Relocation Cover Letter Examples and Writing Guide for 2025
According to the statistics, an average American relocates 11.7 times in their lifetime. If you plan to find a job in a new city in advance, you will need to make some changes in your resume and a cover letter.
In today's guide, you will find:
- the secrets to writing a compelling job application letter when moving to a new city;
- relocation cover letter example;
- general cover letter tips to help you get noticed by a hiring manager.
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Why You Should Write a Letter If You're Relocating in 2025
A relocation cover letter is an important document in your job search efforts. The job market is evolving and many companies are willing to find great experts who are ready for relocation. Career coaches recommend preparing a persuasive letter when moving for work to show your commitment and state potential concerns you have. It should not only show your relevant skills in professional field, but also explain your rationale for relocation. Thus, if you have a few options on the job market and want to expand your career horizons, you do need a relocation cover letter.
Employers often prioritize local candidates. However, a strong professionally written cover letter can level the playing field and prove your commitment to the new location.
Relocation Cover Letter Examples That Got Interviews
Do you want to get a job interview for a remote position? Want to write your cover letter fast? Take a look at these sample letters written for candidates relocating to a new city with all the details you need to include.
Example 1: Relocating for Family Reasons
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as posted on your website. My family and I are relocating to [New City] this summer due to personal family reasons, and I am seeking an opportunity where I can continue to grow professionally in a meaningful role.
I bring over 7 years of experience in [Industry], with a strong focus on [Key Skill/Responsibility]. In my current role at [Current Company], I led a team of [#] and improved [specific achievement] by 32% within one year. I am confident that these skills will contribute to the success of your team at [Company Name].
Although I am relocating, I am highly motivated to contribute long-term and am available to interview at your convenience, whether in person or remotely.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Moving to Pursue a New Opportunity
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I will be relocating to [City] within the next few weeks to pursue new career opportunities that align with my long-term goals in [Industry/Field].
My background includes over 5 years of experience in [Relevant Field], with proven success in [notable achievement]. Most recently, I helped streamline [specific project/process], resulting in a 25% reduction in costs. I believe your company's mission and culture are a perfect match for my values and professional ambitions.
I am fully available for interviews ' virtual or on-site ' and can begin work immediately after relocation.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to contributing to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Willing to Relocate for the Right Role
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am reaching out to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] opportunity at [Company Name]. Although I am currently based in [Current Location], I am fully open to relocating for the right position ' especially one that matches my skills and passion as yours does.
I bring extensive experience in [Skill Area], with a track record of [measurable success]. At [Previous Company], I was recognized for [award or performance] and consistently exceeded KPIs.
I am prepared to relocate at my own expense and am flexible regarding timelines. I'd be happy to discuss how my background and motivation can support your team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Why are these good relocation cover letter examples?
- The candidate raises a point about relocation in the second paragraph of the letter. They give a solid reason for relocation (their partner got a new job in the city);
- The letter starts with a hook that includes measurable results the candidate has delivered for the previous employer;
- The candidate further expands on relevant experience and education, listing their most impressive accomplishments as a bulleted list;
- The letter takes one page, which is the recommended length. This relocation cover letter format is neat and structured well to attract the hiring manager's attention.
Want to see how different situations are handled? Explore more cover letter examples for various life cases. Use a cover letter generator to get the attention of a hiring manager for face to face interview.
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How to Create a Cover Letter When You're Planning to Move: Step-by-Step
Composing a perfect cover letter takes time and research. In the case of the relocation cover letter, you should also consider the employer's risks and concerns associated with relocating a candidate. Here's how to write a letter that will surely get you noticed. Do not forget to add a matching resume to your cover letter. You can be the best candidate, but a cover letter alone is not enough.
1. Start With a Strong Hook
You can be a great candidate, and your experience aligns well with a job description, but your job application still fails if you do not get the attention of the right person. Don't make the relocation the focal point of your cover letter. You should emphasize your relevant experience and achievements first, and then mention your readiness to move to a new city. Market your expertise and skills first, and only then move to the relocation issue. The key points reassure employers in your professionalism.
Start the first paragraph of your letter by summarizing your key selling points to hook the employer's attention. In the above sample relocation cover letter, the candidate mentions that they saved $1.5M in costs. Write 2-3 sentences, focusing on what makes you a perfect candidate for this job opening to get the reader interested in learning more about your background.
2. Address Your Relocation Clearly
If you mention relocation in your letter, the first thing that hiring managers will want to know is your motivation. They do not want to spend their time interviewing someone only to find out that the candidate has changed their mind and decided not to move. So, your goal is to persuade the hiring manager that you seriously intend to move.
Here are the good reasons for moving you can mention:
"My husband has received a job offer from Intel this month, and we are moving in San Jose in May"
"I am moving to Austin this spring to be closer to my family who all live in Texas"
Employers are more willing to consider candidates whose relocation is settled and who has a solid reason for moving. Reasons like "I want to move to Florida because I enjoyed a vacation there last summer" sound less credible to them.
If you plan to relocate for a good job opportunity, this is a good reason too. Yet, in this case, you might want to give more context in your relocation cover letter samples.
State the city you're moving to and why. Learn how to mention relocation the right way in both your resume and cover letter
3. Add Specific Timing and Commitment
No matter your reason for relocation, the employer will appreciate it if you specify the exact date of arrival. If you do not have a date yet, write something like "in the end of June". Thus, the employer will see if your schedule aligns with their staffing needs.
If you plan to find a good job opportunity and then relocate, mention that as a reason in your cover letter:
"It has been my ambition to relocate to Miami permanently, and I am confident that this is the right job opportunity"
Mention the relocation dates, or tell that you are ready to move at the employer's earliest convenience. The sample above doesn't mention who covers the moving costs, but be sure to raise this issue. You need to put specific elements to get a positive response before your move date.
Employers often offer cash allowance or reimburse travel costs for the right candidate. Yet, not every company offers a generous relocation package. If your ambition is to get a job offer in a new city faster, mention that you are willing to relocate at your own expense.
Specify to the target company when exactly you can start working. For example, you may write "I can relocate to Washington within a week after receiving a job offer" or "I am willing to start working remotely until I move to Utah permanently".
4. Focus on Your Fit for the Role
Just like any cover letter, your relocation cover letter sample should focus on your qualifications and fit for the role. Take some time to research the company, its goals and the expectations from the candidate. Explain how your background and experience aligns with their needs and what you can help them with. You need to be a career expert, not on a global scale but still stronger than other applicants.
Avoid using cliches like "I am excited about your company and its mission". Instead, say "I was excited to know that one of the main responsibilities for the position is setting up an HR department from the ground up. While working for a XXX company in the past..." and then proceed with the highlight of your experience with specific results. Explaining your why will make a great impression on a hiring manager.
5. Mention Flexibility for Interviews
In the closing paragraph of your relocation letter, explain how you plan to attend a job interview. Do not wait for an employer to clarify this for you. For example, you can write "I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience via Zoom, Skype, or any other platform".
Keep in mind that some hiring managers prefer a traditional in-person interview and consider it essential for the hiring process. Tell that you are interested enough to travel for an interview: "I am willing to travel to New York City for an in-person interview if necessary".
6. Show Results Using Metrics
A potential employer expects to see specific results and accomplishments both on your resume and a cover letter. Figures and percentages draw attention and serve as predictors of a great perfomance. Whenever possible, illustrate your responsibilities with figures. Here are some examples:
Delivered a 15x return on investment during the Facebook advertising campaign for my company;
Reduced costs by $9,000 by re-negotiating supply contracts.
Do not reiterate what you have already mentioned on a resume. You can expand on the facts you have included on a resume, providing more specifics and details.
Also note that a great cover letter should be tailored towards the specific job posting. You might need to adjust the experiences and skills you include in a letter depending on the company's expectations. If tailoring your cover letter sounds too challenging, our cover letter consultants will be glad to assist. Contact us on chat to discuss how we can help improve your letter.
7. End With a Confident CTA
Unless you are a highly sought-after technical specialist or a top manager, it is easier for an employer to pick a local candidate. If you want to compete with local guys who needn't compensation for relocation costs and can come to the office shortly, you need to be flexible.
In your job application letter, be clear about your commitment to moving. Mention your willingness to relocate at your own expense and travel for an in-person interview. Make the process of hiring you easy and seamless for an employer, as in this case, you will find a desired employment much faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People seeking relocation to a new place often make a number of mistakes in writing their relocation letters. Let's take a look at several most common mistakes.
- Not Addressing Relocation Upfront
If you want to have a positive response, you should not leave this issue until the very last moment. You need to explain the purpose of your relocation and provide solid reasons or justification. - Lacking a Clear Relocation Timeline
It is a mistake to have no plan. It is a strong red flag to your potential employer, who reasonably wants to know more about your availability and readiness to continue working. - Failing to Show Commitment to the New Location
You do need to illustrate your commitment to stay in the new location for at least a year (unless otherwise the period of relocation is stated in the critical requirements). Your interest in the new area should be genuine. - Overemphasizing Personal Reasons
Even though you do need to state your reasons for relocation, personal preferences should be less emphasized. Instead, focus on professional motivations. - Not Tailoring the Letter to the Job and Company
It should noState the city you're moving to and whyt be of a general nature. In other words, you cannot simply copy a random relocation letter online and assume your employer will be happy with it. Make it personal.
Avoid vague relocation statements, failing to mention a timeline, and ignoring the employer's concerns. See more common mistakes job seekers make.
When and Where to Mention Relocation in Your Letter
There are two main strategies to mention the relocation issue in your cover letter:
- At the beginning of the letter - in this case, you expand on your willingness to relocate in the second paragraph of the letter or in the end of the first one. This strategy is better to use if your relocation is settled (i.e. you are moving because your wife was offered a position).
- At the end of the letter - if you choose this option, mention the relocation just above the closing paragraph. This option works best if you intend to relocate for a job. You can include the time frame for relocation, how you plan to attend interviews, etc. when the hiring manager has already learned your strengths and is ready to discuss the details.
If relocation is definite, mention it in the opening. If not, discuss it after highlighting your value.
How to Address Relocation on Your Resume
Your resume should also mention your willingness to relocate. Here is how to do this in the best way:
- include your target job title, current address, and list your experience and education as usual;
- mention your willingness to relocate at the end of the Summary section. You might use phrases like "Open to relocate globally" or "Relocating to Los Angeles in June 2023";
- don't list any other details about relocation - this is what you are writing a cover letter for;
- write a resume as usual, listing your professional history, skills, and educational background.
People Also Ask About Relocation Cover Letters
How do I write a relocation letter to an employer?
The process of writing a relocation letter requires a professional approach and proper attention to detail. You need to show interest in the new location, and the reasons for that decision should be very clear to you. While writing a letter, keep in mind that your employer will be reading it. Therefore, it should not be very personal. Instead, focus on job-related aspects of your relocation and new position.
What should I put at the top of a relocation cover letter?
As with any other formal document, your relocation cover letter should be prepared in the standard business formal. What does it mean? You need to include the header with your address, contact details, and the date when your letter was written. The next paragraph should mention the name of your employer, company, and their contact information. The subject line should be something like this: "Relocating to [City, State] ' Available [Date].' That is it. Do not overload the header with any other information.
How do I say I'm open to relocation in a cover letter?
You should be very direct in your statement regarding openness for relocation. In other words, the reader should not be guessing this information. Thus, you should specifically say where you are currently located, that you are ready to relocate for a certain company located in a certain area. The fact of your readiness to relocate should be the main point of your letter.
Should I mention relocation in the first paragraph?
Yes, you should mention relocation right away in the first paragraph. Your task is to explain the situation and avoid any possible confusion or misunderstanding. Your point should be clear, while you need to be transparent and committed to your decision. Mention your qualifications, skills, and experiences. Be positive about the relocation and the new position.
FAQ: Job Applications When Relocating
1. Should I put 'willing to relocate' on my resume?
Yes, especially if you're applying for jobs in a different city or open to moving. You can include the phrase in your resume summary or near your contact information, such as: 'Willing to relocate for the right opportunity.'
2. What address should I use on my resume when relocating?
If you already have a new address, list it. If not, you can write something like 'Relocating to [City, State]' or explain your move in the cover letter instead.
3. How do I ask for relocation assistance in a professional way?
It's best to bring this up during the offer stage or in a follow-up email. You might say: 'Would your company be open to assisting with relocation expenses for this role?'
4. Where should I mention relocation in my cover letter?
If your move is definite, it's fine to mention it in the opening paragraph. If not, wait until the closing section to explain your plans and focus first on your skills and value.
5. Do I need to update my LinkedIn location if I'm relocating?
Yes. If you're actively job hunting in a new city, updating your LinkedIn location can help recruiters find you more easily and improves the chances of showing up in relevant searches.
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