Should I put my address on my resume?
Source: Freepik
As you finalise your job application in Singapore, you may wonder, “Should I put my address on my resume?” While many resume templates still offer space for a physical address, the relevance of this information in the digital age is increasingly questioned, especially in the Singapore job market.
In this article, we’ll discuss why employers in Singapore might expect an address on your resume and why you might consider omitting it. We’ll also guide you on how to format your address to best suit a Singapore-specific resume.
What is an address on a resume?
An address on a resume gives potential employers information on your physical location in your job application. This can include your street address, city, state, and postal code.
Once upon a time, it was essential for job seekers to list their entire home address on their resumes. This enabled employers to contact them by mail before the days of email.
Now that most business communication happens via email or phone, some say an address takes up valuable resume space that you could better use for highlighting skills. Others say employers still want to see location information for screening purposes. Here are the pros and cons of including your address on your resume.
Why do employers want to see an address on your resume?
Including your address on a resume can be beneficial for several reasons. Here’s why employers might want to see it and how it can impact your job application.
1. It's standard practice
Including an address remains common in Singapore, especially in more traditional sectors like government, banking, or public service. Many Singaporean employers may still expect this information, seeing it as a sign of formality and professionalism.
2. It helps filter applicants
Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to sort through resumes, and some of these systems filter by location.
For roles that require physical presence, having a local Singapore address can increase your chances of passing through initial screenings, especially if the company prefers candidates who live closer to their offices, whether in CBD areas like Raffles Place or decentralised business districts like Jurong East.
3. It tells employers how long your commute will be
Providing your address allows employers to get a sense of your potential commute time if hired. For companies who need employees to be readily available on-site, your commute distance might factor into their hiring decisions. If you're located hours from their physical office, relocation costs might be an issue for the company.
4. It helps avoid unwanted surprises
Include an address on your resume to avoid confusion or complications if the employer wants to contact you for an in-person interview. Some employers may prefer an address for security screening and may have security concerns if they cannot easily verify your location.
Source: Freepik
Cons of including your address
While including your address on a resume was once common practice, several potential downsides should be considered. Here are some reasons why you should leave it out.
1. It may result in hiring bias
Including your address on a resume can reveal details about your neighbourhood, which may be linked to a certain socioeconomic status or cultural assumptions.
This can lead to unconscious bias—social stereotypes or assumptions that we form subconsciously about others. Hiring managers may judge applicants based on where they live rather than focusing on their skills and qualifications.
To keep the hiring process fair, it's essential to minimise information that could result in bias and discrimination.
2. Distance from your home to the work location may be considered
Listing your full address makes it clear how far you live from the workplace, which could be a concern in Singapore, where traffic congestion or long MRT rides could impact your availability or punctuality.
3. Sharing your address poses privacy concerns
Resumes are now typically submitted online and stored in databases, which may be vulnerable to hackers. When you put your address on your resume, you risk exposing your location and identity. This could make you a target for security threats like identity theft.
Generally, it is wise to limit the personal information you share to what is strictly essential for the application. Protecting your privacy should be a priority.
4. It’s unnecessary information
In our digital age, most employers are used to reaching applicants via email or phone number. It’s no longer necessary to include your address on your resume unless explicitly asked. What’s more, including your address takes up valuable space in your resume — space that you could put to better use by highlighting your skills and work experience.
How to write an address on a resume?
So, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of putting your address on your resume and decided to include it. Here’s a quick guide to writing an address on a resume neatly and professionally.
Example of a contact information section in a resume
Typically, you will have a section dedicated to contact information at the top of your resume. This section should include your phone number, email address, and physical address.
Organise all your contact details in one place and apply consistent formatting to keep your resume looking professional. Here’s an example:
Phone number: +65 9123 4567
Email address: [email protected]
Address: 123 Tampines Street 12, #12-345, Singapore 520123
If you’re concerned about privacy or hiring bias, you can choose how much of your address you want to reveal. From writing your full address to only indicating your city, here are a few examples you can pick from.
Example 1: Writing your full address on a resume
While including your full address on your resume is becoming less common, more traditional hiring managers might still prefer this.
Consider how you would put your address on a letter to format this. Write your street address number and street name on the first line, followed by your neighbourhood, state, and postal code on the second line. For example:
123 Orchard Road, #12-345
Orchard, Singapore 238890
Example 2: Writing just the city, state, and postal code
If you don’t feel comfortable putting your full address on your resume, a good middle ground is to remove just your street address. This leaves you with your city, state, and postal code, such as:
- Singapore 238890
- Tampines, Singapore 529123
- Jurong West, Singapore 640501
This approach strikes a balance between maintaining your privacy and giving potential employers an idea of your general location within Singapore, which can be important for roles that need to consider commute times or regional office placements.
Example 3: Writing only the city, state or area
Another common approach is only to list your city and state. This safeguards your privacy and may be more suitable for remote positions where location isn’t a factor.
For example:
- Singapore
- Tampines, Singapore
- Bukit Timah, Singapore
Example 4: Stating an intention for relocation
If you’re located far from the employer’s workplace but you’re willing to relocate for the job, highlighting this can be a smart move. Rather than revealing your current address, you can craft a concise line about relocation on your resume.
Here are two ways to do this:
- Write “willing to relocate” next to your current address. For example: Tampines, Singapore (Willing to relocate to Central Business District)
- Indicate your willingness to relocate in your resume profile or professional summary. For example: An engineer with over ten years of experience is open to relocating nationwide.
Source: Freepik
What else should go in a resume? What is the contact information?
Besides your address, there are a few essential elements to include in the contact information section of your resume: your full name, email address, and phone number. Format them clearly and professionally with these quick tips:
1. Full name
Your full name should be the most eye-catching element in your contact information section. Make it stand out by formatting it in a larger font and bolding it. Needless to say, you should capitalise your name properly, too.
2. Email address
A professional email address is a must for employers to reach you. But notice we said professional — the “[email protected]” email you created back in high school just doesn’t look good on your resume.
An email address that looks professional should use your name, such as “[firstname]_[lastname]@gmail.com”. Avoid nicknames or unprofessional terms that might make a bad first impression on the hiring manager.
During your job search, check your email regularly to ensure you haven’t missed messages from hiring managers. Also, remember to check your spam folder occasionally.
3. Phone number
Many hiring managers will call you to arrange an interview or clarify details in your application. A quick call is also a standard step in the screening process before the interview — for instance, they may want to check on your availability to start work.
Hence, including a phone number where employers can reach you in your resume is crucial. You should also set up a professional voicemail for missed calls. If you’re applying for international positions, include a country code (+65 for Singapore) to avoid confusion.
Bottom line
At the end of the day, there’s no one answer to whether you should include your address on your resume. Some traditional employers may still expect to see a full address, while many modern companies prioritise skills over location.
Listing your full street address comes with privacy risks and hiring bias, but leaving out your address altogether might create confusion during hiring. One way to strike a balance is only to indicate your city and state.
Ultimately, the key is to tailor your contact information section to the specific role and company. Do your homework on the employer's preferences and the role's needs. With some savvy thinking, you can include the contact details you need to get noticed while still safeguarding your privacy.
FAQs
- Should I include my Singapore address on my resume?
Including your address on a Singapore resume is generally recommended, especially for roles requiring physical presence. However, if privacy is a concern or you're applying for a remote role, you can include only your city and postal code or omit the address entirely. - Will leaving my address off my resume affect my job prospects in Singapore?
Leaving your address off your resume will likely help your job prospects in Singapore, mainly if your skills and experience are well-highlighted. However, some traditional employers might prefer to see an address, especially if the role is location-specific. - If asked during an interview in Singapore, how can I explain the absence of an address on my resume?
If questioned about the absence of an address on your resume, you can explain that you value your privacy and prefer to discuss location specifics directly with potential employers. Reassure them of your commitment to the role and willingness to provide the necessary details as the hiring process progresses. - Should I put my phone number on my resume?
You should include a phone number on your resume so employers can contact you to schedule interviews or ask questions. List your number in the contact section of your resume alongside your name, address, and email. - Is it necessary to include a complete address on my resume?
In this digital age, including a full address on your resume is optional. Your email and phone number are generally enough for employers to reach you.
Due to privacy concerns, many applicants only list their city and state instead of a complete street address. This gives employers a general idea of your location. However, some traditional employers still expect to see a full address. It all depends on your personal preference and the role you're applying for. - How can I protect my privacy when including contact information?
To protect your privacy, avoid including your full home address on your resume, which reveals much personal information. Simply list your city and state to give a general location.
Next, use a professional email address that doesn't contain personal details. Do not include your date of birth or other sensitive information beyond what is required.
Finally, avoid submitting your resume through unsecured sites and consider using a PO Box address when requested.
