So, you’re about to receive a great job offer in an exciting, far-away city. You’ve searched your heart and decided that, yes, you’re up for this move—assuming the offer is right. Which raises a big question: how do you ask for relocation assistance?
To be clear, the time to ask for—and negotiate—a relocation package is after you receive a job offer but before you accept. That’s when your bargaining power is greatest. But in order to negotiate the best deal, you need to know what’s expected. If you haven’t been through a corporate relocation before, here’s the least you should know about the process.
Often, when you receive a job offer, the employer will indicate if relocation assistance is included. If so, that’s easy: request a copy of the relocation policy, wee what’s covered, and if necessary, start negotiating accordingly.
If not, thank them, consider the offer—and if you’re interested, ask—directly and courteously—if relocation benefits can be included.
If the employer comes back with a firm “no,” it’s up to you to decide if you want to keep pressing or take the job regardless. If the employer says “yes,” providing that coveted relocation agreement, now you can start the review and subsequent negotiation process.
Relocation agreements can be written any number of ways. Knowing these basic factors will help you understand what you’re reading: