Prepared to take your career international? Make these CV changes.

If you’re willing to relocate internationally for a job, how should you include that in your CV? Well, there are several ways that you can state on your CV that you’re willing to work anywhere in the world, but some methods allow you to be more concise, and therefore more professional.

Re-published with the agreement of TopCV

You might like to phrase it as ‘will relocate globally’, ‘willing to relocate worldwide’ or ‘open to relocation on a global level’, for example.

Where do I write that I’m willing to relocate on my CV?

In this sample CV, the relevant line about relocation is underlined in blue and is included as part of the personal statement. You can view the full CV for this mid-level professional here. 

The best place to mention relocation on your CV is your personal statement, which sits just underneath your name and contact details. Your CV personal statement should discuss who you are, what you can bring to the role and your career goals. Add the details about being willing to relocate globally to the final part of your statement.

For example, if you’re looking for a software engineer role, you might write, ‘Currently pursuing a software engineer role and am open to relocating globally’.

Have a goal and a plan for your relocation

Food for thought: Perhaps spend some time thinking about where you really want to work on a geographical level. If you have your heart set on a certain country, perhaps look for jobs in that region, rather than hoping a new employer will send you there on a whim.

Alternatively, if you want the opportunity to work across the world, look at companies who have offices internationally. If you find a job you like, tailor your CV to that opportunity so you convince employers you’re the talent they need. You can then bring up the fact that you are open to working anywhere in the world in your cover letter or interview, as opposed to your CV that includes your current location.

Understand the CV conventions for different countries

CV conventions change from country to country. Some details you may never have thought to include could be requirements somewhere else, and what you may think is standard could suddenly be a deal-breaker once you cross a border. Therefore, if you want to relocate globally, you must adapt your CV to meet the expectations of your target country. That starts with understanding how CV rules differ from one country to the next.  (See the article How Do CVs Differ From Country To Country?)

Mentioning relocation on your cover letter

Is a cover letter necessary if you are relocating? Absolutely. Here is how you should handle relocation on your cover letter.

 

What is a relocation cover letter?

A relocation cover letter is almost identical to your typical cover letter, except it details why you are relocating and your plans.

Employers will always need to see the elements of a traditional cover letter which expand on your CV, such as your interest in the role and your relevant experience and skills. But if you have added that you are relocating on your CV, you must explain this further in your cover letter or a prospective employer may choose to proceed with someone more ‘stable’, as they already reside in the area.

By mentioning your plans to relocate upfront, you reduce the risk of doubt in the HR manager’s mind so they can focus on the reasons you’re suitable for the role and should be interviewed.

 

How to write a relocation cover letter

Learn how to write and address your relocation in a cover letter by following the steps below:

Write a concise introduction that conveys your enthusiasm

All cover letters should begin with your interest in the open position and why you are applying for the role. For example, if you’re applying for a project management position, have you always been fond of organisation and executing projects and campaigns? Or, perhaps you have always wanted to work for this particular company and have admired it from afar your whole career.

Detail your reasons for relocating and what your plan looks like

In your relocation cover letter, the next section should highlight the fact that you are moving and why this is. If your reasons are convincing, your cover letter will be all the more persuasive.

Some genuine reasons include: Your spouse is moving jobs, you are moving to be closer to elderly parents or you are returning to your hometown after a few years in the city.

Be careful of your phrasing when offering your explanation. For example, if you are moving to London because you have always wanted to, this is great, but a prospective employer may read this as ‘could be a flight risk if London living doesn’t work out’. However, if you plan to move to London permanently because you know it is a hotspot for jobs in your industry and have witnessed many friends find success in this decision, that’s better.

In a couple of sentences then, detail your reason for relocating, your thought-out plan, the relocation’s permanence and your ties to the area to convince the employer you’re a risk worth taking on. If you can mention a timeframe or the exact date of your move, that will work in your favour.

Add examples of your relevant experience

The following paragraph should address why this position is important to you and the relevant experience you have to offer. Identify the critical requirements listed in the job advert and detail the experience that shows you align with the role. Make the outcomes and achievements of your experience a key focus too, as it will highlight the concrete value you bring to the table.

Emphasise key skills and qualifications

In this section, outline any additional skills and qualifications that the prospective employer deems valuable for this role. Again, refer to the job description and cite the most pertinent abilities in your skill set which mirror the role’s requirements. You are essentially offering the HR manager plenty of reasons to invite you for an interview by proving that your arsenal of skills is exactly what they are looking for.

Finish your cover letter with a summary

End your cover letter with a conclusion that summarises your expertise, reasons for relocation and your enthusiasm for the role. Write that you’re looking forward to meeting with them to discuss the exciting opportunity and your skills in more detail. Then sign off with ‘Kind regards’ (or something similar) and your name.

 

Sample of a relocation cover letter

Offering the prospective employer genuine, persuasive reasons for your move is essential when writing a relocation cover letter.

Below is an example format of a relocation cover letter, designed to be emailed.

 

Conclusion

There’s no reason your career has to tie you down to one location for life. Whether you’re simply willing to relocate globally or actively wanting to use work as an impetus to start somewhere new, you can. To be successful, you must be clear about your intentions and knowledgeable about what is expected of you.

The rules of CV writing are complex. Let an expert guide you in the right direction. Learn more about working with our professional CV writers.