Common Interview Question – Can You Relocate If Needed?

There are a number of questions that come up at a job interview that require a very special answer with a great deal of preparation. You need to answer knowledgeably, and show that you are great for the position even if the answer goes against what you believe in. You may even need to flat out lie.

Then there are questions that need to be answered so truthfully that a lie can actually get you into more trouble. These are basic fact questions that affect your job eligibility, but a truthful answer is needed anyway. One such example is “Can you relocate?”

Answer Honestly

Relocation may play a part in the job. There is no reason to lie. If you say “yes” but you cannot, then when you are asked to relocate you will be forced to quit anyway. So there is no reason to note be truthful. Still, keep the following in mind:

• Don’t Give Away Personal Information – Don’t say “I cannot because my kids are in school here” or “I can’t because my wife is pregnant.” These pieces of personal information are off limits to interviewers. If the interviewer asks you why you cannot relocate, you can say “family obligations in the area.”
• Not Sure – If you are not sure whether you can or want to relocate at all, say so, but phrase it in a way that doesn’t make you sound too confused, such as “I think it depends on the offer and how the position relates to growth within the company.”
• Check Importance – Research the company to find out about the importance of relocation and where you  might be relocated to. If the company’s headquarters are in the middle of a poverty stricken third world country, the answer might be “no.” If you could be relocated to Hawaii and live on a beautiful beach, maybe you’d reconsider.

Bad Answer

“I don’t know. Probably not. Depends.”

Good Answer

“If the location fits my career goals and there is ample growth potential within the environment I am relocated to, I would strongly consider it. However, it is the type of situation that I’d need to take as it arises, to see how it matches both my career goals and family obligations.”

Take Away Interview Tips

• Answer honestly.
• Research the company.
• Phrase your answer professionally.

Related posts:

1. Interview Question: What Would You Do if You Needed Help With a Task?
2. Common Interview Question – What Do You Know About Our Company?
3. Common Interview Question: What is Your Ideal Company?
4. Common Interview Question – What Do You Know About the Position?
5. Common Interview Question – Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?