Whether your relocation will be paid for really depends on the company you work for. Generally if you request to be relocated your expenses will not be covered, but if you are offered the position or required to move to keep your job some of your expenses will be covered. This is something that you must consider before you ask to be relocated, because once you get the job you will be required to start, and you may need to foot the bill!
Even if your company will help you pay for some of your relocation expenses, you may need to be prepared to pay those expenses up front. As you may or may not know, relocating can be very expensive. You will need to find new housing, set up utility providers which usually require deposits, you’ll need to move your belongings, transport vehicles, and you may even need to pay for your airfare to get to your new home. These expenses really add up and many companies require you to pay them upfront and then they will reimburse you within 90 days if all of your expenses are approved. If you do not have a lot of cash on hand, it can be difficult to relocate!
Many companies offer a stipend that will help pay for movers, utility deposits, gas, and those sort of things. It is a good idea to ask the company about their relocation program and what will be paid for in advance before you accept the offer. Even a small stipend will make a huge difference, so see if you can’t work out a deal to get some cash upfront and have the rest refunded to you after you have made your move and get settled into your job.