The Best Responses to “Are You Willing to Relocate?” With Examples

How do you answer the interview question “Are you willing to relocate?”

It does appear like a yes–no question, but there’s more to it than that. It’s also about expressing a clear position on relocation, whether you’re willing to do it or not, or even if you have some concerns about it.

We’ll analyse three possible answers in detail: “Yes,” “No,” and the conditional “Yes, but.” Keep on reading so you understand how to answer “Are you willing to relocate?” in case your interviewer brings it up.

10 Data-Driven Ways to Use Your Developer Resume to Get Interviews →

✅ If your answer is “Yes”

If you answer “Yes, I am planning to relocate,” you’re open to relocation, and, as you suspected, your employer is also considering it, and that’s why they’re asking. It can be difficult to measure how committed to relocating your employer is, so you can take advantage of your time to reply to open up the question — what are the actual chances of moving elsewhere, and where?

Here are some tips to make your “Yes” stand out:

• Focus on the opportunity, not just the move: While open to relocation, highlight your enthusiasm for the specific role and what makes it stand out. This points to genuine interest beyond just seeking a new location. And it follows a tried-and-tested interview tip: Make sure your interviewer realises you did your homework.
  
• Try to open up the conversation: Since you want to relocate, now you can try to ask your interviewer if that’s a possibility. Top off your answer with a question. It’s always a good way to transform an answer into a conversation.

Example responses:

• To emphasise flexibility and interest: “I’m excited about this opportunity and confident I could make it count for you. Relocation is definitely a possibility for me, and I’m eager to learn more about your specific requirements and support systems. What are your expectations for employees who relocate? Thinking this from your perspective, it must be a challenging process—isn’t it?”

💡 You said yes, now ask how it works. Depending on how detailed their answer is, you’ll now know if the company has a well-oiled relocation process or if they’re starting from scratch.

• To demonstrate commitment: “I always thought that when the right opportunity came along, I’d be ready to make a move. I did apply to this company because it offered the career path I’m looking forward to, and because relocating with the help of people who understand how to carry it out makes the difference. I also know that relocating is not challenging just for the person relocating—that would be myself!—but also for the HR teams pulling it off. If we indeed can work together, and I’m looking forward to that, I’ll be able to confirm my words here with emails, official communications, or whatever you need so we can both make the relocation process easier. Do you think this official confirmation for the HR team would help?”

💡 You’re showing the HR person you can be an ally, someone who will walk their talk, and if they had to pick one candidate out of a pool to select for relocation, then, most probably, they’ll remember how serious you were about it. You’ll be at the top of their minds.

• To connect personal goals with the company’s needs: “I’ve been interested in relocating for a while to {France/Germany/Australia/Singapore} now because my partner has been offered a scholarship there. And I want to jump ship with her. I’ve also read positive things about your company’s relocation support, so I’m particularly interested because of that too. So, what does your relocation process often look like?”

💡 With this one, you’re very respectfully telling your recruiter that you have other offers on the table and that relocating would tip the scale towards their opportunity. So, when the time comes, they’ll know they have to be serious about offering you a package to convince you to work for them.

Remember, your “yes” is merely the first step. You will show the person interviewing you that you are willing to move and want to do well in their company. If you do well, the person who hired you will be praised. And they know this.

Additional tips to stand out:

• Research the company’s relocation package and policies beforehand. Does the company have a relocation package? Do they use a third-party service? Sometimes you’ll find this info from previous employees on sites like Blind or Glassdoor – this is great info if you get to the negotiation stage.
• Be prepared to discuss potential challenges and how you’d overcome them. How long does the company give employees to relocate? Are there any stipends? You can ask these freely without sounding pushy.

Explore IT jobs with relocation packages →

⛔ If your answer is “No”

Saying “No” is not necessarily a deal-breaker. But if it was a relocation role or on-site role, and you’re not ready to hold that end of the deal, don’t apply. (Recruiters won’t like it if you waste their time). In any case, you can give a professional answer. Maybe, just maybe, the recruiter was probing to see if you were one of the candidates that will request them a visa (many employers, especially in the US, don’t like this), and saying “No” would be what they expect from you.

So, it’s okay to say “No” to relocating if the job isn’t advertised as needing it. Some companies might just be asking to see if you'd prefer remote work. You can always discuss relocation later if you impress them!

In any case, here’s how to express your limitations respectfully and potentially still land the job.

Remember, you have your options:

• Be candid: Prioritising your personal commitments is perfectly acceptable. Don’t feel pressured to compromise if relocation isn’t an option. It is better to be honest upfront than to back out once you have expressed interest in the possibility.
• Rejection isn’t the only path forward: A good recruiter understands that circumstances dictate choices. However, while saying no doesn’t automatically disqualify you, remember that it could put you in a losing position compared to other candidates who are just as qualified as you but willing to move.

Plan out your response:

• Be honest, but concise: Explain your limitations clearly without getting caught up on personal details.
• Demonstrate you have considered relocation: Tell them how you knew it was a possibility and that you discussed it with your family or close circle before applying. You already mulled over it. You’re not saying no on a whim right now.
• Offer alternatives: If interested, propose remote work or local office options to showcase your flexibility and willingness to contribute. You know the mantra: “Suggest solutions, not problems.”

Example responses:

• Highlight enthusiasm and openness to solutions: “Thank you for sharing this opportunity. I was waiting on it, and I’m glad you mentioned it. Unfortunately, due to (brief, honest reason), I’m not open to relocating right now. I’m still truly interested in working with you. Is this a dealbreaker, or do you think we can still work together?”

💡You’re being forthright. You’re being candid. And you’re poking to see if not relocating is actually in their best interest. You’re also showing you understand how difficult the relocation process is even for them.

• Proactively address potential concerns: “This role perfectly aligns with my career goals. While I’m currently settled in Lyon, I’m open to discussing travel arrangements or working from the Berlin office if that is helpful. But not to relocating. How important do you think relocation is for this role? What are your team’s thoughts on it? I understand that, since you brought it up, and it showed up in the job description, you must have carefully considered it. Not to mention, it’s so hard, you can’t take it lightly.”
  

💡You’re asking if they’re open to a different arrangement, and you’re being very honest. Many would advise never to say something as negative as “but I’m not open to relocating,” and they have a point. But if you answer directly, honestly, without beating round the bush, you’ll be cutting through the noise of corporate speak, and you might do the recruiters a favour they’ll remember on.

Bonus tips:

• Research the company’s remote work policies beforehand. You should always look like you knew this was coming.
• Be prepared to discuss potential solutions and answer follow-up questions.
• Express your confidence in your ability to excel, regardless of location. You got what it takes.

How To Successfully Pass An Interview At a Software Product Company →

🔑 The conditional “Yes”: If your answer is “Well, it depends…”

Leaving loved ones, a new home or a comfortable routine behind isn’t easy and the recruiters know this. Understandably, setting conditions to relocate could impact your progress in the interview process. Usually, employers prioritise candidates readily available for on-site positions.

If you don’t want to lose your edge with a hard “No,” consider the “conditional yes” approach. This opens the door for negotiation if the hiring manager finds you truly valuable. The key here is not to demand answers, but to explain what you need very politely.

There are two kinds of conditional answers:

1. The condition depends on you and the company: You’re saying that you could change your answer if a certain something happened. This might be financial support, better pay, etc.
2. It depends on someone else: You’re saying that “you’d love to,” but since your partner hasn’t finished her degree, or your family member hasn’t dealt with a health concern, you currently can’t. No matter what the company does, this won’t change.

On these examples, we’ll focus on the ones that depend on you. Because talking about an external factor like a spouse not finishing his degree in time is closer to a “No” answer than to anything else. It can look neat, tidy, and affirmative at face value, but it’s a negative at its core.

Now, regarding the conditional part of the answer — what could your answer depend on to change your mind from an “it depends on…” to a “yes, let’s do it”? One could be the location to which they can help you move. Another one could have to do with paperwork. Maybe you’ve relocated before, and you realised it was a headache. Studies show that up to a third of workers who relocate for work are not happy. Also, many companies offer workers just a month to move out, which could be too fast-paced for your family. 

If you’re only willing to relocate if the company has a relocation package, and you have researched, probed, and read their official websites and there’s no sign of it, then ask forthright about it. Indeed, employers don’t like employees who make demands, so simply ask, don’t demand.

Example responses:

Here are some examples to inspire your own:

• Highlight interest and flexibility: “I’d be willing to consider relocation to France or Germany, of course. I did send my application considering that factor. I wouldn’t know where to start, though. I’m a citizen of Türkiye/India. What does your relocation process look like to those countries? Also, I can always work remotely while we sort it out.”
  

💡 You’re telling them you read their job ads and that you need expert help. And you’re giving them a solution in the meantime, which is working remotely while you put together the puzzle of moving out for a job.

• Ask for help and put it as a condition: “I have relocated in the past, and it was a very impactful experience, but it was also stressful and costly. Especially, considering I have a family. It’s something I’d love to do, but I do need help to make it happen. I browsed through your job ad to find any discussion about relocation packages. Do you have a relocation policy for hiring internationals like me?”

💡If this rubs the right way, the recruiter could feel like the protagonist of your new process and feel validated by your call for help. You’re also straight-up asking them, “Hey, how will we pull this off?” and if the recruiter can answer your questions by heart, it means the company has a global mobility strategy in place. You can be professional and vulnerable.

This is how to explain relocation in an interview. Remember, honesty and clear communication are key. Be prepared to discuss your situation openly and professionally. 

How to make sure the company will relocate you

Imagine being asked this question only for the company not to offer relocation packages or services. The prospect of it already feels off. John Lydon coined the perfect phrase for that feeling: “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?”

To avoid being cheated and to ensure the company you’re applying to work for offers relocation packages, you can browse through Relocate.me. It’s a niche job board for IT professionals looking to relocate. The companies on the job board all offer relocation packages. 

You can also check our learning center, expat stories, personalised relocation tips and even net pay calculators to gather more information on international relocation. Head over to the job board to find a job with relocation assistance!

Find a job with relocation →