Cover Letters 4

[MadMango]

I did a search and couldn't find this topic discussed in detail, a bit surprising. I am planning to relocate from Southern California to Central Florida this March or April. I am an only child, and my father is a widower. I am moving back home to provide care and companionship for him, especially after a severe health scare last year. Should I include this information in my cover letters, or should I save this information for the (fingers crossed) interviews?

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[TheTick]

I wouldn't. Doing so could flag you as one who is likely to leave when your father passes -or- one who is likely to need special considerations. Neither is appetizing to an employer.

Simply stating that you are moving to be near family ought to be enough.

 

[MintJulep]

In the cover letter I'd stick with simple and basic. "I am seeking a job in Central Florida because I am relocating for personnel reasons."

Save the details for interviews.

 

[ivymike]

personnel reasons! nice typo.

 

[MadMango]

Personal personnel reasons, I like it.

Thanks for the the advice, I sort of figured that by adding it I would come across as a potential headache down the road for a prospective employer.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[skearse]

TMI. Honestly, I would leave the location completely out of the cover letter and save it for phone interviews: why do you want to relo to Florida. Not that you'd want to encounter the situation, but if the company knows you're relocating anyway, they might be less inclined to help with the re-lo costs (unless you've already got that taken care of).

 

[ctopher]

...and add that you're leaving a crappy state for a better one!

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

 

[TheTick]

Given a choice, I'd take CA over FL. Just not LA.

 

[ctopher]

Tick,
I have never been to Florida, but I agree about LA.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

 

[KENAT]

I wouldn't put it in the cover letter.

However, I would disagree with skearse and say put something about the location change (a variation on Mints idea is good, without the e) in your cover letter. They will see from your address that you are from miles away and that might otherwise cause them to discount you without looking more closely.

If they ask at the interview you could maybe say more but I'd still maybe phrase it more about 'being close to family' rather than 'look after a sick family member', the latter might get sympathy but if they're a less charitable soul they may think like Tick says.

Either way, hope it works out for you. Hope it's not a rat leaving a sinking ship 'cause I figure I'm here in CA for the forseeable.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[MadMango]

KENAT, you're the reason I'm leaving, especially if they make you a citizen.

Honestly though, this is not the best timing for making a transition like this. It's a bit scary. Reimbursement for relocation if not something I require. I've made this cross-country road trip a few times now, this time I plan on enjoying myself during the drive back.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[KENAT]

I understand entirely, who in their right mind wants me as a neighbour;-).

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[ScottyUK]

Hell yeah, look at the trouble we went to to send you over there...

If you had been really bad we'd have sent you to Oz like the good old days but it's more expensive getting there than the US


----------------------------------

If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[MechEng2005]

I would also take the "moderate" road of mentioning that you are relocating in the cover letter, but leave out the reason. Something like, "I have been planning on relocating to City, Florida, and was excited to see the position you have open."

Depending on how you feel and your style, the "I have been planning" could be changed to "I was hoping to," "I am moving to," "I am interested in," etc...

It just depends on your style and how motivated you think the company wants you to appear. Some companies may treat you differently if they think you are looking for anything in a specific area versus appearing to be looking at a large area and selecting that company.

If they are interested in knowing more specifically about it, they will ask. Depending on the situation, they may be more/less interested. I think it is best to be broad and just touch on items in the cover letter. Let the person doing the hiring decide which items they want to follow up on.

-- MechEng2005

 

[diarmud]

I wouldn't put personal reasons. They will think you have problems and may not stick around.

Just put you want to be closer to family. Do not discuss your fathers health as an issue.

It's personal and nobody's business, it's your business.

Good luck!

 

[Ron]

MadMango...don't put it in the letter. If it's necessary to explain, do so in person at the interview,or even better, after you're hired.

Personal "issues" are flags for rejection, no matter how unfair that might seem. Don't throw anything out there except that you are relocating to Florida. You don't have to give a reason. Fundamentally it's none of their business and if it doesn't affect your performance, who cares.

Welcome to Florida. It's a great state. Other than traffic in Orlando, Central Florida is probably the best area in the state.

 

[KENAT]

You know, the posters saying not even to put 'personal reasons' might not be wrong. I still think you need to say that you are looking to relocate in some way though, as like I said it will be obvious from the address on your resume/letter anyway that you aren't local which might be a flag for some.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[sundale]

I would just tell a potential employer that you like Disneyworld better than Disneyland.

 

[Japher]

If you are going to relocate anyway and don't want to have the relocation part by an issue with future employers here's what you do;

Use your dad's address on your resumes and get a cell phone with a central FL area code. When they call tell them that you are in CA until April for work.

 

[diarmud]

Japher,
Good post. I do not think being completely honest with a future employer is correct.

You can't tell them it's none of their business, even though it is not, this is a good way around it.

They should only be interested in your skills, attitude, availibility, etc.

Good luck!