What do recruiters want to hear about your reasons for relocation

[guest1107684]

I am a new-grad who is located in SoCal area. I have been applying to out-of-state jobs and very recently received a phone call from a recruiter. It seemed like most of the questions were focused on relocation rather than on the residency program and why I am a good candidate for them. I was completely unprepared for this part, so I had to make things up on the go.

Do you know anything about the area you are planning to relocate to?
Why are you planning to relocate to ______?

Things were going alright until I asked if their residency program has a contract. A lot of programs do, and I would like to know from the start what I am getting myself into. It was like I flipped a switch. Right away the person became skeptical and went on to ask about my goals for the next 5 years and if I was planning to relocate to California any time in the future.

I know that there are a lot of nurses who have relocated in the past for RN residency programs and for other reasons. What do you tell the recruiter? What do they want to hear? How do you explain your reasons for relocation in such a way that it either sounds neutral or of benefit to them?

Thanks

[TriciaJ, RN]

Actually, the way your interview went is good information for you. I'm smelling a pit that can't hang onto staff.

Asking why you're relocating is not bad in itself. They are trying to ascertain how likely you are to stay around after they've invested in you. A spousal transfer is a good reason. Or moving to be closer to family. Or familiarity with the area and a long-standing desire to live there.

You were spot on to ask about a contract. The chilly change in atmosphere is very telling and casts a new light on the relocation question. Proceed with caution.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

This has to do with the pattern of new grads from California that have come before you. They have a difficult time finding a job in California, so they move to (whatever city the hospital is). After they get a year experience, they move back to California. The hospital does not get a return on the investment in training them.

You would need to give a valid reason for moving to that city (spouse relocation, moving closer to family, etc). Do not tell them that the reason you are moving from California is lack of available jobs.

[Emergent, RN]

I grew up in Southern California. There are lots of reasons to leave other than a lack of new grad jobs. It's crowded, congested, smoggy, and real estate is unaffordable.

I would cite the negatives of Southern California, of which there are plenty. Make it sound like your nursing degree is your ticket out of there!

[guest1107684]

I will try a mixture of all of these next time. I think disgust with LA, CA would be an honest reason for relocation aside from better job opportunities. Thanks for mentioning this, Emergent.