We’ve addressed the topic of the resume in previous posts in this blog. Specifically, we’ve addressed them in the following posts:

• “5 Tips for Gathering a Great List of References”
• “4 Quick Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Resume”
• “4 Reasons to Always Keep Your Resume Updated”

With this post, though, we’re going to discuss those things that should NOT be on your resume. And those things are all related to personal information.

The biggest step in not including personal information is knowing exactly what is and is not considered personal information. The problem is that some people can’t differentiate between the two. They think that something is not personal information and so they include it. Unfortunately, that is a mistake, one that can cost them the chance for a face-to-face interview.

So with that in mind, below are five pieces of personal information that you should NOT include on your resume:

#1—Photo

This is becoming more prevalent and it’s perplexing. There is no reason to include a photo of yourself on your resume. Wait, scratch that. There is no good reason to include a photo of yourself. People come up with all sorts of reasons for doing this. However, none of them are good.

#2—Marital status

Whether or not you’re married has no bearing on whether or not you’re qualified for the position. It doesn’t matter if you’re single and never been married, single and divorced, married and still married, or married and divorced. The hiring manager is not going to give you any more (or less) credence because of it.

#3—Children

Whether you have children, and if you do, how many children you have, also has no bearing on your candidacy. You don’t need to list them, much less include their names and ages. However, candidates have done this. These candidates did themselves a disservice because of it.

#4—Social security number

Not only is this not appropriate, but it’s also a security risk. The rule with this one is simple. If the company extends to you an offer of employment and if you accept that offer of employment, then you will have ample opportunity to present the organization with your social security number. Until that happens, keep the number to yourself.

#5—Salary information

Revealing salary information too early in the process can put you at a disadvantage during the negotiation stage of the process. That alone is a good reason to not include it on your resume. But aside from that, how much you’re earning in your current position (and past positions) has no direct bearing on whether or not you’re a good candidate for the job.

And that sums up in a nutshell what you should include on your resume and what you should not. You should include anything that will illustrate why you are a good candidate and why the hiring manager should interview you. If it doesn’t prove that you’re a good candidate, then don’t include it.

Your resume is your key to landing a face-to-face interview. And unless you land an interview, you’re not going to land the job. So make sure your resume includes everything that it should . . . and doesn’t include anything that it shouldn’t.

We invite you to look through the employment opportunities that The Doepker Group has to offer. You can also create an online profile and submit your resume.