by When you're job hunting, one key decision that can shape your career prospects is whether should you put willing to relocate on a resume.
Employers often look for candidates who can adapt to different locations, especially in industries that require flexibility. But how and when should you mention your openness to moving for a job?
In this article, we’ll dive into the best strategies for presenting relocation flexibility on your resume. We will help you make the most of this opportunity without compromising your chances.
Should I put willing to relocate on my resume?
When you should add it:
- If the job description mentions that relocation is required or preferred, it’s a good idea to include it to show you’re open to that possibility.
- If you're flexible and open to relocating for a great job, but it’s not a necessity, you can mention it. It shows your willingness without limiting your options.
- If you're applying to roles across different regions or countries, indicating that you're willing to relocate can open up more opportunities and help you stand out.
When you might skip it:
- If the role doesn’t mention relocation or seems unlikely to require it, there’s no need to write it unless you’re specifically asked in an interview or during the hiring process.
- If you are just trying to broaden your options, it's better to leave it off. Employers could take this as a serious commitment to move, and you don’t want to give a false impression.
- If your job search is focused on a specific region, you might not want to include it.
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How to put willing to relocate on a resume?
When adding open to relocation on your resume, it's important to do so in a way that makes your flexibility clear while keeping the focus on your skills and qualifications. Here are some strategies for how to incorporate this data.
Where to put willing to relocate on your resume?
1. In the contact information
You can include "willing to relocate" in your contact details, especially if you're applying to jobs in multiple locations or industries. This gives employers immediate insight into your flexibility.
Location: Based in Atlanta, GA, Open to relocation.
2. In the opening statement
If you have a professional resume summary or objective, this is a great place to mention your willingness to relocate. It allows you to showcase your flexibility right at the beginning of your resume.
Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional based in Birmingham, AL, with over 5 years of experience in digital campaigns. Willing to relocate for the right opportunity."
"Ambitious software engineer seeking new challenges in a dynamic environment, open to relocation."
3. In additional information
If you have a section listing additional information, such as skills or certifications, this is another appropriate place to mention relocation.
"Open to relocation within California"
4. In the cover letter
While not part of the resume itself, you can use the cover letter to elaborate on your willingness to relocate. This gives you more space to explain your reasons and how relocation aligns with your career goals.
Example:
"I am open to relocating to New York as part of my commitment to contributing to your team and taking on new challenges."
How to put open to relocation on a resume?
Be direct, but concise. Use simple, straightforward language that makes your openness to relocation clear. Here are some effective ways to phrase it:
- "Willing to relocate to Canada."
- "Open to relocation for the right opportunity."
- "Flexible on relocation; willing to move as needed."
If you are targeting jobs in specific locations or regions, it's important to tailor your approach. If you're not genuinely open to relocating or you're only interested in specific areas, you may want to leave it off.
- What address to put on a resume when relocating?
If you're targeting concrete cities or regions, mention them to show you're ready to move in those areas.
Example:
- "Willing to relocate to New York City or San Francisco."
- "Open to relocation in the U.S. or internationally."
Willing to relocate resume example
Regina Dillion
(555) 123-4567 | regina.dillion@email.com | linkedin.com/in/reginadillion | portfolio.reginadillion.dev
Location: Based in Seattle, WA (Willing to relocate to San Francisco, CA)
Professional Summary
A results-oriented software engineer with over 9 years of experience in building scalable web applications and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in Java, Python, and cloud technologies. Eager to contribute to innovative projects at companies like Google and Salesforce.
Work Experience
Software Engineer
Amazon – Seattle, WA
June 2019 – Present
- Lead the development of an e-commerce search optimization tool, improving search accuracy by 20%.
- Collaborate with product teams to design and implement new features, enhancing user engagement by 30%.
- Utilize AWS and Docker to improve application performance and scalability.
Junior Software Developer
Microsoft – Redmond, WA
January 2016 – May 2019
- Assisted in the development of cloud-based solutions for enterprise clients, working with Azure and C#.
- Developed automated testing procedures that reduced QA time by 15%.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to deliver software solutions on time and within budget.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Washington – Seattle, WA
Graduated: 2015
Skills
- Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, C#
- Tools & Technologies: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Git, Jenkins
- Problem-solving, Team Collaboration, Agile Development
Additional Information
- Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish
- Relocation: Willing to relocate to San Francisco, CA, for the right opportunity.
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Build My ResumeConclusion
Incorporating that you're willing to relocate on a resume can be a strategic move, showcasing your flexibility and commitment to finding the right job.
However, it's important to present it in a way that enhances your resume rather than overshadows your qualifications.
By placing it in the right section and tailoring it to the role you're applying for, you’ll increase your chances of standing out to potential employers.
