growth. This clarity allows you to articulate your preferences without sounding indecisive.
Crafting Your Response Based on Your Preference
When You Are Open to Relocating
If you are flexible about your work location, emphasize your enthusiasm for the position. State that your motivation is the opportunity to contribute, and you are open to whichever location allows you to do that best. For example, “While I enjoy where I currently live, I am excited about the work this role entails. I am flexible and open to relocating for the right opportunity to grow with your company.”
It is helpful to show that your flexibility is a considered choice, not a sign of desperation. You can connect your openness to a specific career stage or goal. A candidate early in their career might say, “As I am just starting my career, I am eager to gain experience and am very open to exploring new cities. The most important factor for me is the role itself and the team.”
When You Have a Strong Location Preference
When you have a specific geographic requirement, state it clearly but positively, avoiding a rigid tone. Tie your preference to professional or long-term goals. For instance, you might explain, “I am most interested in opportunities in the Boston area, as I’ve been following the growing tech hub there and believe it’s the ideal place to advance my skills in this industry.”
If your reasons are personal, frame them professionally and concisely. For example, if you need to stay in your current city for family reasons, you could state, “I have strong professional and personal roots in this area and am seeking opportunities here.” Then, quickly pivot back to your excitement for the role. This communicates your needs without oversharing personal details.
When You Prefer a Remote or Hybrid Role
To express a preference for remote or hybrid work, reinforce your commitment to the team and company culture. Assure the interviewer that working off-site will not hinder your performance or collaboration. You can highlight skills that make you an effective remote employee, such as strong communication, self-discipline, and proactive engagement.
You could phrase your preference by saying, “Based on my experience, I do my most focused work in a remote or hybrid setting. I am disciplined and dedicated to maintaining clear communication with my team.” If the job description did not specify a work model, you could inquire by saying, “I am willing to relocate if needed, but I would also be interested to learn if a remote or hybrid arrangement is possible for this role.”
What to Avoid When Answering
The most significant error is dishonesty. Stating you are willing to relocate when you are not can lead to a rescinded job offer or significant problems if you are hired under false pretenses. Be truthful about your flexibility and limitations from the outset.
Avoid phrasing your preference as a non-negotiable demand, unless it truly is a deal-breaker. Using demanding language can make you appear difficult to work with. Instead of saying “I will only work in this city,” try framing it as a strong preference tied to your goals. This keeps the conversation open.
Keep your reasoning professional and concise. While your personal life influences your decisions, avoid citing overly personal reasons like a recent breakup or wanting to live near a beach. Sharing too much can come across as unprofessional. Stick to high-level reasons, such as proximity to family or professional opportunities.
Finally, avoid giving an overly vague answer like “I’ll go anywhere.” While it may seem like you are being flexible, it can also be interpreted as a lack of focus or desperation. Qualify your flexibility by connecting it to the opportunity itself. A better approach is to say, “I am most interested in the role and the company, so I am flexible on location to find the best fit.”