Q: I just had my resume professionally reviewed and my coach suggested I include a line stating, “Willing to relocate.”   Do you agree with this advice? How would you respond to a resume with this information?

A: First, I have never seen any resume with such a statement. That being said, I would be surprised to notice that on any resume and, if I did, I would wonder why the candidate had not included this detail in the cover letter or somewhere else. So, let’s take a look at why this kind of statement is necessary at all, and then I will address where to best communicate it.

I can see where the issue of willingness to relocate is important to discuss in the context of applying for a particular position where, let’s say, an employer is worried because several, previous applicants had either not taken note of the position’s location or had not proactively investigated the particular location for personal fit. Knowing where you are applying and how that will work in your life are both important considerations.

Alternatively, some employers are truly running national searches for very senior roles and want to know before persuing a candidate if he or she has already considered relocation as a requirement for the job. In such a search, the recruiter running the process would get this information and communicate it to the client organization. It would not be listed on the resume.

Generally, I treat the resume like a “professional passport” of sorts.  It lists verifiable information about academic credentials, work history and accomplishments.  It avoids extraneous details like hobbies, wishes or dreams.  It is as concrete as it can be and cites dollars and numbers where helpful and applicable.  The cover letter, by contrast, can be more of a personality document.  It can give reasons for certain choices and make arguments about why a particular candidate is well suited for a role.  It can reflect leadership styles, strategies and philosophies. By design, it is a more personal “signature” on the application.  Therefore, of the two formats, I use the cover letter to address issues related to relocation, compensation and personal affinity to mission. Keep the resume focused, simple in structure and career oriented.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

(image source)

#

Last updated on April 26th, 2016 at 06:47 pm