What state do I put on my resume??

10 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 2:57AM UTC

   I'd put where you want to be. But also. I see your point on where you currently are and willing to relocate. "West" is relative so I'd probably say "willing to relocate " with a current locale.

   I understand the change of scenery as well!!!

   Maybe others have a different suggestion--

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 21,2024 at 2:58AM UTC

   Location can be an issue in many searches. If you are looking to relocate to the West Coast, I would put that at the top of your resume.

   I would not be so concerned with where you're currently located. If the company is offering relo assistance, I would give your location as the south if that's where your stuff is.

3. AnonymousMarch 21,2024 at 2:39PM UTC

   It makes a big difference if you are looking for fully remote versus hybrid or in-person. The big issue with fully remote is that the company has to be set up to pay taxes in the state you move to. Whether it is hybrid or in-person, you must figure out how and how much you want to commute. I am in the same situation, so I put my current domicile on my resume. In the cover letters, I indicate that I am willing to relocate (unless relocation assistance is included in the JD). If the company does not reimburse relocation expenses, I mention that I understand that in the cover letter. If the position is entirely remote, I don't mention relocation, as I prefer to stay put, but the options locally are minimal.

4. AnonymousMarch 22,2024 at 4:13PM UTC

   No to all. Remove your location from your resume. The only thing that should be on there is your name, email and phone number. Otherwise once in the midst of your screening interview the conversation about self- relocation can happen if it becomes a topic. Best is to leave it until you are further into the process so that it does not become the topic by which they reject you. No one needs your address or location to determine your fit for a job.

   When you apply on a companies website if it asks for a location use the one listed in the ad and the zip code for same. Good luck!

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 24,2024 at 8:02PM UTC

   Location is literally the first question I ask in every single interview.

   So your advice is to lie on the application? How am I going to provide someone with relocation assistance if they're telling me they're already living where the job is? And why would I move forward with someone if they admit they're a liar?

6. AnonymousMarch 25,2024 at 4:28PM UTC

   I run a talent team and that question about location comes after my team vets the candidate for fit. These days talent is everywhere and I would never let my team lose out on great talent by making that be the first question.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 25,2024 at 5:31PM UTC

   That's very nice that you apparently have the ability to relo every candidate you speak with. And that every candidate that your team interviews wants to relocate to where the position is. I, unfortunately, do not have the ability to relo every candidate.

   Relo allowances come out of the manager's budget. On some reqs, I have the ability to offer relo assistance - on a global basis. I am relocating someone here from Paris this summer. On other positions, the manager is either not interested in paying for relo or does not have the budget.

   In any event. whether or not we are able to offer relo assistance, the candidate needs to be willing to relo to where we need them to be. I just had this conversation with a candidate on Friday. She's in Florida, my position in on-site in TN - she is unable to relo.

   Why would I waste her time and mine by putting her through an interview process for a position she cannot accept.

8. AnonymousMarch 26,2024 at 5:03PM UTC

   I never said I relo every candidate, what I did say if you re-read my note is that my team does not make the first question be about location. I also care deeply as does my company about the candidate experience and gathering information for both sides is not a waste of time. If someone spent the time to apply for a job at my company and wants to spend 15-30 minutes speaking to one of my recruiters because they have interest time is definitely not wasted. Worst case they learn about my company and how great it is and share it with others who can be location-wise where they need to be. Our brand and standing as a great employer matters a lot. Not every company cares about that. You are entitled to your opinion for sure but do not bash others that do it differently, recruiters get a bad enough rap as it is, especially on this site.

9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 27,2024 at 1:36AM UTC

   I also care deeply - as does my company - about the candidate experience. It is my number one priority every day.

   Which is why I want to personalize every call to the specific candidate I'm speaking with.

   I spent over 30 minutes speaking with the candidate I mentioned from last Friday. But I didn't spend it interviewing her for a position she's unable to accept.

   I spent it answering her questions about the company and different lines of business, talking about our company culture, encouraging her to continue to watch our job portal for future openings and gave her a few tips on her resume.

   You're correct - not every company cares about being a great employer. I'm so pleased that I work for a company that does. So great that we were once again selected to be a Great Place To Work Certified company (August, 2023 to August, 2024).

10. Sarah BordersMarch 24,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    I can only speak from my own experience: I haven’t put my location on my resume in years. All positions I have applied for over the past 10 years or so either have been internal promotions or external and online. When you apply online, every ATS will ask where you are located and, particularly if it’s important to the role, whether you are willing to relocate. I would handle it that way, and save the discussion of your particular situation for when you have a conversation with the recruiter. Good luck!