Why you should always add your location to your CV (and Linkedin profile!)

When applying for your new job in the property industry, one often-overlooked yet crucial detail is your geographical location. Often missing from CV's or even on Linkedin.

Adding your location to your CV can significantly improve your chances of being matched with the right job, helping both recruiters and hiring managers assess your suitability—not just for the role itself, but for the practical logistics it requires.

Here’s why including your location is essential when pursuing a career in the property sector.

Local Knowledge is Key in Property

In many areas of the property industry, especially in roles like Sales or Lettings Agents, having in-depth knowledge of the local market is critical. Whether it’s understanding the latest property values, knowing which areas are up-and-coming, or having insight into local planning and development, location expertise adds value to your profile.

Many Linkedin profiles have "London" or worse "United Kingdom" which does not help a headhunter recruiter find you. On CVs often there is no mention of your geographical area. You do not need your whole address, but "Farnham, Surrey" is the minimum requirement.

Sally Asling, Director of ProFind Property Recruitment, emphasises the importance of this: "Local knowledge is not just a preference—it’s a necessity. Many of our clients specifically seek candidates who have a deep understanding of the area, whether it’s for property valuations, lettings negotiations, or guiding buyers and tenants. Without that insight, candidates may be at a disadvantage."

Employers often set distance to commute limitations

Another factor that can be make-or-break in securing a role is how far you live from the job location. Some employers have specific policies or preferences when it comes to commute times, often wanting candidates to live within a 30-minute radius of the office or properties they'll be managing.

Hiring managers know that long commutes can lead to employee burnout, lateness, and dissatisfaction. In fast-paced roles like property management or estate agency, where you may need to attend multiple property visits or client meetings in a day, being local allows you to respond more efficiently to the demands of the role.

Sally Asling adds: "Many clients specify a maximum commute time because they want staff to be nearby and readily available. Long commutes can affect performance, so it’s common for employers to only consider candidates who live within a certain distance of the office or their portfolio of properties."

Helps Recruiters Make Better Matches

Including your location on your CV also allows recruiters to streamline the job-matching process. When a recruiter knows exactly where you’re based, they can focus on connecting you with opportunities that are a good fit both professionally and geographically. This avoids wasting time applying for roles that may not suit your personal circumstances, and ensures you’re considered for positions where your local knowledge can shine.

By omitting your location, you may miss out on being shortlisted for roles that fit your expertise and could offer great career progression.

Clients Value Immediate Local Knowledge

For roles that require you to hit the ground running, such as estate agency sales, lettings management, or property valuation, being familiar with the area is a major advantage. Employers appreciate candidates who already know the local streets, schools, transport links, and the broader community. This knowledge often translates into better customer service and more efficient operations.

Final Thoughts

In the property industry, location plays a pivotal role in how recruiters and hiring managers assess candidates. By clearly stating your location on your CV, you're positioning yourself as a candidate who understands the importance of local knowledge and is logistically suited for the job. This simple detail could be the key to securing your next property role—helping you stand out as the right person for the job. Omission can only eave your CV left out of the initial round of shortlisting.

#propertyindustry #recruitment #hiring #CV #CVpreparation #CVpresentation #jobselection #jobinterviews #ProFindProeprtyRecruitment #Specialistrecruiter #proeprtyindustryrecruitment