In this guide
Career changes and transitions
Job hunting in a city you do not live in yet
How to show employers you are serious about relocating, handle travel for interviews, ask about relocation support and compare offers in a new area.
Make the move credible
Some employers hesitate over distant applicants because they worry about start dates or people changing their minds. A short line with a plan and a date removes that doubt.
Illustrative example
Location lines that reassure
- On a resume: Leeds (relocating to Bristol, available from March)
- In a cover letter: I'm moving to Bristol in March for family reasons and am focusing my search there.
A specific reason and date reads as a decision. 'Open to relocation' on its own reads as a maybe.
Handle interviews at a distance
- Ask whether first-stage interviews can be by video or phone.
- Group in-person interviews into the same trip where you can.
- Ask whether the employer covers travel for final interviews; some do.
- Check travel times from likely areas to live in, not just to the station.
Ask about relocation support
Relocation packages vary widely and are more common in some sectors and for some levels of role. It is reasonable to ask once an offer is likely. Ask what is covered and any conditions, such as repayment if you leave within a set period.
Questions about a relocation package
- Which costs are covered: removals, travel, temporary accommodation, fees?
- Is the support paid upfront or reimbursed against receipts?
- Are there repayment conditions if I leave within a certain time?
- Is there flexibility on start date to arrange the move?
- Could I work remotely for a short period during the move?
Compare the whole picture
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Housing | Typical rents or prices in areas within a reasonable commute |
| Commute | Time and cost from those areas to the workplace |
| Pay and package | Salary plus pension, leave and any relocation support |
| Support network | Who you know nearby, and what you would give up |
| Next job | How many similar employers are in the area if this role does not work out |
Common questions
Should I use a local address on my resume?
Only if you genuinely have one. Using an address you do not live at can cause problems later; a clear relocation line works better.
Should I move before I find a job?
It depends on your savings and the local job market. Moving first makes interviews easier but adds financial risk; searching first is slower but safer.
Put it into practice
Guidance by career stageDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.