Are You Open to Relocating?

Once a common question, it’s now at record lows. According to Fortune.com, only 1.6% of professional job seekers are willing to relocate for a new role. It’s probably an obvious statement to say this is largely due to the dramatic incline in remote work. And, yes, the cost of housing shift doesn’t help.

But let me ask: would you move not just for a job, but for new experiences?

If you’re not tied to a location, what’s holding you back from exploring another state or community? Sometimes, the biggest personal and professional growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.

I grew up moving frequently—eight times before I turned 10. From Minnesota to Kansas (five homes there), and back to Minnesota (two more moves), my childhood wasn’t tied to one place. My parents, who met by chance in college, weren’t even from the same town—nor did they attend the same college. At my first Minnesota school, most of my classmates’ parents had grown up there too. That was foreign to me.

I was comfortable going to college in a different state where I didn’t know anyone, because moving felt natural. What that did for me, personally and professionally, was open my mind to greater possibilities.

I’ve relocated for work twice. Well, I moved to Atlanta for a role with a former vendor, seeking not only a career opportunity but also a break from the Minnesota tundra. Admittedly, Atlanta wasn’t the right fit for me long-term, so I took an opportunity that brought me back “home” to reassess my future—in a comfort zone that has seen 6 moves around the state.

For the past three years, I’ve entertained moving again. I keep a close eye on cost of living everywhere. Tennessee topped my list for a while (they ranked 4th in cost of living in 2022). Pre-COVID, my work with Granicus allowed me to travel to places that expanded my options. Boston and Arizona, you both have a special place in my heart.

When I apply to roles in other states, it’s because I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity and the organization. I’m not married to Minnesota. In fact, when people ask where I’m located, I often say, “I CURRENTLY live in Minnesota.” If you want me in your city, it doesn’t take much for me to say yes!

So, how do I effectively advertise my openness to relocating—or returning to the office? According to Google AI, ” to effectively showcase your interest in relocation for a job, explicitly state your willingness to relocate in your cover letter and resume.” Hear me out. That limits me to the specific job.

Dear LinkedIn: Why not add a profile filter for relocation? I’m part of the 1.6% who are ready to move—and I want hiring managers to know.