Relocation Cover Letter: A Complete Writing Guide

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Moving or relocating can be a challenge and is not cheap! Looking for jobs, sitting for interviews, and being present for onboarding can be a lot to handle, especially when factoring in relocation. It is a standard practice to write a relocation cover letter when applying for a job while you are relocating to a new home. 

The purpose of a relocation cover letter is to let your future employer know that you are (or are intending to) move to their place of operation. There are several benefits to writing a relocation cover letter when applying for a job while moving. However, the biggest benefit of writing a cover letter of relocation is that it allows employers to more seriously consider you for the position you are applying for since you are stating your intention to move to their place of operations. 

If you want your employer to seriously consider your candidacy, a cover letter of relocation is the way to go! This article will dive into the workings of a relocation cover letter, provide key examples and samples of relocation cover letters, and give you some neat tips to take your relocation cover letter to the next level!

What Is a Relocation Cover Letter?

We touched on earlier that a relocation cover letter is a letter written to an employer to express your intention to move to their place of operations. A relocation cover letter is a good way to land a job in a city without actually being in the city, and can prevent you from living off of savings while you try to find a job after moving!

Your relocation cover letter should always indicate the reason for your relocation. The reasons for relocating vary from person to person, but typically fall under these categories:

  • Relocating for a spouse
  • Relocating for a family member
  • Relocating for the sake of relocating
  • Relocating back home
  • Relocating for a fresh start

Relocation Cover Letter Examples

In this section, we will outline some key examples of how to structure relocation cover letters for different situations.

Relocating for a spouse

Dear Mr. Robinson, 

I am currently in the process of moving to your city, Chicago, as my wife has recently accepted a job there. We will be moving between the 13 October and 20 October. As such, I am looking to secure a position in the city as well, with a concentration in marketing strategy. I am a Marketing and Sales major by trade, and I believe that the Marketing Associate position at your company perfectly aligns with this goal. 

I possess a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Marketing with a minor in Accounting from the University of Michigan. I have 6 years of experience working with top-level marketing firms in the Michigan area, where I have worked and led a team of 18 to synthesize and produce high-return, results-driven marketing strategies for our clients. In my latest project, the developed strategy resulted in an 80% profit over the previous fiscal year, and a 45% reduction in advertisement costs. 

Thank you for your evaluation. Please take a moment of your time to review my attached resume and recommendations. I look forward to sitting down with you when I get to Chicago or jumping on an online meeting, so that we can fully discuss the ways I can bring immediate value to your marketing firm. 

Sincerely, 

Jake Mitchell
293-549-9940
[email protected]

Relocation cover letter for moving back to hometown

Dear Mrs. Chang, 

As a San Francisco native, I am thrilled to be finally moving back home this coming fall as I return from my studies abroad. I came across your job posting and I believe that the Data Analyst at your firm perfectly aligns with my current professional developmental goals, and I believe that my skills and qualifications make me an ideal fit for the position. 

As I prepare to move back home, I wish to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my studies to develop my city and country. I am in the final months of completing a Master’s Degree in Economic Policy from the University of Brussels and will be moving back to San Francisco in November of this year. Throughout my studies, I have devoted my time and energy into developing my critical thinking and analysis skills, my writing capability, and international perspective. I currently work in my department’s research office, where I am a research associate investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the US economic policy towards the Indo-Pacific. I understand that your company is seeking to expand its policy research into the Southeast Asian Region, and I believe that my area of expertise can bring immediate value to your company. 

Please take a moment to review my resume, recommendations, and portfolio. I can be contacted at any time via my email or telephone number, should additional documents or clarifications be required. I look forward to jumping on a call with you to discuss the scope of how my studies can be directly applied to further the objectives of your company. 

Sincerely, 

Rick Manchester
902-357-4455
[email protected]

Relocating for personal reasons

Dear Mr. Ramos, 

It has been a long-standing dream of mine to make the move to Philadelphia. The city’s rich history and vibrant people have attracted me to visit at every opportunity I get. I have a strong professional background in accounting and, upon researching your company and its values, believe that my professional and personal developmental objectives align perfectly with the Accountant position at your firm. 

Throughout my career, I have maintained the highest level of professionalism and integrity. I hold a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of the West Indies, and have spent the duration of my studies working part-time in the university’s accounting department. It was there that I picked up on many of the professional skills that your job listing indicates you are looking for. These include, a strong background in budgetary and financial tracking, strong technological proficiency in a broad base of accounting software, and a keen eye for detail with disciplined time management and organizational skills. I believe that these skills will allow me to meet and exceed the demands of the position and bring immediate value to you and your firm. 

Please take a moment to review my attached resume. I can be contacted for interviews or supplemental information at any time after the 24 November, as my move date is scheduled for the 20 November. Thank you for your evaluation and I anticipate your forthcoming response. 

Sincerely, 

Jacob Michaels
333-444-5555
[email protected]

How to Write a Relocation Cover Letter

Now that we have gone over some examples of relocation cover letters, let's break them down into their component parts,

Explain why you are relocating

The first thing you should include in a relocation cover letter is explain the purpose of your relocation. People relocate to different cities for a variety of reasons, including family, personal interests, and even for better job opportunities. Whatever the reason is, be sure to include it in a relocation cover letter! 

Here are a few ways you can include a reason for relocating in a relocation cover letter!

Relocation cover letter for a job opportunity

I am planning to relocate to San Francisco so that I can be closer to and work in the technological capital of the world.

Relocation cover letter for personal development 

As an individual that relates personal growth to traveling, I wish to invest the next stage of my life in your city.

Relocation cover letter written for a new start

Personal circumstances have driven my decision to relocate. Upon extensive research into possible relocation sites, it was an easy decision to choose Miami due to its thriving private real estate sector.

Do your research

The worst thing you can possibly do is relocate to a new city without conducting extensive research into the city and company you are moving to. Before writing a relocation cover letter to any company, ensure that the place you are relocating to is one that you can feasibly see yourself being happy in. Moreover, research the company you are planning on relocating to. Your cover letter should reflect that you have done the necessary research and are making an informed decision. Hiring managers reading a relocation cover letter that lacks this will be hard-pressed to take you seriously!

To illustrate this point, consider this excerpt from a relocation cover letter for an out of state position:

It has been a long-standing dream of mine to take a chance on myself and move to Washington DC. Your reputation as the state’s leading real estate firm precedes you, and I believe that my skills and qualifications make me an ideal candidate for the Junior Realtor position at your company.

Tell them your relocation timeframe

Your relocation cover letter should include every iota of information that an employer needs to know about your travel plans. One of the most important points to include in your relocation cover letter is your relocation timeframe. After reading your relocation cover letter, employers should have a clear idea of when you potentially start work, and also when you will be available for interviews and onboarding!

A relocation cover letter can include your relocation timeframe at any point in the introductory or concluding paragraphs, so adjust its location according to your own writing style!

Be clear about your interview availability

Relocation can be tricky business and may involve being away from a stable internet connection. To this end, your relocation cover letter should clearly state your interview availability. Long gone are the days when in-person interviews were the only way for employers to meet potential employees. Thanks to online conference calling, you can be interviewed for a job in Japan while sitting in your home in Miami!

💡Pro tip: For the sake of cohesiveness, include your interview availability towards the end of your relocation cover letter! By the time the hiring manager or employer gets to the end of your relocation cover letter, they should more or less already have an idea of whether you are worth scheduling an interview with. Including your availability at the end of your relocation cover letter keeps this important information fresh in the mind of the reader!

Show your connection to the new place & excitement to relocate

Your relocation cover letter should not only express your interest in the job but should also show that you are looking forward to moving! You have a life outside of work; your relocation cover letter expressing a genuine interest about the place you are moving to goes a long way in convincing the hiring manager that you are worth serious consideration. 

Here is an example of how to show excitement about relocation in a relocation cover letter:

Since I was a child, I have loved the mountain ranges of Vermont as my family and I took annual skiing trips there. Therefore, to me it is only natural that I take my first steps as an adult and move back to the place that my formative years have been spent dreaming about.

💡Pro tip: A good way to relay your excitement to move in your relocation cover letter is focusing on a defining characteristic of the place you are moving to, and relating it to a personal hobby/interest.

Relocation Cover Letter Template

Let’s combine everything we have learned about relocation cover letters! This section will provide a complete template for a relocation cover letter. Use this relocation cover letter template as a guide to writing your own, but remember that this format is not the only one! Your relocation cover letter is an extension of your personality and interests, so take this and make it your own!

[Your name]
[Your job title] (if any)
[Your home address]
[Your email address] 
[Your telephone number]

[Date]

[Name of Hiring Manager]
[Job title of Hiring Manager]
[Company name]
[Company address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.][Hiring manager’s last name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job title] at [Company name]. I am currently in the process of relocating to [Location], as [reason for relocating]. Your job listing, as described, aligns perfectly with my personal and professional development objectives, and I am confident that I am an ideal candidate for this position.

For years, I have planned [indicate that you have researched the area you are moving to]. [Talk about your experience and professional qualifications and how it translates to your candidacy for the position you are applying to]. My [1-2 soft skills] can be measured by my most recent professional accomplishments:

  • [2-3 achievements that demonstrate measurable metrics of success and ability]

Please take a moment to review my [list the attached documents you are including alongside your relocation cover letter]. I am available for interviews or other forms of direct communication at any time after [dates you are available for interviews]. If you need any further supplemental information, I can be contacted via [email and telephone information] at any time. [Thank the hiring manager for reading your letter]. [Call to action that expresses how much you look forward to hearing from them]

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Your full name]

📚Further reading: The Ultimate Cover Letter Format & Structure Guide (+ Examples)

With Cake, a resume website, we provide you with hundreds of good resume templates and resume examples that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!

--- Originally written by Alexander Coye ---

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