Applying for jobs across geographic boundaries often results in applications being screened out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or recruiters who prefer local candidates. This geographic bias stems from concerns about a candidate’s commitment, availability for interviews, and potential relocation costs. Clearly communicating your intent to relocate is therefore necessary to overcome these initial barriers. Your resume must proactively signal to the employer that you are a ready and viable candidate despite your current location.
Strategic Considerations for Mentioning Relocation
The timing and method for mentioning relocation depend heavily on your specific circumstances and commitment level. If the target city is relatively close (e.g., within a 100-mile radius), being discreet about your current location may be acceptable, as commuting for interviews is feasible. For a long-distance search, however, clearly stating your intent is often the best strategy to prevent immediate rejection.
There is a key distinction between being “willing to relocate” and “already relocating.” “Willing to relocate” is vague and often suggests the commitment is conditional or that you expect the employer to fund the move, which raises a red flag for many companies. Stating you are “already relocating” or have a fixed move date conveys a much higher degree of commitment. If you are self-funding the move, mentioning this detail alleviates a major financial concern for the hiring company.
Best Practices for Indicating Relocation on the Resume
The resume provides several distinct points to place relocation information, with the goal of making your commitment immediately visible to the reviewer. Placing this information near your contact details ensures it is one of the first things a recruiter sees. The method you choose should align with your specific relocation timeline and privacy preferences.
Using a Localized Address
Listing only the city and state of your target location, rather than your current address, is a common technique to bypass geographic filters in Applicant Tracking Systems. This strategy works best when you are clearly ready to travel for interviews on short notice. While some advice suggests using a friend or family member’s address, using only the city and state—for example, “Austin, Texas”—is a more professional and less deceptive approach.
Stating Intent in the Professional Summary
The professional summary is a high-visibility location for a concise statement of your relocation intent and timeframe. This placement integrates your relocation plans with your professional pitch. Effective phrasing is brief and direct, such as “Results-driven marketing professional relocating to San Francisco in Q3 2025” or “Experienced software engineer targeting opportunities in the Boston Metropolitan Area.”
Adding a Relocation Note in the Contact Section
A simple line added directly beneath your phone number and email address provides clarity without taking up space in the summary. This note can be “Targeting opportunities in Seattle, Washington” or “Open to relocation to the Northeast.” This method is useful if your move is contingent on securing a job, as it communicates flexibility while specifying a geographic preference.
Omitting the Address Entirely
For candidates who are flexible and applying to jobs across a wide geographic region, omitting the address entirely is a viable strategy. This avoids an immediate screen-out based on distance and forces the recruiter to focus on your qualifications. This approach is best suited for roles where location is less of a factor, such as remote or highly specialized positions, but requires readiness to travel for any in-person interviews.
Handling Relocation in the Cover Letter and Application Materials
The cover letter is the ideal location to provide context and detailed explanation that cannot fit on the concise resume. It allows you to transform a potential concern into a demonstration of commitment and planning. Here, you should explicitly state the certainty of your move, including a specific date if possible.
You can proactively address cost concerns by stating the relocation is self-funded, removing financial risk for the company. This detailed explanation reassures the hiring manager that you are a serious candidate who has thoroughly planned the transition.
Addressing Specific Relocation Scenarios
Certain personal circumstances require specific phrasing to frame the relocation advantageously. For military spouses, mentioning a “spousal transfer” explains the non-negotiable nature and timeframe of the move, implying stability once the transfer is complete. Candidates moving back to a former location should use phrasing like “Returning to Chicago” to signal established ties and familiarity with the local market. For those flexible, using phrases like “Open to relocation for the right opportunity” communicates professional dedication over geographic restriction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Relocating for a Job
A primary pitfall is remaining vague about your commitment; simply stating “willing to relocate” is often perceived as non-committal or a request for employer-paid relocation. Avoid listing multiple, disparate target cities on your resume, as this suggests a lack of focus and a scattershot approach to the job search. Recruiters prefer candidates focused on their specific location. Never mention or inquire about relocation costs or assistance in the initial application materials, as this raises an immediate financial concern for the employer. Furthermore, failing to update your phone number to a local area code can be a barrier to recruiters making the initial call.
Logistical Preparation for a Long-Distance Job Search
Demonstrating serious intent requires taking concrete logistical steps before submitting your application. Securing a local area code phone number, often through a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, makes you appear local and immediately available. This removes a persistent psychological barrier for recruiters. Researching temporary housing and having a clear plan for rapid travel for in-person interviews reinforce your commitment. You should be able to articulate a plan for being physically present for an interview within a week of receiving notice.