Should you add nationality in resume?

When it comes to building a standout resume, every detail counts, from highlighting your skills and experience to the way you present your personal information. One question that often comes up is whether to include nationality in resume or not. Some people consider it important information to include, while others view it as unnecessary.

In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of adding nationality to your resume, helping you make an informed decision.

What is Typically Included in Personal Information on a Resume?

Personal information is an important section of your resume, but it’s not a major highlight. The focus should be to keep this section concise and to the point.

Some of the things that are typically included as personal information are your:

1. E-mail address
2. LinkedIn profile link
3. Phone number
4. City, state, etc.

Now that we’ve discussed the essential contact information, let’s dive into the topic of nationality and whether it belongs on your resume.

Why People Might Include Their Nationality in Resume?

The decision to include nationality on a resume is personal and often depends on a number of factors. In some cases, it is required to confirm your eligibility for the job (e.g., government jobs), while in other cases or in countries like the U.S., it is often discouraged to include this information.

The idea is that candidates should be hired based on their skills and experience, and any other information may come off as unnecessary or could attract the recruiter’s attention in a negative way.

When to Include Your Nationality in a Resume

Here are some of the scenarios where it is relevant to add nationality to your resume. If you find yourself in any of these categories, you can mention your nationality on your resume:

1. Government Jobs: When applying for a government job, you might be required to be of the same nationality. In such cases, it is ideal to mention your nationality.
2. Applying in a Country Where Nationality is Normal: Different countries have different resume standards, and it’s always a good idea to be informed about them. In the U.S., adding nationality is discouraged, whereas, in South Africa, it’s a common practice.
3. Visa or Work Permit Requirements: If you’re applying for jobs in a different country, employers may need to know if you have the right to work there. Including your nationality can quickly convey your eligibility for a work visa or permit.

Why To Avoid Including Nationality?

Now that we’ve discussed scenarios where you can add your nationality to your resume, let’s talk about the reasons why it is often discouraged to include nationality.

1. Discrimination: The main reason why it is advised to exclude nationality or other personal information from your resume is to avoid any form of discrimination by the hiring manager. Including personal information opens up the possibility for bias.
2. When It Is Not Relevant to the Job: For roles that are purely skill- or experience-based, including information like nationality is irrelevant and can distract recruiters from the more important aspects of your resume.
3. Countries with Strict Anti-Discrimination Laws: In countries with strong anti-discrimination laws (such as many parts of Europe or the U.S.), employers are prohibited from making decisions based on nationality, race, or ethnicity. To avoid legal complications, it’s best to refrain from adding nationality to your resume.

Example of How to Present Nationality

Your nationality in resume should take up a small portion of your resume, typically in the footer or contact information section, and without any elaborative statements about your nationality.

If you are adding nationality in resume, it’s important to understand that it should not be included in a way that distracts the recruiters from other important information.

You can add nationality to the resume in the personal details or Miscellaneous Section in this format:

Nationality: Indian

Nationality: American

You can refer to this example:

Conclusion

In the end, the decision to include nationality in resume depends on the specific job, industry, and location.

While it may be necessary for certain roles, such as government positions or when applying for jobs that require visa or work permits, it is generally discouraged in many regions due to the potential for bias and discrimination.

Most recruiters focus on skills and experience, and including unnecessary personal details can shift attention away from what truly matters. Always consider the relevance of your nationality to the role and the country’s hiring standards. By keeping your resume concise and focused on your qualifications, you ensure that you’re presenting yourself in the most professional light while avoiding any potential drawbacks of including personal information.