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Why do potential employers require a residence (street address) on applications?
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Most online applications specifically require a street address for residence. I have always been careful about my personal information, and I do not see why it is necessary to ask for my street address. Keeping it private is safer, but it also reduces a 'travel distance bias' a screener might have.
There are many other situations where a job seeker may not have a permanent street address. I would prefer to list my PO Box instead on the 'street address' box, but do not want it rejected for not following instructions.
Why do potential employers want the applicants (street address) residence?
applications human-resources legal privacy pre-screening
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
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up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Most online applications specifically require a street address for residence. I have always been careful about my personal information, and I do not see why it is necessary to ask for my street address. Keeping it private is safer, but it also reduces a 'travel distance bias' a screener might have.
There are many other situations where a job seeker may not have a permanent street address. I would prefer to list my PO Box instead on the 'street address' box, but do not want it rejected for not following instructions.
Why do potential employers want the applicants (street address) residence?
applications human-resources legal privacy pre-screening
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
Guarded in
3112
Do the applications not allow a PO box address? I've always thought those were interchangeable when entering an address (unless they're intending to use a non-postal delivery service.)
– thursdaysgeek
Mar 21 '16 at 16:17
You're being deliberately obtuse. "Street address" is just a label, not a requirement of any kind. I've never seen a single job application that required a street address instead of P.O. Box. For some contests and for requesting free samples, yes, P.O. Boxes are often explicitly forbidden, but that's to prevent possible fraud. In the case of job applications, no, never.
– Stephan Branczyk
May 19 '17 at 9:32
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Most online applications specifically require a street address for residence. I have always been careful about my personal information, and I do not see why it is necessary to ask for my street address. Keeping it private is safer, but it also reduces a 'travel distance bias' a screener might have.
There are many other situations where a job seeker may not have a permanent street address. I would prefer to list my PO Box instead on the 'street address' box, but do not want it rejected for not following instructions.
Why do potential employers want the applicants (street address) residence?
applications human-resources legal privacy pre-screening
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
Guarded in
3112
Most online applications specifically require a street address for residence. I have always been careful about my personal information, and I do not see why it is necessary to ask for my street address. Keeping it private is safer, but it also reduces a 'travel distance bias' a screener might have.
There are many other situations where a job seeker may not have a permanent street address. I would prefer to list my PO Box instead on the 'street address' box, but do not want it rejected for not following instructions.
Why do potential employers want the applicants (street address) residence?
applications human-resources legal privacy pre-screening
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
Guarded in
3112
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
Guarded in
3112
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
Guarded in
3112
asked Mar 20 '16 at 8:03
Guarded in
3112
3112
Do the applications not allow a PO box address? I've always thought those were interchangeable when entering an address (unless they're intending to use a non-postal delivery service.)
– thursdaysgeek
Mar 21 '16 at 16:17
You're being deliberately obtuse. "Street address" is just a label, not a requirement of any kind. I've never seen a single job application that required a street address instead of P.O. Box. For some contests and for requesting free samples, yes, P.O. Boxes are often explicitly forbidden, but that's to prevent possible fraud. In the case of job applications, no, never.
– Stephan Branczyk
May 19 '17 at 9:32
suggest improvements |Â
Do the applications not allow a PO box address? I've always thought those were interchangeable when entering an address (unless they're intending to use a non-postal delivery service.)
– thursdaysgeek
Mar 21 '16 at 16:17
You're being deliberately obtuse. "Street address" is just a label, not a requirement of any kind. I've never seen a single job application that required a street address instead of P.O. Box. For some contests and for requesting free samples, yes, P.O. Boxes are often explicitly forbidden, but that's to prevent possible fraud. In the case of job applications, no, never.
– Stephan Branczyk
May 19 '17 at 9:32
Do the applications not allow a PO box address? I've always thought those were interchangeable when entering an address (unless they're intending to use a non-postal delivery service.)
– thursdaysgeek
Mar 21 '16 at 16:17
Do the applications not allow a PO box address? I've always thought those were interchangeable when entering an address (unless they're intending to use a non-postal delivery service.)
– thursdaysgeek
Mar 21 '16 at 16:17
You're being deliberately obtuse. "Street address" is just a label, not a requirement of any kind. I've never seen a single job application that required a street address instead of P.O. Box. For some contests and for requesting free samples, yes, P.O. Boxes are often explicitly forbidden, but that's to prevent possible fraud. In the case of job applications, no, never.
– Stephan Branczyk
May 19 '17 at 9:32
You're being deliberately obtuse. "Street address" is just a label, not a requirement of any kind. I've never seen a single job application that required a street address instead of P.O. Box. For some contests and for requesting free samples, yes, P.O. Boxes are often explicitly forbidden, but that's to prevent possible fraud. In the case of job applications, no, never.
– Stephan Branczyk
May 19 '17 at 9:32
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
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oldest
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up vote
15
down vote
I need a mailing address so that if you leave the company I can mail you various forms I have a legal obligation to give you. These include tax forms and something called a Record of Employment that is relevant for unemployment insurance. I don't have an application form, but I do ask for this information after a person is hired and I ask them to keep it current.
I don't care where you live, I just need to be able to send you stuff. However, since I am human, I may wonder about a long commute and ask you if you're sure you're ok with it. I did interview someone who told me they really hadn't realized how far away we were until that moment, and wasn't ok with it or willing to move.
Now, I understand not all employers are me. The ones demanding this may be using it to hire only those who won't have moving expenses, only those with short commutes, or only those from certain backgrounds. I doubt anyone checks you live at the address on your application. In fact many places probably have it out of no more than habit and never use it at all.
If this is a real issue in your life, look into a mail drop with a an address that doesn't include "PO Box". They are typically for microbusinesses - they use Suite 102 to mean Mailbox 102 but you could put Apt 102 and I'm sure it would work. Online forms can mean huge volume of applications, and dropping you for a PO Box is super easy to do.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
It's so they know how close you are to the place of work
I would suggest it's so they can work out your geographic closeness to the business. Although there is a lot of "noise" about remote working and work from home, the vast majority of employers want staff who are within an hour /hour and a half commutable distance. The main reason being is that your "fresh" in the morning and if there is an emergency work problem, they know roughly how long it will take you to get in.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
3
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
I need a mailing address so that if you leave the company I can mail you various forms I have a legal obligation to give you. These include tax forms and something called a Record of Employment that is relevant for unemployment insurance. I don't have an application form, but I do ask for this information after a person is hired and I ask them to keep it current.
I don't care where you live, I just need to be able to send you stuff. However, since I am human, I may wonder about a long commute and ask you if you're sure you're ok with it. I did interview someone who told me they really hadn't realized how far away we were until that moment, and wasn't ok with it or willing to move.
Now, I understand not all employers are me. The ones demanding this may be using it to hire only those who won't have moving expenses, only those with short commutes, or only those from certain backgrounds. I doubt anyone checks you live at the address on your application. In fact many places probably have it out of no more than habit and never use it at all.
If this is a real issue in your life, look into a mail drop with a an address that doesn't include "PO Box". They are typically for microbusinesses - they use Suite 102 to mean Mailbox 102 but you could put Apt 102 and I'm sure it would work. Online forms can mean huge volume of applications, and dropping you for a PO Box is super easy to do.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
15
down vote
I need a mailing address so that if you leave the company I can mail you various forms I have a legal obligation to give you. These include tax forms and something called a Record of Employment that is relevant for unemployment insurance. I don't have an application form, but I do ask for this information after a person is hired and I ask them to keep it current.
I don't care where you live, I just need to be able to send you stuff. However, since I am human, I may wonder about a long commute and ask you if you're sure you're ok with it. I did interview someone who told me they really hadn't realized how far away we were until that moment, and wasn't ok with it or willing to move.
Now, I understand not all employers are me. The ones demanding this may be using it to hire only those who won't have moving expenses, only those with short commutes, or only those from certain backgrounds. I doubt anyone checks you live at the address on your application. In fact many places probably have it out of no more than habit and never use it at all.
If this is a real issue in your life, look into a mail drop with a an address that doesn't include "PO Box". They are typically for microbusinesses - they use Suite 102 to mean Mailbox 102 but you could put Apt 102 and I'm sure it would work. Online forms can mean huge volume of applications, and dropping you for a PO Box is super easy to do.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
15
down vote
up vote
15
down vote
I need a mailing address so that if you leave the company I can mail you various forms I have a legal obligation to give you. These include tax forms and something called a Record of Employment that is relevant for unemployment insurance. I don't have an application form, but I do ask for this information after a person is hired and I ask them to keep it current.
I don't care where you live, I just need to be able to send you stuff. However, since I am human, I may wonder about a long commute and ask you if you're sure you're ok with it. I did interview someone who told me they really hadn't realized how far away we were until that moment, and wasn't ok with it or willing to move.
Now, I understand not all employers are me. The ones demanding this may be using it to hire only those who won't have moving expenses, only those with short commutes, or only those from certain backgrounds. I doubt anyone checks you live at the address on your application. In fact many places probably have it out of no more than habit and never use it at all.
If this is a real issue in your life, look into a mail drop with a an address that doesn't include "PO Box". They are typically for microbusinesses - they use Suite 102 to mean Mailbox 102 but you could put Apt 102 and I'm sure it would work. Online forms can mean huge volume of applications, and dropping you for a PO Box is super easy to do.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
I need a mailing address so that if you leave the company I can mail you various forms I have a legal obligation to give you. These include tax forms and something called a Record of Employment that is relevant for unemployment insurance. I don't have an application form, but I do ask for this information after a person is hired and I ask them to keep it current.
I don't care where you live, I just need to be able to send you stuff. However, since I am human, I may wonder about a long commute and ask you if you're sure you're ok with it. I did interview someone who told me they really hadn't realized how far away we were until that moment, and wasn't ok with it or willing to move.
Now, I understand not all employers are me. The ones demanding this may be using it to hire only those who won't have moving expenses, only those with short commutes, or only those from certain backgrounds. I doubt anyone checks you live at the address on your application. In fact many places probably have it out of no more than habit and never use it at all.
If this is a real issue in your life, look into a mail drop with a an address that doesn't include "PO Box". They are typically for microbusinesses - they use Suite 102 to mean Mailbox 102 but you could put Apt 102 and I'm sure it would work. Online forms can mean huge volume of applications, and dropping you for a PO Box is super easy to do.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
answered Mar 20 '16 at 13:24
Kate Gregory
104k40230331
104k40230331
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
It's so they know how close you are to the place of work
I would suggest it's so they can work out your geographic closeness to the business. Although there is a lot of "noise" about remote working and work from home, the vast majority of employers want staff who are within an hour /hour and a half commutable distance. The main reason being is that your "fresh" in the morning and if there is an emergency work problem, they know roughly how long it will take you to get in.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
3
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
It's so they know how close you are to the place of work
I would suggest it's so they can work out your geographic closeness to the business. Although there is a lot of "noise" about remote working and work from home, the vast majority of employers want staff who are within an hour /hour and a half commutable distance. The main reason being is that your "fresh" in the morning and if there is an emergency work problem, they know roughly how long it will take you to get in.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
3
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
It's so they know how close you are to the place of work
I would suggest it's so they can work out your geographic closeness to the business. Although there is a lot of "noise" about remote working and work from home, the vast majority of employers want staff who are within an hour /hour and a half commutable distance. The main reason being is that your "fresh" in the morning and if there is an emergency work problem, they know roughly how long it will take you to get in.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
It's so they know how close you are to the place of work
I would suggest it's so they can work out your geographic closeness to the business. Although there is a lot of "noise" about remote working and work from home, the vast majority of employers want staff who are within an hour /hour and a half commutable distance. The main reason being is that your "fresh" in the morning and if there is an emergency work problem, they know roughly how long it will take you to get in.
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
answered Mar 20 '16 at 8:48
Ourjamie
932719
932719
3
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
suggest improvements |Â
3
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
3
3
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
Yes and No. As a hiring manager it's more about sustainability. You may make the effort of a long commute when the job is new and fresh, but odds are when you get past that, and into say a long hard winter, the worry is they will start to find it too much.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
Mar 20 '16 at 11:30
suggest improvements |Â
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Do the applications not allow a PO box address? I've always thought those were interchangeable when entering an address (unless they're intending to use a non-postal delivery service.)
– thursdaysgeek
Mar 21 '16 at 16:17
You're being deliberately obtuse. "Street address" is just a label, not a requirement of any kind. I've never seen a single job application that required a street address instead of P.O. Box. For some contests and for requesting free samples, yes, P.O. Boxes are often explicitly forbidden, but that's to prevent possible fraud. In the case of job applications, no, never.
– Stephan Branczyk
May 19 '17 at 9:32