Mention fiance in cover letter? Forum

[Anonymous User]

To establish ties to a whole new geographical market, can I mention in e-mails and cover letters that I am changing markets because of my fiance?

Appropriate? And if I do give it mention - does this increase or decrease my changes of being hired, generally speaking? If I don't - how to address to employers why I am suddenly venturing into a new geographic market?

[rad lulz]

Mention it. For sure. Solid tie.

[kalvano]

Definitely mention it. It shows a real reason to want to be here.

[philosoraptor]

Pretty sure mentioning this same situation in my cover letter was the only reason why the firm thought I was a serious candidate for my current SA. No other connections to the market.

[Anonymous User]

Thank you for the advice everyone!!

Philo, if you don't mind me asking, how did you phrase it in your cover letter? I have been trying to think of a way to get this point across without making it overly personal - though I may be overthinking this. (My fiance will be working as a first-year associate at a firm in the new city this year, and I keep debating whether to mention that specifically.)

[Anonymous User]

The first part of your question is a solid yes. The second part regarding that she works at another law firm. . . hmmm (for me a slight, probably not). It will be interesting to read what others think.

[philosoraptor]

Thank you for the advice everyone!!

Philo, if you don't mind me asking, how did you phrase it in your cover letter? I have been trying to think of a way to get this point across without making it overly personal - though I may be overthinking this. (My fiance will be working as a first-year associate at a firm in the new city this year, and I keep debating whether to mention that specifically.)

Yeah, don't overthink it. I just said something like, "I'm interested in Market X because my fiancée grew up here and we intend to settle here long-term." Something as simple as that should be enough to get you on the firms' radar, then be prepared to talk about it in each individual interview. This goes without saying, but try to be excited about the target city for reasons beyond the fact that your SO is there, even if you don't know much about it yet.