Years ago, it was par for the course to include a return address on a resume or cover letter so potential employers could send an interview request letter or a rejection letter. This practice is no longer required because most application correspondence is handled through email or over the phone. Some recruiters may even find the practice of including your entire physical address slightly old-fashioned.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to physical addresses on resumes, Forbes points out that whether or not you include it depends on your situation.
With changing trends in resume writing, whether to include an address on a resume can be confusing. We examine three scenarios to determine when (and if) it's necessary to put an address on a resume:
1. Is it necessary to put an address on a resume if I am applying for a job in another city?
Recruiters want to know if you live in the area and can make it to the office for face-to-face interviews and skills testing. This also lets them know if you can start immediately without requiring the added expense of relocating.
If you do live in a different city but would consider relocating for the right job, include your current address in the resume heading. If they do consider you for an interview, the company will probably inquire about your living situation. You can also use your cover letter to explain your desire to relocate.
2. Is it necessary to put an address on a resume if I am relocating to another town?
If you are already planning a move to a different city and are applying for positions in advance, be sure to add your address to your resume and note this information in your cover letter. One approach would be to include your current address on one line, and the city you plan to relocate to on the following line. This lets a recruiter know that you aren't immediately available for an in-person interview.
Here is how you might add the information in your resume header:
Bob Smith
New York, New York
Relocating to Trenton, NJ in May 2018
By applying before you relocate, you show a level of commitment that a potential employer may find appealing. Don't apply too far in advance though because most recruiters look to fill positions immediately.
Recruiters want to know if you live in the area and can make it to the office for face-to-face interviews and skills testing. This also lets them know if you can start immediately without requiring the added expense of relocating.
3. Is it necessary to put an address on a resume if I am applying for a job in my own city?
Again, opt for including only your current city and state. This allows employers to know that you are local but still protects from identity theft, which is a consideration when you include your complete address on a resume.
How to Write a Resume Heading
There are many tips available on how to write a resume that will catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers. A professionally formatted resume heading gets the attention of the hiring manager, regardless of whether you choose to include your entire address or just the city and state. It is the first point of contact between you and the company and is generally the main place a recruiter looks when contacting you regarding employment. Here are some best practices.
- Start with your name centered at the top of the page. Use a traditional font like Times New Roman or Arial. Your name should be slightly larger than your contact information. Avoid overly artistic fonts that are difficult to read.
- Follow with your full address or city and state. This should be in a slightly smaller font but still legible. Below the address, add your phone number. Pay close attention to detail. Double-check your phone number to make sure it is correct. If you are off by one digit or if you accidentally transpose a number, the recruiter won't be able to locate you and will move on to another recruit.
- Include a professional email. Email is often the main method of communication between you and the hiring manager. This is a good time to create a professional email address if you have been using a personal one. Consider using only your name or some version of it to make it easy to identify you.
- Include your web address if applicable. Link your industry-related site to your resume heading. This might include a portfolio or a link to a professional blog.
- Provide a link to your LinkedIn account. Many recruiters seek out social media accounts, so it's a good idea to make any disparaging content private. Update your LinkedIn profile to include your most recent employment and an up-to-date photograph.
Your resume header offers only a few lines of texts but speaks volumes about your professionalism and attention to detail. Make sure your information is correct and easy to read, especially when you include an address on a resume. For more help, try LiveCareer's Resume Builder, which provides you with templates that look professional and are easy to customize.
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