Resumes with No Address

I answered the following question on LinkedIn today, and thought I’d publish my thoughts on whether a home address is on resumes.

Q: There is a growing concern among employment candidates with putting their home addresses on their resumes. Would you consider a candidate who sent you a resume with only a phone number or email contact?

A: One of the reasons for this trend is that more people, especially executives, are willing to be “location agnostic” – work anywhere, and commute back to their home turf, often at their own expense. They omit their address, because they don’t want an employer to de-select them based on location.

I think this trend is important for employers, because to get the best talent, it may be worth compromising. Do you really need to know where your employee sleeps? If they are at the Residence Inn 4 nights a week, and in your office 9-10 hours a day, and then 500 miles away 3 nights a week, if they get the job done, isn’t that what is important?

I believe that in general, the absence of an address on a resume should not be a concern in executive hires. If there are any issues in the candidate being able to get to the job, put in the time, etc., those can surface in the interviews in other ways.

For more insights, visit the Headhunter's Secret Guide: http://www.bobsearch.com/blog

Comment by Aaron Alaniz on June 22, 2011 at 5:35pm: I am with Chris if the resume reflects the right experience and tenure I am looking for - I almost always call to dig deeper. They may lead you to the right candidate that is not an active job seeker or next client.

Comment by Michelle Stair on June 22, 2011 at 9:11pm: Based on sense of urgency to fill a position, local candidates are always preferred by hiring managers first especially when relocation is not offered. That being said, location will weed out candidates who logistically have trouble meeting an interview schedule that happens in same week or next as well as their ability to start immediately. I'm amazed at how many candidates I speak with you wish to relocate but don't have a real plan in place. Candidates who don't list their address may get through the first screen, but not the second.

Comment by Pamela Bovaird on June 22, 2011 at 10:42pm: Sandra, you are so funny! "It is in fact like trying to wipe out an infestation of roaches with a fly swatter. :)"

I love it!!! It is so obvious. The resume has a certain look, lots of bold copy, Certification icons, lots of jobs that are only a year or less, pretty easy to spot. Unfortunately when I see a resume like that I don't call them.

Comment by Pamela Bovaird on June 22, 2011 at 10:44pm: Time is of essence. If I see something that looks legit, and screams local, that is where my first priority lies.

Comment by Cathy McCullough on June 27, 2011 at 9:29am: I have no problem with a candidate omitting their address. I have always assumed it was a concern over privacy that prompts this. If the background looks good, I contact them and make sure to address location right away.