How to Write a Relocation Cover Letter (With Examples)

An effective relocation cover letter can be the difference between securing a job before you move or dipping into your savings for a few months until you've found one after moving.

To help you write a cover letter that clearly explains your motives for moving, we've included three relocation cover letter examples, a template, and expert writing tips below.

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3 relocation cover letter examples

First, here are three relocation cover letter examples covering three different reasons for moving:

Relocation for a spouse

Here's a cover letter example written by a candidate who's making a permanent move due to a partner accepting a new job in the same city:

Relocation for an out-of-state job

Here's how to show employers that you’re relocating because you have family ties in the area:

Relocation with no ties

Even if you don't have a spouse that's relocating or any family connections in the new area, you can still show employers that you're committed to your move and the new position:

Relocation cover letter template

Here's a relocation cover letter template that you can easily copy and paste into Microsoft Word or Google Docs:

How to write a relocation cover letter

Hiring someone who isn't currently living in the same area as the company is a risky choice for employers. An applicant might back out for many reasons before or after relocating.

To convince them you're the best candidate regardless of your current location, follow these tips:

1. Explain why you’re relocating

Your relocation cover letter needs to highlight why you plan on moving. The more convincing your reasons are, the more persuasive your cover letter will be.

No employer will risk interviewing you if they don't believe there's a genuine reason for your move. Show them you'll stick around by emphasizing why you're interested in relocating, like in these two examples:

I'm permanently relocating to Detroit to be closer to my mother and sister after the passing of my stepfather last year.

I will be permanently moving to San Francisco in March, where my entire immediate family all reside.

2. Show you’ve done your research

If you've never visited the city where your target company is located, you at least need to show you've done some research about the place. This way, you'll demonstrate your genuine commitment to the move, and you'll show that this isn't a decision you've made on a whim.

Here's an example of how to show that you've done your research before moving:

I've wanted to find a biotech position in Boston after visiting last year, when I attended a job fair that hosted over 30 local medical companies. Since then, I've read many articles by the Atlantic, New York Times, and other publications regarding the growing biotech field in the city and am thrilled with the networking and career opportunities it presents. I am currently negotiating a lease in Cambridge and will be moving in January.

3. Provide a timeframe

Most companies need a candidate in place as soon as possible, so you must inform them when you plan to start if selected for the position.

Be precise here. Name an exact date, or at least the month when you'll be moving.

You also need to specify whether you can interview before your move date. If you can only interview remotely, make that clear.

Here's an example of how to give an employer a timeframe about your move and interview availability:

I will have permanently relocated to Austin by January 10, 20XX to be closer to my father and other immediate family after my mother's passing last year. I am available for an in-person interview from December 16th onwards, or remotely immediately at your convenience. You can contact me at (512) 867-6523 or email@email.com to arrange a meeting.

4. State your ties and commitment to the new area

A big worry for potential employers is that you'll only stay for a couple of months and leave town because you don't like the new place.

Your relocation cover letter needs to reassure employers that this won't happen.

Mention in your letter if you grew up in the city, have family there, or temporarily lived there for an internship.

Showing employers you have a legitimate tie to the city is a great way to convince them you're interested in relocating for the long term.

Below is an example of how you can show you have ties in your new area:

I am permanently relocating to Seattle on December 15, 20XX. My spouse has accepted a teaching position at the University of Washington and has immediate family in the area. I would be happy to attend an in-person interview from November 4 to November 10 when we'll be in the area house hunting. I can be contacted at (206) 426-2876 or email@email.com.

5. Appropriately present your contact details

When writing your relocation cover letter, deciding which set of contact details to use is another dilemma.

Should you use your current address, risking rejection by a hiring manager who thinks you're too far away? Should you omit your address and hope no one finds it suspicious? Or should you list the place you plan on moving to?

If you've already signed a lease agreement or bought a house in the new area, use that address.

Otherwise, it's best not to list any address. Instead, where you would write your address, list something descriptive such as “Relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Nov. 25, 20XX."