Including location information on a job application has been a standard practice for decades. Traditionally, a full street address was expected, allowing employers to quickly assess commute times and proximity to the workplace. This information also served administrative purposes, facilitating communication and background checks.
While a full street address was once considered essential, the evolving job market and increasing emphasis on privacy have led to a shift in this convention. Providing a full street address can raise privacy concerns, particularly with online applications. Furthermore, in an era of remote work and geographically dispersed hiring, precise location details may be less critical for many roles. Omitting the full street address can streamline the application process and potentially broaden the applicant pool for remote positions. However, providing some location information, such as a city and state or metropolitan area, can still be beneficial in demonstrating regional availability and helping employers understand an applicant’s general location.