Interview"Are you willing to relocate, work in shifts or sign a service agreement?" How to answer
A question asked in almost every interview. Why it is asked, how to build your answer, model answers, and what to avoid.
Why interviewers ask it
These are practical questions with real consequences. The employer needs to know whether you can meet the conditions of the job. Saying yes to everything in the room and refusing later wastes everyone's time and harms your name.
How to build your answer
- Decide before the interview. Read the advertisement for location, shifts and travel, and talk to your family.
- If the answer is yes, say so plainly, with a reason that shows you mean it.
- If it is yes with a condition, state the condition politely.
- If it is no, say so honestly and briefly.
- For a service agreement (bond): ask to read the document, note the period, the amount and what happens if you leave, and take time to decide. If any term is unclear or seems heavy, get advice before signing.
Model answers
Yes, I am willing to relocate. I studied away from home for four years, so living in a new city is not new to me, and my family supports the move.
I am open to relocating within the state. For the next year I would prefer to stay within a few hours of Lucknow because of a family commitment. After that I would be free to move anywhere.
Yes, I am comfortable with rotational shifts including nights. I would only ask about transport arrangements for the night shift, for safety.
I can work any shift between six in the morning and ten at night. Night shifts are difficult for me at present for family reasons. If the role allows that, I am very interested.
I understand that the company invests in training and wants people to stay. I have no difficulty in principle with committing to a reasonable period. May I see the agreement and take a day to read the terms?
These are examples about invented people. Keep the structure, and put in your own facts and numbers.
What to avoid
- Saying yes to everything and backing out after the offer.
- Showing irritation at the question.
- Signing an agreement, or handing over original certificates, without reading and understanding the terms.
- Long family explanations.
- Vague answers: "I will see."
Likely follow-up questions
- How soon could you move? Give a realistic date.
- Do you have any constraints we should know about? Mention real ones briefly now, not after joining.
Other common questions
Questions by job
Model answers are examples. They show the shape of a good answer, reviewed in November 2026. Use your own facts: an answer copied word for word will not survive a follow-up question. Employers differ, and nothing here promises selection. Names in the examples are invented.