We Need You! How to Negotiate a Relocation for Work

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We Need You! How to Negotiate a Relocation for Work

December 13, 2021

5 Things to Prepare

Starting a new job is always an adventure. Starting a new job and moving to a new home can be a bit daunting, but don’t let it throw you off your career path.

Sooner or later, you may consider taking a job that provides you more opportunities, a better lifestyle or the ability to meet responsibilities outside of work that will require you and your family to move.

What’s on Offer?

Relocation can be expensive, but you might not have to incur the costs on your own. Keep in mind that companies tend to vary in what they offer employees who are relocating for work, and a large percentage of employees receive no moving assistance at all from their employers. A company that really needs a candidate and finds the perfect one may be more inclined to negotiate relocation assistance if they really need YOU! It generally differs by city, industry, job demand and position in the company (high-level executives tend to get this as part of their package).

Nonetheless, the following expenses are commonly on the table for discussion:-

· Moving expenses

· Temporary rental accommodation

· Travel costs back home if you relocate before your family moves

· Job search or job recruiter assistance for the spouse

· Assistance in selling your house

5 Things To Prepare

To prepare for this conversation or negotiation, you should discover five things:-

1. If you are working with a recruiter, ask for guidance in this area;

2. Find out what is typical for the role you are entering into;

3. Ask your new employer if the company has a written relocation policy or if it offers standard benefits;

4. Find out who at the company has recently moved, and ask about their relocation experiences;

5. As your friends or other contacts in similar firms or roles about their experiences or company policies.

Getting into Specifics

When discussing the subject of relocation assistance, ensure you are addressing your actual needs. Before you limit what you ask for, make sure you have answers to the above and know your specific needs. These may be beyond financial expenses, like assistance in choosing a good local school, referrals to recruiters for spouse employment, assistance in selecting child care facilities, etc. Once you have thought about what help you need, you can negotiate a package that suits your specific needs.

Preparation and Finalisation

A negotiation about relocation assistance is the same as any other negotiation. If you focus on adequate preparation, collaborative negotiating and out-of-the-box thinking, you will have a great chance of success.

Your employer is more likely to discuss and agree to your ideas if you present them to benefit the company as well. For example: “I will be able to work longer hours and be more productive from the start if I can get a few important matters settled quickly.”

And of course, once you and the company agree on a relocation assistance package, make sure that it is captured in writing, detailing the assistance provided and by what time.

Holy Dooley – We made the ‘Top 20 Recruitment Agencies in Australia’

1 in 20 Hoping to Switch Jobs at Christmas