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[anonymousgal]

I am looking to apply for a position at a university in London. I am currently based on the west coast of the United States. How should I address my willingness to relocate in my supporting statement? I'm a single, female with no family in the area but lots of friends and a strong support network. I've also visited the area extensively through the years and am very familiar with it. Should I say I plan to relocate anyways? I don't want to use a friend's local address either - that seems a shade unethical to me. I want to come across as someone who will happily move and plans to stay long term. I also have previous experience living abroad, if that helps.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[qrypt]

I wouldn't worry about it.  If the search committee things you look good, they'll invite you to come for interview -- and then the question "why do you want to come here" will be asked and you can talk about your reasons and your situation then.  In my experience, UK search committees take a more formal approach to job applications and don't give the same degree of consideration to people's reasons and situations (which inevitably involves second-guessing).  I think there's a greater tendency to assume that someone who applies for the job is likely willing to relocate for the job. 

[the_walrus]

What qrypt said holds in my experience on search committees here too.

[scotia]

What qrypt said holds in my experience on search committees here too.

This is my experience too. If you are the best candidate for the job we want to hire you - we look at how well applicants match the job specification, not at how likely it is that they will be here in 20 years time.

[boggy]

If you tell them that you were planning to move there anyways they may assume that you have the legal right to live in work in the UK.  So I wouldn't do that if you are expecting them to help with immigration.

[drspouse]

I wouldn't talk about personal reasons for wanting or being willing to relocate, in the interview. You wouldn't be applying for the job if you weren't willing to take it (they hope).

I'd be saying things about what a fabulous department it is and what a great research environment the city is. If you have collaborators or former colleagues who have sung the praises of working (not living) in London tell them about that, too.

If you're having an informal chat, or over lunch or dinner, you can perhaps talk about areas you've researched to live, or the fact that your family are all excited about visiting you so you'll be looking for a place with a spare room.