During the interview process, when should I disclose my current location before stating I would relocate for the position?

Anonymous

August 28,2022 at 3:08PM UTC

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Interviewing and struggling to figure out when to declare my current location before moving for the position?

I'm in the same state as where I want to work but my goal is to relocate to a larger city. I've taken Fairygodboss' advice regarding listing United States on LinkedIn and when possible, simply reply with what state I reside.

That being said, when pressed, I hate lying. If an interviewer asks me straight out where I live, I'm honest but state I'm ready to relocate. The prior part of the interview went well but as soon as I say those three little words, I can see in their faces that I'm out of the running.

I'm not working right now so I have the freedom to relocate but not the finances to keep traveling to interview. If it was a final round or I needed to relocate, I can do so without company's assistance.

During a recent interview that was supposed to be in person, it didn't go well and if I had paid money for that experience it would have been a detrimental not in terms of my time but finances.

I'd appreciate your advice! I'm trying the tricks that everyone's suggested about an interview address in that city etc but then HR wants you to have a first-round that's only 15 minutes in person.

When I suggested a phone call or online meeting that I was visiting family in another area, she wanted to wait until I returned. I ended up cancelling that opportunity as I found out it was multiple rounds of in-person interviews and I knew I couldn't keep flying back and forth for early rounds. While I had savings, I was laid off from my previous job suddenly so I have to be careful of making my savings stretch for the time being.

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AnonymousAugust 28,2022 at 6:59PM UTC
Rather than flat out cancelling the interview, in the previous experience, the answer is always no until you ask. You should have let them know your circumstance and see if they were willing to make accommodations. They might have really liked you and would have been willing to do 1 major interview instead of several. And never say upfront you do not need relocation expenses paid. Let them tell you that they do not offer it upfront.
AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 4:23AM UTC
Good ideas and I'll keep those in mind. Before cancelling the previous interview, I did ask if they would make other accommodations. Unfortunately, the company required all in-person interviews and wouldn't create a few rounds instead of a long process. I was told by that company that if I'm applying for jobs out of the area, it's my responsibility to be there for whatever type of interviews setting they require.