According to IBISWorld data, the market size of global HR and recruitment services is valued at $772.1 billion this 2022. With more companies opening roles for new hires, you should prepare and ensure that you’re ready for the competition.
Of course, part of the process is making sure that you stand out. You need to consider a couple of things, including getting certifications, acquiring proper training and updating your resume.
Now, when choosing the best resume header, you might wonder what to include in the area. You might ask, “Should I put my address on my resume?”.
Well, we’re here to answer your question. We’ll also share the pros and cons of including an address on your resume.
Table of Contents
Do recruiters or employers expect to see an address on resume?
There are a couple of reasons why employers would need a job seeker’s physical address. During the hiring process, they find the information useful in a number of ways:
To fulfill the standard recruitment procedure
It has always been a common practice to include a physical address on a resume. So, it’s only natural for an employer to expect to see one on your application. However, because the communication landscape is dynamic, the requirements for resume formats are becoming more flexible.
To create an accurate applicant profile
Recruiters usually create profile systems to move applicants through the hiring process. If you don’t get a job offer, they may still keep your profile in their talent pool for future opportunities. Most of the time, the address on resume is one of the pieces of information they include in the profile.
To consider if your location suits the job offer
Employers may modify certain stipulations in a job offer, depending on the location of the applicant. For example, if you live far away, they may provide remote work conditions for you.
There are various reasons why employers may expect to see an address on resume. However, remember that it’s sensitive information. So, you should only share it if and when you feel secure and comfortable.
Usually, recruiters would need an applicant’s physical address during the final stages of the hiring process. They need it to accomplish the necessary legal paperwork for recruitment. So, it’s alright if you want to keep your address private until you’ve been given a job offer.
When should you leave your address off your resume?
You should always have your LinkedIn profile included in your resume. After all, a ResumeGo study revealed that it increases the chances of getting an interview by 71%. Now, things are a bit different when it comes to an address on resume. Here are some situations wherein you may choose to leave it off:
Security concerns over your contact details
A Cultivated Culture survey found that 85% of resumes have an email address while 78% contain a phone number. Most of the time, these details are enough for employers to get the recruitment process going. Any additional information, like physical addresses, is not absolutely necessary during the hiring stages.
Privacy protection
If you put significant value on your privacy, you can choose to leave your address off your resume. As long as you’re uncomfortable sharing the information, you should exclude it.
Third-party site job listing
The safest option in applying for a position is by submitting your resume directly on the company’s website. Now, if you found the job posting at some dodgy, third-party site, then it’s not advisable to include your physical address.
Keep in mind that some employers outright reject applications when they see an individual’s current address. So, if the position requires a local candidate, consider adding your intent to relocate. Here’s an example:
Adam Paterson
(333) 333-3333
apaterson@email.com
Relocating to Elizabeth, NJ in Spring 2023
Be honest with recruiters about your current physical location, especially if they want to hire locally. However, if you’re adamant about applying for the position, add your willingness to relocate. Employers may give you a chance to interview for the role.
Tips for including your address on your resume
If you’ve reached this portion, you’ve probably decided to include your physical address on your resume. Before you get to the details, like the best resume fonts, you should look into various formatting options. Here’s a quick sample of an incorrect and correct contact information section:
INCORRECT
Adam Paterson
456 Oak Road, Elizabeth, NJ, 41121
apaterson@email.com, (333) 333-3333
What’s wrong here?
Well, when you’re typing your address, you would want your contact information to look as neat as possible. So, if you combine all the details in a single line, the information will look cluttered. Moreover, it can be difficult to read.
CORRECT
Adam Paterson
456 Oak Road
Elizabeth, NJ, 41121
apaterson@email.com
(333) 333-3333
Here are other things to consider from the correct example:
- The alignment of the text is the same for the name, address, and other contact details.
- There are two separate lines for the physical address.
- The name stands out because the address and other contact details are in a slightly smaller font.
What are the best formats for your address on your resume?
You have different options for formatting your address:
First option: Your full address
Adam Paterson
456 Oak Road
Elizabeth, NJ, 41121
Why this works: This example shows the address in its most detailed and specific form. It provides all the information an employer needs. They’ll know your proximity to the company, which can affect your standing in the candidacy.
Second option: Your city, state, and zip code
Adam Paterson
Elizabeth, NJ, 41121
If you want a more generalized location, you can remove the zip code, like so:
Adam Paterson
Elizabeth, NJ
Why this works: When you don’t provide your street address, you can enjoy greater privacy. The zip code allows people to determine your exact location within a city.
Third option: Your region
Adam Paterson
New York City Region
Why this works: If you don’t live in the same state or county as the job location, this option may work for you. Let’s say you’re living in New Jersey but you’re willing to commute to New York. You can relay this information by using this address format.
Fourth option: Your intent to relocate
Adam Paterson
Relocating to Mishawaka, IN
Why this works: As we’ve mentioned, it’s crucial to indicate your intention to move when the job posting requires a local candidate. Now, if you’re relocating several months from the submission of the application, you should also mention the date when you plan to move.
What are the pros and cons of listing your address on your resume?
Pros
Here are some of the benefits you may enjoy when you indicate your address on your resume:
- You appear credible – As we’ve mentioned, including a physical address is a standard in the recruitment industry. If you leave it out, you might risk raising red flags. Now, if you’re submitting your application to a more traditional company, consider adding your full address to your resume.
- Recruiters will discover your resume – Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter location to remove non-local applicants from the list.
- You can adhere to the requirements – Even if a company allows remote work, it may require employees to attend in-person events or meetings. What’s more, the labor laws and tax regulations can vary from state to state. By indicating that you are within the same region as the business, recruiters can determine if you adhere to the requirements.
- You can show that you’re a local – Some employers are worried that the long commute can affect the staff turnover rate. So, when you indicate your address on your resume, you can show that you’re a local and commuting is not a problem for you.
Cons
Unfortunately, there are still some disadvantages in adding your address to your resume:
- You’re using an outdated practice – Most companies only need an applicant’s email address and phone number.
- You’re adding unnecessary information – Your physical address can eat up at least two lines in your resume. This precious space could be used to highlight your skills instead of wasting it on unnecessary details.
- You might be discriminated – On rare occasions, hiring managers may have location bias against a zip code or area. So, indicating your address may hurt your chances of securing the role. Leave your address off if you’re not a local or if you want to avoid concerns about traveling.
- Your privacy can be violated – If you’re submitting your application online, the security of your details is as good as the protection of the website or platform. A data breach can compromise the security of the site and your information can be shared with anyone who can pay for it.
Wrapping Up
Indicating your address on your resume will depend entirely on your preference. However, you should still consider what the job role requires. After all, there are several advantages to including your address. For instance, you can build credibility and even optimize your resume for ATS programs.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t forget that sharing too many details can risk your security and privacy.
Here are some key takeaways from our article today:
- The safest option is to use the “City, State” format.
- If you’re planning to relocate, indicate it in your resume.
- Don’t forget to check the legitimacy of the job listing before you submit an application. Take proactive steps in protecting your privacy.
- Your contact information, including your physical address, should be below your name.
- Have a neat and appealing layout for your resume.