I'm facing a situation that has previously received a lot of debate on FGB and would appreciate your advice!

Anonymous

February 19,2023 at 6:53PM UTC

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I'm facing a situation that has previously received a lot of debate on FGB and would appreciate your advice! I was laid off last year and to make severance / UEI last as long as possible, I moved from an expensive city to the town I grew up in while knowing I wanted to return.

In order to be honest as possible about my current location, I switched my LinkedIn and Indeed location to the state I reside instead of former city. That affords looking for positions in my current location (not very many) and more option for my background in the larger city.

I'm in later rounds with companies in my former city and I wasn't asked about my current location so I applied the don't ask, don't tell approach. If I was asked directly I would have been honest but often find that when I do so that concludes the conversation.

As others alluded to, in later and final rounds when asked to come in for a final interview, I'm debating what's best. I really need a job as UEI ended a few months ago and I don't want my current location to be a factor especially as I would move with relocation if needed.

Should I be straightforward and say that I'm out of the area to test the waters if they would contribute or simply fly in the day before to make sure there aren't any travel delays? If I applied that option, I would disclose that I'm ready to relocate if I was offered the position. The reason I'm debating this is I can't afford to lose out on another role when my current location doesn't have anything available. I wish I didn't make the move in order to save money but I'm now in a Catch-22 situation but I thought it was the best decision possible at the time. Thank you all as I really want the role where I was invited to meet the team and tour the organization.

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AnonymousFebruary 19,2023 at 7:00PM UTC
I was in a similar situation when I applied for my last job.
I didn't actually move out of the city but I was primarily living 8 hours away in my hometown to be closer to family.
When I was asked to do an in-person interview, I let them know where I was currently and that since I was away, I would need to fly in (but willing to on my own dime).
They actually told me I could do it remote and the only follow-up they asked me was if I would be available, if I got the job, to come into the office for meetings.
I told them I was, which was true.
I did not end up taking that particular job but it wasn't the issue I thought it would be. And it wasn't with the job I took either.
I personally would not think much if someone said, "I have actually been staying in small town to save money, but I am want to return to the city full-time."
AnonymousFebruary 19,2023 at 8:42PM UTC
My advise is to tell them where you are residing , and that you would be interested in making arrangements to attend an in person interview.
This way you may open up a conversation about relocating or virtual work.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 2:29PM UTC
It should not be a factor. Don’t be fearful, just let them know upfront that you are currently in a city but willing to come for an in person interview and move at your own expense. If they pick you, they might be willing to pay for some of the relocation expenses!
why would that be such a fear factor? You are applying for a job and I have look all over the country outside the state. Was that a requirement for the job? Did the job poster say they are only looking for local employees?
just be upfront, direct and tell them your thoughts and situation. They can’t read minds. Just be confident and forward. Better to tell them now then create an impression you are local and they find out later
dont analyze too much just go with it
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 6:08PM UTC
The recruiter didn’t verify your current location?
i think it depends on the industry/type of work. Retail
would expect you to be living in the city where you are apply. Corporate jobs might would cover the cost of your travel
to an in-person interview.
What was communicated about your current location? Did you apply through LinkedIn? If did you enter a location when you applied?
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 5:19PM UTC
Thank you all. I applied through LinkedIn and that wasn't a field listed on the application. The recruiter didn't ask my current location so I wasn't deliberately hiding it. I contacted the recruiter after receiving your advice and explained that while I wasn't local, I would be glad to relocate for the role. I was disinvited from the final interview. While I'm shocked that it came to this, it's good to know now rather than accruing the expense only to be out of the running at the end.