Relocation Cover Letter

Moving to a new city for a job adds a layer of complexity that most cover letters never have to deal with. Employers see an out-of-state address and immediately wonder about your timeline, your commitment, and whether the logistics of your move will slow down the hiring process. A relocation cover letter tackles those concerns directly so the hiring manager can focus on your qualifications instead of your zip code.

This guide covers when to mention relocation, where to place it in your letter, what details to include, and what to leave out. If you need a refresher on general cover letter structure first, start with our guide on how to write a cover letter.

Should You Mention Relocation in Your Cover Letter?

Not every move needs to be addressed upfront. Use this decision framework:

• Mention it if your current address is in a different state or metro area from the job location and the role is clearly on-site or hybrid. An out-of-state address with no explanation is one of the fastest ways to get filtered out.
• Mention it if you are already in the process of moving and can provide a concrete timeline. This turns a potential red flag into a logistical detail.
• Skip it if the role is fully remote and location does not affect your eligibility. Bringing up relocation when it is irrelevant wastes space and creates confusion.
• Skip it if the job posting explicitly states that relocation assistance is provided. The employer already expects candidates from other areas, so a brief mention is fine but a full explanation is unnecessary.

If you are combining a move with a career pivot, the strategies in our career change cover letter guide pair well with the relocation advice on this page.

Where to Mention Relocation

You have two options, and the right one depends on how central the move is to your application.

In the Opening Paragraph

Mention relocation early if the employer is likely to notice your out-of-state address immediately and might disqualify you before reading further. A brief, confident statement in the first paragraph removes the question mark right away. Something like "I am relocating to Denver in March and am seeking opportunities with companies building strong engineering teams in the area" addresses the move and pivots to your value in the same sentence.

In the Closing Paragraph

Mention relocation at the end if your qualifications are the stronger selling point and you want the reader to evaluate your fit before processing the logistics. This works well when the move is still in the planning stage or when you want to lead with your professional story.

What to Include About Your Relocation

Hiring managers do not need your full moving story. They need three things:

• A timeline. State when you will be available to start or when you plan to arrive. "I am relocating to the Austin area in early April" is more useful than "I am planning to move soon." Specificity builds confidence.
• Who is covering the cost. If you are funding the move yourself, say so. This removes a major concern for employers, especially smaller companies that do not offer relocation packages. A sentence like "I am funding my relocation independently and do not require relocation assistance" eliminates a potential objection.
• Local ties or reasons for the move. If you have a concrete reason for choosing this city, such as a spouse's job, family in the area, or a long-standing connection to the community, mention it briefly. It signals that you are committed to the area and unlikely to leave after six months.

You do not need to explain your reasons in detail. One or two sentences is enough. The bulk of your letter should still focus on why you are qualified for the role.

Relocation Cover Letter Examples

Below are two full examples showing different relocation scenarios. Adjust the details to match your own situation, timeline, and target role. For more samples across different industries, browse the full cover letter examples library.

Relocation cover letter example — self-funded move

Best when you are moving on your own initiative and want to remove cost concerns for the employer.

Subject: Application for the Marketing Coordinator position

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at Ridgeline Media. I am currently based in Philadelphia and will be relocating to the Portland area in early May. My move is self-funded and I do not require relocation assistance. In my current role as a marketing associate at Brightwell Agency, I manage campaign execution across paid social, email, and content channels for a portfolio of six B2B clients. Over the past year, I increased average client email open rates by 22% through segmentation redesigns and A/B testing, and I coordinated a product launch campaign that generated 1,400 qualified leads in its first month. Your job posting emphasizes cross-channel coordination and data-driven decision-making, both of which are central to my daily work. I am particularly drawn to Ridgeline Media's focus on sustainability-focused brands, which aligns with the direction I want to take my career. My partner has accepted a position in Portland, and we have already secured housing in the Sellwood neighborhood. I will be fully available to start by May 12. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my campaign management experience can support your team's growth. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Full Name]

Relocation cover letter example — spouse-driven move

Works well when the relocation is driven by a partner's career and you want to emphasize long-term commitment to the area.

Subject: Application for the Financial Analyst position

Dear Ms. Thornton, I am writing to express my interest in the Financial Analyst position at Crestview Capital. My family is relocating to Charlotte this summer following my spouse's transfer to the region, and I am actively seeking a role where I can continue the financial modeling and forecasting work I have built my career around. Over the past five years at Harmon Financial Group in Chicago, I have developed and maintained forecasting models covering $180 million in annual revenue across three business units. I led the transition from spreadsheet-based reporting to a centralized BI dashboard that reduced monthly close time by four days and improved forecast accuracy by 15%. My CFA Level II candidacy reflects my ongoing commitment to deepening my analytical expertise. Charlotte's growing financial services sector is a key reason I am excited about this transition. I have spent the past several months researching the market and connecting with professionals in the area, and Crestview Capital's reputation for rigorous, client-first analysis stands out. We have already signed a lease in the South End area and I will be available to begin by July 1. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my forecasting and reporting experience can contribute to your team. I am happy to interview remotely or in person during an upcoming visit to Charlotte. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, [Full Name]

What to Avoid in a Relocation Cover Letter

These mistakes can turn a manageable logistics detail into a reason to reject your application.

• Being vague about your timeline. "I am thinking about moving to your city" does not help the employer plan. If you cannot provide a specific date, at least give a month or a season.
• Asking about relocation packages in the cover letter. The cover letter is a sales document, not a negotiation. Save compensation and benefits discussions for later in the process.
• Overexplaining your reasons for moving. The hiring manager does not need three paragraphs about your personal life. State the reason briefly and move on to your qualifications.
• Burying the relocation information. If your address is clearly out of state, do not hope the employer will overlook it. Address it directly so there is no confusion.
• Using your current address when you already have a local one. If you have a local address, such as a family member's home or your new apartment, use it on your resume and cover letter. It removes the relocation question entirely.

FAQ

Should I put my current address or my new address on my cover letter?

If you already have a confirmed address in the target city, use it. This prevents the out-of-state filter that many recruiters apply when scanning applications. If you do not yet have a local address, use your current address and address the relocation directly in the body of the letter.

Do I need to mention relocation if the job is remote?

Generally no. If the role is fully remote and does not require you to be in a specific location, your address is irrelevant. However, if the posting mentions a preferred time zone or occasional in-office days, a brief note confirming that you will be in the area can be helpful.

How do I address relocation when I have not set a firm moving date?

Provide the most specific information you can. "I am planning to relocate to the Boston area this fall" is better than "I might be moving at some point." Employers understand that timelines shift, but they want to see that you have a real plan, not just a vague intention.

Will mentioning relocation hurt my chances?

It can if you handle it poorly, such as being vague, asking about relocation packages upfront, or making the move sound uncertain. But a clear, confident statement that includes a timeline and removes cost concerns actually strengthens your application. It shows planning, commitment, and transparency. For more on structuring your entire application, visit the cover letter templates page.