Q: I am completing applications for senior leadership positions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco I used to live in LA, and I went to graduate school there. But, I currently reside in Seattle. Which address, California or Seattle, Washington, should I use on my resume?
A: When you use a non-local address in your application materials, you raise many questions with regard to:
- relocation costs
- cost-of-living differences
- comparative salary
- property and quality-of-life analysis
- the timing of interviews and start dates
- purchase and sale of properties
- spouse/partner employment
- child/school issues
A lot of complicating factors go into hiring someone from a different location. Employers in cost-cutting mode may even take a “good” local candidate over a “great” long-distance one.
You can stave off unnecessary questions and complicated analysis by using a valid in-state address. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to use a family home address located in the state where you are applying. The fact is, right now, many employers right are not willing to pick up relocation costs except for the most senior positions, and then only if the candidate significantly outshines everybody else. It makes good sense to make yourself a local candidate if at all possible, to get the position you want.
After securing a position in another state, be sure to make all necessary arrangements for the move well ahead of time for a smooth transition. Yours is a scenario requiring a lot of leg-work on your end, but landing a rewarding position will make it worthwhile.
Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit our career coaching services for more information about how we can help you shine during your job search.
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Last updated on May 10th, 2018 at 01:06 pm
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Joe and Colleen you both raise interesting points about reinventing your career (Joe) and retaining the power and leverage to decide whether to relocate or not (Colleen). I will be posting additional blogs in the next several weeks dealing with these kinds of issues. Relocation these days is often an international option that comes with a series of additional considerations.
Joe, it is never too early to start reconfiguring your thinking, resume, and strategies to meet new goals. By 2014, you should have expanded your networks and your search so as to be in a position to accept one of several challenging career options.
Colleen, your point is well taken. Sometimes, though, prospective employers prefer to see some kind of an address on the resume. I have seen PO Boxes and absence of a fixed address raise scrutiny — most especially in searches seeking to identify very senior level leadership. Your point about not raising red flags is accurate. Candidates need to keep their options open. I look forward to keeping the dialog about these critical issues open. Thanks for sharing. KDA
Send your resumes without a city when possible (never use a street address, for identity safety).
It’s your decision whether a commute/relocation is worth it–so why raise flags for reviewers that may eliminate you on that criterion alone before an interview opportunity? When you get to the home stretch of defining compensation, then you have their interest and can better present your expectations.
I have employment info going back to 1980
college graduation date as well as 1966-1980.
I want to retire in June 2014 from a government
position(26 years Experience) and another 15 years
in the private sector(construction trades). I want to seek another position in federal government,nonprofit or private sector. I do not have a resume that targets what I’ve done to the new position. How do employers look at hiring people my age with this type of background. Should I actively start looking now or 2014?