Is it a good idea to use a "local" address on online resume? (applying, interviews)

[wehotex]

My current job and I are currently in Texas. I am applying to work for some Calif companies. Should I put a friend's Calif address on the resume instead of my Texas one? Does it make a difference?

[bande1102]

Ethics aside, are you still working in Texas? Because if you are and your employer's address in Texas then, obviously, they're going to know you're in Texas.

That being said, I've been applying for jobs out-of-state and potential employers have told me that I wasn't in the running because of my geographic location. Also, I've been seeing ads that specifically say "local" and even define what they mean by local. Or some that specifically say out-of-state need not apply. So, yes, I think living in Texas and applying for jobs in Cali could very well be hurting your search.

[Yzette]

Originally Posted by wehotex

My current job and I are currently in Texas. I am applying to work for some Calif companies. Should I put a friend's Calif address on the resume instead of my Texas one? Does it make a difference?

Only do that if you already have plans to move there and you are okay with doing so on your own dime. I used my sister's address in the final few months before I moved to my current location, when I wasn't sure which apartment I was going to take but wanted to get a few more resumes out for good measure. There was definitely an uptick in responses compared to resumes sent from out of state, even though I mentioned specific moving dates and so on in the cover letter for the out-of-state resumes. I also had two interviews lined up for my first week here, one of which resulted in a job.

But you should have the plans already in place to go. Otherwise, just keep your Texas address on your resume. If you're willing to pay for the move yourself, you can explain that you do not expect the new employer to relocate you. Very few companies will pay these days, unfortunately. You'd pretty much have to be someone with niche skills they really need or fairly high up for them to do all of that--which usually means they find you or the situation evolves through networking, not you applying for jobs yourself.

[joe from dayton]

What are you going to do (and I've had it happen to me) if you get a call and they tell you that they know it is short notice, but they would like you to drive out there tomorrow and meet with them?

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by joe from dayton

What are you going to do (and I've had it happen to me) if you get a call and they tell you that they know it is short notice, but they would like you to drive out there tomorrow and meet with them?

Just tell them that I can't due to work obligations, I suppose. I could always tell them that I'm "in transition" in my move. I have never expected the company to pay for moving expenses in the event of hire.