Tough Interview Questions - Are you willing to relocate?

Following is a tough interview question:

Are you willing to relocate?

Similar interview questions:
Do you own a home? Do you have anything tying you down to your current location? What do you think about the _____ area?

Why the interviewer is asking this question:
While the relocation question will typically come up early with a recruiter on the phone screening you for the role, it can also come up in the context of the interview. Two reasons: 1) there may be multiple positions in multiple locations; 2) relocation may be required at some point in the future for career progression with the company.

The best approach to answering this question:
If you are open to relocation, say so. If not, state it as well. But before you decline on potential relocation, ask yourself if you would at least want to consider an outstanding role in a different area. You are welcome to offer a definitive no, if it is truly definitive. For example, if you have family ties to your area which cannot be severed (due to a spouse working in the area, a sick parent, etc.), state that you are unable to relocate at this time (leaving the door open for the future). But the best way to answer is to leave this option open, depending on the type of role being offered. Always do you best to keep your options open whenever possible.

An example of how to best answer this question:
"I do like where I am currently living and I have family in the area. But I am open to considering relocation for an outstanding opportunity."

An example of how you should not answer this question:
"Not only am I open to relocation, I would love to relocate. I just got divorced and I want to get out of town. I have my suitcase packed and ready to go."

Remember to answer each interview question behaviorally, whether it is a behavioral question or not. The easiest way to do this is to use an example from your background and experience. Then use the S-T-A-R approach to make the answer a STAR: talk about a Situation or Task (S-T), the Action you took (A) and the Results achieved (R). This is what makes your interview answer uniquely yours and will make your answer a star!