Q & A Table of Contents
I Want The Job But Do Not Want To Relocate
From: Daniele, Estoril, Portugal
Question: I will soon be interviewed for the position of project manager. It's the perfect project for me, I have the necessary skills and great references at this client. Everything is perfect, except they will want me to relocate to the UK. I would prefer to join the project being based here and traveling say every other week to the UK. I am concerned that by saying this they will think I am not really motivated and might pick another candidate. At the same time I am really reluctant to relocate to the UK for the next 6 - 9 months (duration of project). My strategy is to first convince them and get them to agree that I am the man and then put in my conditions on location and travel expenses. How would you go about this to ensure I get the job but can be based here at least every other week and have travel expenses paid by them?
Response: Inasmuch as the project’s duration is relatively short, you should examine your own reasons for not wanting to relocate — and then give similar consideration to why the company may feel that relocation is a necessary element of their hiring decision.
It may be that the most successful approach to use in your negotiation relates to costs: if you are relocated, how much is the company prepared to spend to move you and your household supplies — and perhaps members of your family — from Portugal to the UK? Would they save money if you simply commuted between the two countries as you suggest in your question?
You also need to develop a comprehension of how effective you will be for the company if you are only ‘on their turf’ part-time. Will this have an impact on their return on their investment in you?
Do your interests in remaining based in Portugal outweigh the benefits the job will bring you? Do those interests outweigh the likelihood that you will bring the company the benefits they hope you provide?
In analyzing the situation you need to consider more than just the interests of the stakeholders and the potential financial impacts of relocation versus commuting. What is your BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement)? How badly do you need the job? Similarly, what is the company’s BATNA? Can they easily find an alternative to you?
Ask yourself many questions, then ask the company questions. Listening to yourself and to them should help you figure out whether there is sufficient flexibility on either side — and it may well help you devise a creative solution that will respond to the interests of both the company and yourself.
Good luck on this,
Steve
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