You may have come across resumes that include unnecessary and outdated information, such as Home Address, Marital status, Age, and Personal photos—too many details. Oh, don’t be surprised, some folks really do include this stuff, and that’s why we at Street2Suit are here or you so you don’t thread that part.
Your resume is your golden ticket to landing a job, but it’s also delicate for showing just enough about yourself to impress recruiters—without oversharing and scaring them away.
Including personal information on your resume can be tricky. Some details enhance your application, while others can sabotage your chances—oh, yes! In some cases, too much information can even expose you to discrimination, bias, or privacy risks.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Including Personal Information on Your Resume
So, how do you strike the perfect balance? Let’s dive in! Because as a StreetFam, you should never be caught off guard.
Your Full Name
Include your full legal name (first and last). This is the most basic yet essential piece of personal information you need on your resume. If you go by a preferred name, you can include it in parentheses.
Don’t use unnecessary nicknames. “Jonathan (Johnny) Smith” is fine, but “Johnny Boy Smith” sounds like you belong in a rock band, not a corporate office.
Contact Information
Include:
- A professional email address (e.g., [email protected], not [email protected]).
- Your phone number (preferably a personal mobile number).
- Your LinkedIn profile (if it’s well-optimized and relevant to your field).
Don’t:
- Use an old email address from school that screams immaturity ([email protected] is a no-go).
- Include multiple phone numbers. Stick to one, or you’ll confuse hiring managers.
- Link to a social media profile (unless it’s a professional one, like LinkedIn or an online portfolio).
Your Location
Include your city and state if relevant to the job. Many employers filter candidates based on location, so it’s good to indicate where you’re based.
Don’t list your full home address. No hiring manager needs to know your street name and apartment number—you’re not ordering pizza. Also, don’t include a location if you’re applying for a remote job where it doesn’t matter.
A Professional Summary
Include a short professional summary highlighting your experience, skills, and career goals. This gives recruiters a quick idea of who you are before diving into your resume.
Don’t turn it into an autobiography. A summary should be 3-4 sentences, not a full-page essay about your journey from childhood to corporate life—it’s a job application, not a writing competition
Relevant Certifications or Professional Titles
If you have an important certification or title (like CPA, PMP, or RN), you can include it next to your name or in a dedicated section.
Don’t list certifications that aren’t relevant to the job.
What to Leave Off Your Resume
Age, Date of Birth, or Marital Status
Don’t include your age, birth date, marital status, or number of children. These details can lead to bias or discrimination, and employers don’t need this information to assess your qualifications.
Let your experience speak for itself. Your skills and achievements matter more than your age or relationship status.
Personal Hobbies
Unless they’re relevant to the job, don’t include random hobbies like “watching Netflix” or “playing video games”. No one wants an employee who would be binge-watching movies or playing games when they should be working.
Include hobbies that showcase relevant skills, such as leadership, teamwork, or creativity. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, mentioning that you run a successful blog or YouTube channel can be valuable. Don’t lie o! there must be evidence.
Unnecessary Social Media Handles
Please, don’t include personal social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter—unless they’re directly relevant to your field (e.g., a graphic designer showcasing work on Instagram).
You can add a professional website, GitHub (for tech jobs), or an online portfolio if it’s relevant.
Salary Expectations
Don’t include your expected salary on your resume. This is something to discuss during the interview or negotiation stage, not something to advertise upfront—we know you need money.
Research salary ranges for your role so you’re prepared to discuss it when the time comes.
References
Don’t include a reference list or the outdated phrase “References available upon request.” Employers will ask for references if they need them.
Keep a separate list of references ready in case you’re asked.
Unprofessional or Overly Personal Photos
Don’t include a profile picture, unless you’re in a country where it’s standard practice. In most cases, including a photo can lead to unconscious bias.
Let your skills and experience do the talking. If your field does require a headshot (like acting or modeling), use a professional one.
Religious or Political Affiliations
Don’t include any mention of your religion or political beliefs unless they are directly relevant to the job. Keep things neutral and professional to avoid unnecessary bias.
Tips for a Resume That Stands Out
Now that you know what to include and what to avoid, here are a few extra tips to ensure your resume makes a great impression:
Keep It Concise and Readable
Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a resume. Make yours easy to read by using a clean, professional font, keeping it one page for less-experienced professionals and two pages max for experienced candidates, and using bullet points instead of large blocks of text.
Customize Your Resume for Each Job
A generic resume won’t cut it. Tailor your resume to match the job description by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences and using keywords from the job posting to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Proofread
This!!!
Nothing screams “I don’t pay attention to detail” like a resume with typos when you think you’ve done a great job. Run it through Grammarly, spell-check, and if possible ask a friend to review it.
Be Honest
Again, don’t lie. Lying on a resume can backfire badly. If you don’t have a certain skill or experience, focus on what you bring to the table instead of exaggerating.
Conclusion
Your resume is your professional introduction, and first impressions matter. Including the right personal information can help recruiters see you as a strong candidate, but oversharing can hurt your chances.
Remember to keep it relevant and professional, avoid unnecessary personal details that don’t add value, and focus on your skills, experience, and achievements to stand out.
If you’ve taken the Street2Suit mentorship program, none of this will be new to you. And if you haven’t, you’re not too late, check our website to join the next cohort—perks of being a StreetFam.
Follow these rules and be ready to land your next big role!
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Mariam is an imaginative and meticulous writer who is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and translating concepts into influential content.
