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My current SO and I have been dating for 2.5 years and have been discussing my moving to his town for awhile now. But I have no idea how I should write my resume/cover letter to explain my relocation. If I put that I am looking to relocate for a relationship I feel that it would be looked down upon and hurt my chances, but I also don't want to lie and have it back fire. I currently live in a metropolitan city but will be looking for a job in a town of only 8k and will likely have to take a step down in position level, so I can't really say that I am looking for career advancement. Any ideas on how I can spin it to sound better to potential employers?

Also, I'm not sure if or how I should tell my boss that I am looking to relocate. In the past, she has given me the silent treatment when she has been upset. But at the same time she may see it coming, she knows about the relationship and that one of us would eventually have to make the move but there is the possibility that she still may get upset. If I don't tell my boss I'm not sure how I will explain my absence if I have to take a day off to go for an interview and I haven't told her I am looking (I don't want to lie and take a sick day because I work in a field that require strict ethical practices). Do you typically tell your boss if your looking for a new job, if not what reason do you give when you have to take off for an interview?

Hope this helps:

1. Always leave on good terms you never know when you will need a job.

2. Typically unless she truly cares about your personal life then I wouldn't tell until you have the offer signed. If you are going to move anyway without a job and leave your current job then I would tell her sooner than later before the offer.

3. As far as moving, I moved with my ex and never put that on my résumé and my jobs were mainly Corporate positions. If the asked in the interview I said I relocated for personal reasons or I got married etc.

4. Your company might offer for you to work with them remotely.

Congrats and good luck. Really depending on the field when it comes to job change or gaps in your résumé less is more.

In so far as what you tell prospective employers, it's "I am looking for work in town X because my personal life is bringing me there." Full stop, that's it. That is sufficient unto the day.

In so far as your current employer, do not say anything until the move is planned. It is always a nice gesture to give more than 2 weeks notice, esp if you're higher up the food chain, but if you work in an environment where you'd be penalized for doing so, then don't say anything until moving plans are firm, tickets are bought, leases signed etc.

Oh, and you take vacation time for interviews. It sucks, but that's how you do it. But I suspect for most jobs given the location difference, you may be able to have phone interviews as the first round so to speak.

Good luck!

Fireproof and cayc, thanks for the responses. I don't plan on actually moving until I have a firm offer and I was hoping to give a months notice.

I've noticed that when applying for places online a lot don't require a cover letter anymore. Should I explain on my resume in the objections section that I am relocating, something like, "Relocating to the ______ area and seeking a position that will utilize my Accounting experience and skills". I'm afraid if I don't say anything they will see I live in current city and assume I accidentally submitted my resume for the wrong location.

I have never used that feature but that is a good idea.

Also if you know your physical address you can always put that on the resume with a current phone or change your number first.

Depending on your move i

I would designate a week to interview and pack in interviews that week and to investigate the area for companies you aren't aware of. I never had luck with recruiters but I would send your resume to them and they will set up an initial interview and let them work for you as well. Do not go to the places that make you pay.

Good luck!

People relocate all of the time for family or loved ones. If the subject comes up, simply state that you are relocating for personal reasons. Your potential employer has no need to know those personal reasons. If pressed, then you can either say you have family/good friends in the area (IMO, moving for an SO makes that person family ) or state that you are not comfortable discussing it.

If you can send a cover letter (even if it is not required, but is an option) then do that. If not, then I think changing your Objective to state you are relocating would be a good idea. When I get a resume then I assume that the person is willing to relocate, but then I live in a rather large metropolitan area. If I was in a small town, I am not sure how I would react because I have not BTDT.

Do not tell your boss that you are looking. Take a vacation day if you have an interview. If she asks, then tell her you are visiting SO (I assume that you would visit SO if you are in town for an interview...) Companies will generally work with you on scheduling interviews because they know you are working while you try to find employment. So you will probably be able to schedule most of the interviews on a Friday or Monday, making a long weekend visit with your SO.

Finally, research each company before you submit your resume and try to target your resume and cover letter to their specific need. That is, what is in a company in a smaller town may not be exactly what you currently do. For example, if you have experience in accounting in a large corporation, try to explain how that will benefit a smaller locally owned company.

Good luck!