If you’re applying for a job out of state, what to put on your cover letter is an important factor. Most importantly, what address do you list? And how do you explain the reason for your desire to relocate? Or explaining that you’ll already be relocating.

Table Of Contents

What To Know About Applying For Jobs Out Of State

Before you jump right into applying for a job out of state, it’s important to remember a few of the factors that aren’t going to work in your favor:

• They may have to relocate you, this could be a considerable cost on the business.
• They may want to interview you in-person, in which case they’d have to fly you into town to interview.
• If they have additional interviews they want you to go on, they might not be able to do so.

These factors aren’t critical. But it is important to recognize that they will be potential inhibitors to your successful job search. Try to consider them and pay as much attention to arguing your fit and worth as an employee to the employer you’re applying to.

What To Put As Your Address

At the top of your cover letter is a header. This header contains the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number
• Your email address

Related: Basic Cover Letter: Writing One, Examples For College Students

When you’re relocating, how can you inform the employer via the address line that you’ll be relocating? It’s simple! Here’s the trick. Add your relocating address to the header. It should look like the following example:

John Smith
123 Road, New York, NY 11211
630-777-7777
john@smith.com

Relocating to:
123 Road, San Francisco, CA 94121
On May 18th, 2018

If you can, include the date that you’ll be in the area as well. This can be helpful for the employer to know further down the process of your interview.

Reason For Relocating

Your reason for relocating should be in your cover letter. It doesn’t have be a long explanation. A short, brief explanation will do. For example, “My wife is being relocated for work, so I am as well.”

Something simple, that gives some context to the reason that you’re relocating. This will be helpful for the employer to know that you aren’t simply trying to receive a relocation expense from the business as a desire for you to move across the country.

Example Cover Letter When Relocating

Here is an example of what your cover letter might look like when you’re relocating.

Ryan Smith
123 Road Lane, New York NY 11211
ryan@smith.com
630-777-7777
Prior Role: VP of Product at Apple, Inc.

Relocating to:
123 San Diego Lane, San Francisco, CA 9211
On May 18th, 2018

Dear Hiring Manager —

I’m interested in applying for the position of Sales Engineer at House, Inc. The company holds something dear to my heart as the passion for children and education is something I wish existed when I was younger. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend school until much later in life due to coming from a poor family. This is something I’m particularly passionate about changing for our future generations and I’d love to join your mission.

I look forward to interviewing with you. If you have any questions for me, I’d love to help answer them.
Note, I will be relocating to San Francisco in May. The reason for my relocation is that my wife is being relocated for work. And so we will both need to be in San Francisco.

Thank you so much,
Ryan Smith

How To Mention You'll Be Relocating

It's not as complicated as you might think. Keep your cover letter about the reason for why you'd like to work at the company and the mention accomplishments that you've had at your previous role. Towards the bottom of the cover letter body, mention your relocation and reason for relocating. Some great reasons include:

• Your wife or spouse is moving.
• Your family members are moving.
• You need to be closer to family.
• A close friend is relocating and you need to as well.
• You are considering having your children in better school systems.

Want higher salary?

Our comprehensive free guide on increasing your salary through new or existing employment has finally dropped. Get it here.

Download the PDF