The survey by Robert Half International Inc. asked 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees, "Which one of the following would most influence your decision to relocate to a different city to pursue a better job opportunity?" Their responses:0 x0 J" `, \' c. A. f8 Y1 r1 e

  ]5 b6 V' w0 W0 D2 f) yQuality of life in new city - 31%
6 P" R" ~% h3 h, o$ X6 G9 r. DCompensation for new position - 27%
9 s  s& V; f1 ~; ]9 u2 x' M& |Cost of living in new city - 13% ! B& b6 H* O$ D2 Y* P, v1 C! \
Status of new position - 6% ' o: J* N7 }- d3 Q- f  C, u& ]2 A
Distance of move - 5% 6 x5 U7 \4 E3 L5 m; c$ f
Family considerations - 1% 0 Q4 ~5 J: u: j2 z$ W5 ^
Other - 1%
: V8 g5 x) e2 e+ X: U2 V* N# LWould not move - 12%
& d9 Z6 e3 p. s" O, \" h$ ?Don't know/no answer 4% 5 {( C& R* {% |, Y9 t
/ p5 k! |. ~0 |+ ^( X" U' r8 _
"Taking a job in a new town is not just a career decision -- it is a lifestyle choice," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc. and author of Human Resources Kit For Dummies. "Companies that highlight the qualities that distinguish their city, such as a reputation for safety, highly regarded school system or cultural events, increase their chances of attracting top professionals."" C2 M2 x5 `% O/ Y
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The distance of the move is less important than such factors as compensation and the new city's cost of living, Messmer noted. He added, "Employers enhance their ability to secure commitments from prospects by taking steps to ensure a smooth transition for employees, including providing information about housing and assisting with job placement for spouses, if appropriate."