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Should You Put Your Address on Your CV?

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Should You Put Your Address on Your CV?

by Karien de Villiers

  • CV
  • · November 22 2024
  • · 4 min read
Should You Put Your Address on Your CV?

Table of contents

Including your address on a CV was once considered standard personal contact information. However, in recent years, this practice has been increasingly questioned. With the rise of remote work, more flexible job locations, and growing privacy concerns, job seekers and employers are rethinking the necessity of listing a home address.

Today, the general rule of thumb is that adding your address is no longer required. Whether or not to include it depends largely on your situation and the employer's expectations. While some companies may still prefer to see it, others may not need it—especially if you're applying for remote roles or jobs located in different regions. That said, it’s worth noting that certain applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter candidates by location, so it’s a good idea to include your city or general location to avoid being overlooked.

In this article, we cover:

  • Different scenarios where it may or may not be relevant.

  • The pros and cons of including your address.

  • Examples of how to put your address on a CV.

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Different scenarios for including your address on a CV

When it comes to personal details on a CV, there are certain essential elements that should always be included. However, when it comes to your address, you may find yourself in one of these scenarios:

1. You live far away from the job location (long commute)

Even if your commute is far, including your address on your CV can still be important. One way to address this is by listing the nearest major city instead of your exact town or neighbourhood. This gives the employer an idea of your location without revealing specific details. It’s perfectly acceptable to include the city and country, as the precise address is unnecessary.

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Pro Tip

If your distance from the job is significant, you might want to consider whether to mention your current address at all. In such cases, focusing on the city or leaving your address off entirely can help prevent any assumptions or biases regarding your commute.

2. You are relocating soon

If you're in the process of relocating for a job, it’s important to address this on your CV to avoid confusion or concerns about your availability. You can mention your relocation plans by stating the city or region you’re moving to, which shows the employer that you’re committed to the move and ready to start the job once you’re settled.

This can be done in your contact section, where you can either update your address to reflect the new city or add a note such as "Relocating to [City/Region] in [Month/Year]." Mentioning your relocation plans is perfectly acceptable, as it demonstrates flexibility and proactive planning. Additionally, you can elaborate on your cover letter. Refer to what makes a good cover letter for more tips.

3. You have been working as a freelancer and don’t have a fixed address

If you don’t have a fixed address, such as when you’ve been freelancing or living in multiple cities, there are several alternatives you can consider.

  • One option is to use your family home address, which provides a stable location without revealing too much personal information.

  • Another option is to list a P.O. box if you have one, which offers privacy while still providing a contactable address.

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Pro Tip

If you’re applying for remote positions, you can simply state “Remote” in place of a physical address. This clearly signals to employers that you're open to working from anywhere and eliminates any concerns about your location.

4. You have more than one address

If you have more than one address, such as a primary residence and a secondary address, due to work arrangements or frequent travel, it's important to clarify which one is most relevant to the position you're applying for. In most cases, you should list your primary address, as it reflects your main location. However, if your secondary address is closer to the job location or more convenient for the employer, you can mention that as well, either in your CV or in the cover letter.

Pros and cons of including your address on a CV

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PROS

  • It can signal to employers that you are local or live near the job location, which may be beneficial for in-office roles or quick availability.

  • It implies that you are familiar with the area and its surroundings, which can be an advantage for companies seeking employees who understand the local market or community.

  • It helps make your CV feel more personal and relatable, potentially giving you an edge over candidates who only provide generic or remote contact information.

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CONS

  • It may cause recruiters to make assumptions about you based on your geographic area, which could lead to unintentional bias during the hiring process.

  • For remote roles or jobs in other locations, your address may be unnecessary and could distract from your qualifications or suitability for the position.

  • Sharing your full address on your CV could expose you to potential privacy risks, especially when applying online or sending it to multiple recruiters.

For more tips, refer to what makes a good CV.

Examples of how to put your address on a CV

The general guideline is to place your address and other contact information at the very top of both your CV and cover letter. This ensures that recruiters and hiring managers can easily find your details at a glance.

Architect CV example
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Pro Tip

Ensure that the location and other details on your LinkedIn profile align with the information on your CV and cover letter for consistency across all your professional documents.

Refer to our guide on how to write your LinkedIn profile.

Key takeaways

Take a few moments to reflect on your CV and consider whether including your address will support or hinder your application. Think about the role, location, and any potential biases that might come into play. It’s important to ensure that the contact information you provide is both accurate and relevant to the position.

  • Proximity to job location: Include your address if local; omit or list just the city if far from the job location.

  • Remote work or relocation: Omit your address for remote roles or mention relocation plans.

  • Privacy concerns: Omit your full address if privacy is a concern.

  • ATS requirements: Include your city/region if the location is relevant for filtering by applicant tracking systems.

  • Freelancers or multiple locations: Use a family address, P.O. box, or city if you have no fixed address.

Next steps

To help you write a CV for your first job, we have a dedicated team of professional writers at CV Writing Service ready to review and provide feedback for your articles. Additionally, take a look at our CV examples page for more inspiration.

FAQs

How to put an address on a CV for remote job applications?

For remote job applications, you can simply list "Remote" or omit the address altogether, as the location isn’t relevant to the role. Interested in remote jobs? Check out our guide on top remote jobs.

How to put an address on a CV for international roles?

For international roles, include your city and country. If you're relocating, mention the city or region you’ll be moving to, or note your willingness to relocate.

Should I include my address if I’m willing to relocate?

Yes, if you’re willing to relocate, you can mention your relocation plans by stating something like "Relocating to [City/Region] in [Month/Year]" to show your commitment to the move.

Should I include my address on all pieces of my application, including my cover letter?

It’s recommended to include your address on both your CV and cover letter, as it provides context about your location. However, if it’s a remote position or you’re concerned about privacy, you can omit it.

Will a company use my address to decide on my application?

A company may consider your address to assess your proximity to the job location, potential commute time, or relocation requirements, but it’s rarely a key factor in hiring decisions.

Do I put the employer’s address on my CV?

No, the employer’s address should not be included on your CV.

What should be avoided when adding an address on a CV?

Avoid including overly detailed personal information such as your full street address or unnecessary specifics. Also, avoid listing outdated addresses or locations irrelevant to the job.

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Updated November 22 2024

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Written by

Karien has established herself as a leading figure in the career services industry, crafting over 800 professional documents and assisting job seekers globally with reviews such as "I'd hire me". Renowned for her expertise, she continues to empower individuals, specialising in creating resources to aid job seekers in securing employment and staying ahead in the ever-evolving job market. Start here today!

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