How to Write a Good Personal Information Resume
Personal details are one of the crucial parts of a resume that recruiters examine. They can give an employer a good impression about you.
Name should be written in the largest font compared to other text on your resume. If your name is too long to fit, you can use your first name and initials.
1. Your name
Your name is the first thing that a potential employer will see on your resume. It should be clearly written and displayed in a size that is large enough to stand out from the rest of the personal information resume. It’s also a good idea to add your nickname and/or middle names for clarity. You may also want to include the URLs of your online portfolio, blog or website if these relate to your job search.
Some personal details are best kept off your CV, such as your date of birth and marital status. While it’s possible for a potential employer to deduce this information from your CV, doing so could lead to age discrimination. Similarly, a photograph isn’t generally required unless you’re applying for a role that requires one (such as an actor or model).
2. Your address
Your address should only be included on your resume if you live near the job location. If not, listing your address could lead to discrimination based on your distance from the company. This is called “location bias.”
In some cases, your address may be important if you are applying for jobs that require local applicants. You should also consider including your address if you are moving to the job location, as this will help show that you are willing to move.
If you do decide to include your address, it should only be the city and state. This will help prevent privacy concerns for both you and the hiring manager. It should be listed below your phone number. If you have multiple phones, list the one you use most often.
3. Your phone number
Your phone number should be clearly visible at the top of your personal information resume. It should be a mobile or landline number where potential employers can easily contact you. It should be a number where you can answer calls at all times, even when you are busy at work.
It is preferable to include a personal cell phone rather than a business number as it can be more readily available. It is also recommended to include a LinkedIn profile link, website or online portfolio if relevant to your job application.
The information included in a personal information resume should be only those that will help you get an interview. It is not appropriate to include details such as your religious beliefs, marital status or sexual orientation.
4. Your email address
A professional-sounding email address is essential for your resume. It’s also a good idea to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, website or personal portfolio as part of your contact information.
Your mailing address is less necessary in this day and age as most job applications happen online. However, if it’s different from the location of the job you want to apply for, it can be helpful to provide this information.
You should avoid including personal information such as your date of birth, social security number, marital status or nationality on your resume. It’s illegal for employers to request this type of information, and it can deter a potential employer from hiring you. Also, avoid using an email address that includes a nickname or a religious affiliation.
5. Your social media accounts
Including social media accounts on your resume can expose you to discrimination and may lead the reader to view unprofessional content. It’s also possible that hackers could use a post to uncover revealing information, such as your year of graduation, the cities where you’ve lived or the makes and models of your previous cars. If you decide to include your social media links, review your privacy and account settings.
If your accounts are set to private, only the people you allow to see your posts can access your personal details. If you have a relevant blog, website or online portfolio, consider adding the URL to your resume as well. Ideally, these links should point to professional-oriented accounts, like Behance for designers or Github for IT contributions.