Your personal information has one purpose on a resume: it tells a recruiter how to get in touch with you. While this vital information must be at the top of the page, limit to what is necessary so that you don’t fill valuable space with irrelevant information.
What must I include?
- Name: Use your preferred first name and last name. Some people add initials or middle names depending on what they go by professionally. Your name should stand out – make it bold, use a larger font size, etc.
- Location: Full address is not necessary, but at least put your city, zip/postal code, state/region (if applicable) and country (if you live in another country).
- Telephone number: List the number where you can be reached best. Always make sure you have an appropriate voicemail during the job search process.
- Email address: List an (appropriate) email address where the employer can easily and quickly reach you.
- LinkedIn URL: Make sure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume.
What else can I include?
Some other personal information can be included depending where you’re applying and what type of position it is.
- Date of Birth: Common practice in Europe, but do NOT include on U.S. resumes.
- Website: If you have a professional website or webpage that is relevant to the position, this can be very powerful.
- Nationality: Important if you have dual citizenship, or if your nationality will add value. For example, this is extremely relevant for translators and interpreters. In most cases, however, this information is irrelevant to the job.
- Photo: Not recommended for U.S. resumes, but it is a common practice in most other countries.
What should I never include?
At best, this information is irrelevant to your work ability. At worst, it will bias an employer before properly evaluating your qualifications.
- Birthplace
- Marital status
- Number of children
- Belief/religion
- Gender
- Multiple phone numbers (One phone number is sufficient)
- Social Media Profiles: Except in extreme cases (i.e. applying to be a social media influencer), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media accounts are too personal. Even though you won’t list these on your profile, make sure that none of your accounts have inappropriate photos or statements, even if it’s on a private setting.
- Social Security/Citizen Service Number
Vicky Blom
As a professional recruiter, I have over 10 years of experience helping candidates find work with businesses that match their skills, personalities and goals. Here on Resume Supply, I share some of the key things I have learned over my career to help job seekers with resumes, applications and interviews.