Interviews this week and I'm confused how to handle the situation.

Anonymous

November 27,2022 at 8:15PM UTC

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Interviews this week and I'm confused how to handle the situation. After months of looking for a new role, I decided to relocate after finding a position. At first I was honest about where I was currently residing and that quickly ended promising interviews.

Now that I'm using a friend's address in the desired city, I'm generating more interviews but that also requires traveling for the meetings. I'm starting to run low on my savings as flying in for each meeting and staying in a hotel is draining my finances but I know I want to be in that location. Should I go back to being honest about where I'm currently living and then run the risk of being ruled out before applying?

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AnonymousNovember 28,2022 at 5:01AM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. My preference would be honesty. That being said, I lost out on three jobs after multiple rounds when I tried that approach. Case in point, HR was excited to arrange the final interview with the CEO when they asked what area of the city I lived. I said that previously worked in the city and had a friend to stay with until finding my own apartment. The interview ended there and in spite of following up, I never heard back. This version happened multiple times in other rounds when I was honest regarding my location.
The city I want to relocate to I worked in earlier in my career. Life happened and then the pandemic so my goal is to return but it's known for being a city that hires locally. I'm able to generate a lot of Zoom interview but while I'm excited to move forward to other rounds, I'm apprehensive as well as I know that will require traveling to those interviews.
I'm in a difficult spot as I was laid off unexpectedly and while I had savings, they are dwindling fast. I've been looking into remote roles as well but my background is a better fit for my the city I referenced. While I know I won't be offered every job, spending a lot of money for roles that don't turn into offers is really making me hesitant about my options. I really need a job at this point and can't afford to possibly lose out in further rounds if I'm honest about my location. I appreciated your advice.
AnonymousNovember 29,2022 at 3:15PM UTC
The concerns that an employer could have for you not living in the actual location could be:
They are concerned you're looking for a relocation budget.
They don't want to wait for you to move to the city to start work.
They are concerned that you're expecting to take the job as a remote job and they want someone in person.
Is it possible for you to actually move to the city now instead of having to commute back and forth for in person interviews?
AnonymousNovember 29,2022 at 5:48PM UTC
That's what I'm debating as I have a house in my current location. That would mean paying for a mortgage and the place I'm targeting is 3x the amount of my current bills each month without a paycheck. That being said, the salaries are mostly higher as well. I don't need relocation, I'd be ready to start after two weeks and I would do what's needed to get myself settled in time.
After losing my job, I tried for five months that I would relocate without assistance and would be ready to start when needed. It's turned from interested hiring managers to being ghosted after being told I was the perfect person for the position. During small talk at the end, I was asked what area of the city I currently resided and I was honest about relocating back to the city and the interview ended abruptly. Even after following up, I never heard back.
I have friends that I could stay with for a short period of time but they only have NYC studios so I can't couch surf for an extensive time. I'm watching the months tick by so I feel that I need to either go all in or find a new approach. I've been looking into remote roles as well but most require at least hybrid for my industry.
AnonymousNovember 30,2022 at 6:05PM UTC
I looked into selling my home and due to interest rates, I would lose money rather than providing a safety net. I bought the house during the pandemic so I haven't had it long enough to generate a profit and a few months ago was unexpectedly laid off and now looking for a new job. While I reside in the same state, I can't at this time make the move until securing a job. When interviewing, I've been staying with a friend in her second bedroom. Although I've been there, I would have financial records primarily in my last location even if I made the move. It's such a difficult situation as instead of selling, I'm looking into renting my house and moving down there permanently after the holidays. That being said, I'm in promising later rounds of the interview process so I might need to make the move ahead of timeline. I appreciated your advice!
Audrey KirschNovember 30,2022 at 6:26PM UTC
If you love your house, try looking for remote or mostly remote positions. If you really want to move to the new location, look into renting out your house. Then find an inexpensive apartment in the new location to rent until you build your funds back up.