Should You Include Your Address on a Resume? (Pros & Cons)

When building your resume, a common question people wonder about is ‘Should I put my address on my resume?

Although it was once a standard practice, the hiring landscape is changing, and today, communication about the hiring process takes place through the exchange of phone calls or emails.  

Keep reading this article as we discuss the pros and cons of listing your address, helping you decide what is best for your resume. 

Why The Address on a Resume Used to be Standard

Before the advancements in technology, job applications took place in person and through mail.

It was important to include your address because employers needed a reliable way to contact you through physical mail.

Most companies send letters to your address to let you know if you got an interview or to request more details. 

Companies would also sometimes mail you a formal job offer.

Because of this, a full address on your resume was a standard, and if left out, employers might not be able to reach you.

At this time, people did not also question whether adding an address could expose them to privacy risks because phone books and public directories were common. 

However, over the years, this practice stuck around even when the reasons behind it began to fade. 

Traditional Reasons for Including an Address

These are some of the traditional reasons for including an address in a resume:

Habit

Since addresses have always been included in a resume as a standard format, some employers in the finance and law sectors still expect this practice.

Even after email and online communication took over, many people did not question this custom.

They simply followed older rules, not realizing that modern hiring practices make a full address less critical than before.

Residency Requirements

Certain positions in healthcare or government have specific residency requirements.

Including an address confirmed for eligibility for these roles will increase your chances of securing the role.

Background Checks

Employers use local addresses to conduct background checks on their candidates to know their criminal histories or if they’ve lived in the same place continuously for a certain number of years.

Without providing your address, you might not be able to get to the next phase of the application process. 

Professional Image

Many job seekers also continue to add their home addresses because they believe that it makes their resume look complete.

They did not want to risk seeming careless if others were including an address.

Stability

Some employers view a permanent address as a sign of reliability that the candidate is less likely to up and leave a position shortly after being hired.

Most employers often prefer candidates who demonstrate a long-term commitment to a location.

Salary Considerations

Some employers base salaries on location due to the difference in standard of living.

While this may seem unfair, it is standard practice, and some employers often consider their candidate’s location to make salary offers.

How Resume Formatting Has Changed Over Time

Resume formatting has evolved over time in various ways.

For example, older resumes tend to follow a strict format with a simple layout and structure.

They are black text on white paper with the person’s name at the top, followed by their home address and phone number.  

After that, you would list your educational background, work experience, skills, and references.

The format was often uniform, making it easy for employers to know exactly where to look for each detail.

However, with the rise of design software and word processors, people began to experiment with different resume styles. 

Colored headings, different fonts, clear sections, and bullet points became more popular because hiring managers started reading resumes on screens rather than on paper. 

The Impact of Digital Applications and Remote Work

Digital applications have changed everything about job search.

Most job ads are posted online, and candidates apply with the click of a button.

Many recruiters also use email or professional networking sites to contact candidates.

This shift means that a home address is no longer necessary for basic communication.

In most cases, an employer can reach you faster by email or phone.

Remote work has also gained popularity, especially with the growth of global companies and telecommuting jobs.

When a job is 100% remote, your home address matters less because you do not need to commute.

Some companies might still want to know your time zone, but they do not require a detailed address to determine that.

In fact, some workers live in different parts of the country or even the world and still collaborate effectively with their teams online.

Employers seem willing to consider applicants from various locations since work tasks can successfully be performed at home.

This has led to more situations where listing a full address might not benefit you.

Instead, you might choose to highlight your availability for video calls or your ability to travel occasionally if the job demands it.

Digital applications combined with remote work create a new working environment which does not necessarily require exact location details.

Should You Include Your Address on a Resume?

Your resume does not require an address inclusion.

The application process requires an address inclusion in certain jobs but these instances are limited.

The requirements in both law and finance fields force candidates to provide their addresses according to traditional industry standards.

Jobs in tech as well as the creative design industry show more relaxed requirements regarding resume address inclusion. 

You could also talk to people you know who work in the same industry.

Ask them if they include their addresses or if they have heard any feedback from hiring managers.

Your final choice should reflect what makes you comfortable and serves your career goals best.

Employers in this field still like seeing a physical address because it shows you are within proximity or because it aligns with their traditional hiring practices.

When applying online, the employer might only care about your skills and experience.

Think about why you might or might not want to include an address.

If you feel that listing your address makes you look more open about your situation, then it could be a plus.

But if you have safety or privacy concerns, it might be better to leave it out.

Some employers might not notice if your address is missing, while others might be curious about why you left it out.

When Including an Address Is Beneficial

Including your address can help you in the following ways:

• Relocation: Including your address is a good option if you have relocation plans in place. When you list your new city or full address, you are showing commitment and readiness for the available role. 

• Establish Trust: Sometimes it helps to build trust because an employer who sees a complete set of details will know that you are more stable and transparent.

• Shows Your Proximity: Including your address can help you if the job listing specifically mentions a preference for local candidates. Some companies want to hire someone who can come to the office quickly if needed. If you live nearby, adding your address can show that you are already in the right location.

• Get Past ATS: It can also help when a company uses applicant tracking systems to scan resumes to filter out candidates and match relevant keywords. Mentioning the required location in your resume header can make it easier to pass through ATS filters, which can increase your chances of landing the job. 

When You Should NOT Include Your Address

The following are some of the reasons why you should not include your address in your resume: 

• Privacy Concerns: Public job boards can expose your personal details to anyone, and Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise. Leaving your address off helps protect your privacy.

• Living Far Away but Planning to Move: An out-of-state address may make you seem less serious about the position, and employers might worry about extra hiring costs or delays. Wait until later in the hiring process to discuss relocation so they see your skills first.

• Remote Positions: Employers often care only about time zones for remote roles, so a full street address is unnecessary and can clutter your resume. Keep details minimal so hiring managers can focus on your qualifications.

How to Format Your Address on a Resume (With Examples)

Our Resume Generator helps you create a clean, professional resume with whichever address format suits your situation.

Below are three common options, including what information each format typically shows:

Option 1: Full Address (Traditional Format)

This is the ideal option if the employer needs a mailing address, and it invades less privacy and can show that you live far away if you’re applying out of state.

It includes name, street address, city and state, phone number, and email in the resume. For example,

Name

2345 Street

City, Zip code 

(555) 123-3456

[email protected] 

Option 2: City and State Only (Modern Format)

This format reveals your general location without giving away your exact street.

It strikes a balance between privacy and clarity, and it includes your name, city and state, phone number, and email. For example,

Name

Brooklyn, New York

(555) 123-3456

[email protected] 

Option 3: No Address at All (Minimalist Format)

It is perfect for remote roles and if you prefer not to disclose your location. It includes the name, phone number, and email. For example,

Name

(555) 123-3456

[email protected] 

LinkedIn (optional)

Use the Undetectable AI Resume Generator to pick your preferred style.

It arranges your information neatly, ensuring your resume looks polished and meets hiring standards. 

You can also use our Cover Letter Generator to craft the perfect letter for your applications.

Address on Resume for Specific Situations

These are some situations that may require you to include an address in your resume:

Applying for a Remote Job

Remote employers often only care about your time zone and flexible hours so you can omit your full address.

If you include a location, mention your willingness to adjust schedules.

Highlight your dedicated workspace and stable internet for credibility.

Address matters less because no one expects daily office visits.

Applying for a Job in a Different City or State

If you live in one city but want a job in another, you might worry that including your address will hurt your chances.

Employers may favor local applicants to avoid paying relocation costs or waiting longer for you to start.

One strategy is to omit your full address and only include the city and state where you plan to move. 

You can also wait until the interview to explain why you want to relocate.

Perhaps you have family in the new city, or you see better career opportunities there.

You might also discuss your timeline for moving.

Once the employer knows you have a plan, they may be less worried about hiring someone who is not local.

Applying for Jobs in Another Country

Applying for international roles often introduces more complexity.

You can use our Auto Job Applier to automate your job application process.

You can also try our AI Detector and Humanizer right in the widget below!

Some countries have rules about what personal data you can list on a resume.

In certain parts of Europe, for instance, resumes usually include less personal information to meet privacy rules.

In other places, the format might differ entirely, and employers might expect more detail. 

If you want a job abroad, research local hiring practices.

You might discover that including a full address is normal in that country, or you might learn it is better to leave out personal details like your street address.

An international employer might only care about your ability to get a visa or work permit.

As with remote jobs, you can highlight your willingness to travel or relocate.

Tailor your resume to fit the expectations of the country where you are applying, keeping your safety and comfort in mind.

Common Resume Mistakes Related to Address Formatting

Here are some common resume mistakes related to address formatting you should look out for: 

• Placing the Address Too Low: Employers often look at the top first, so it’s best to keep your address near your name, so it isn’t overlooked.
• Using Outdated or Incorrect Details: If you’re moving or changing numbers, it’s best to update your resume right away. This is because old information confuses employers trying to reach you.
• Inconsistent Font and Style: Using a bold name but a tiny address font looks unprofessional. Always match sizes, alignment, and style for a cleaner look.

Alternatives to Including an Address 

The following are some alternatives to including an address:

• State your preferred work area without listing your full address.
• Include your LinkedIn or personal website instead of your street address so employers can view your experience and endorsements there.
• Note details like “Authorized to work in the U.S.” or “Canadian citizen eligible for EU employment.” to reassure employers about legal requirements without revealing your exact location.
• Rent a private mailbox or use a shared office address if you want some privacy but still appear local.

Conclusion

By now, you might still wonder, “Should I put my full address on my resume? Should I put my home address on my resume?”

The answer depends on your field, comfort, and the specific job.

Traditional roles may value a complete address, but remote or modern positions often do not need it.

If you prefer to leave it out, our Resume Builder can help you craft a polished layout with only the details that matter.