How to include personal information in resume?

Personal information is one of the most crucial sections in a resume. Not only is it the first and foremost section, but it also needs to be concise and impactful. However, some people clutter their resumes by adding too much personal information. In this guide, we will discuss how to include personal information in resume and what to avoid.

What Personal Information You Should Include in Your Resume

Let’s first discuss the mandatory personal information that candidates must include in their resumes. These are as follows:

1. Name

This is the most obvious and essential detail—you must include your first and last name at the top of your resume. Do not write phrases like “Resume of X” or simply “Resume” before your name.

2. Phone Number

Include a valid phone number to ensure recruiters can easily contact you. Simply add your full number—do not write it as 99999-XXXXX. Provide the complete number to avoid any confusion.

3. Email Address

Your email address is another crucial piece of personal information in your resume. Hyperlink your email address so recruiters can simply tap and send you an email. Additionally, always use a professional email address—avoid using one like coolguy45@gmail.com.

4. LinkedIn Profile Link

With the growing dependence of employers on LinkedIn for hiring, having an optimized LinkedIn profile is essential.

Here are a few considerations:

• Hyperlink your LinkedIn profile.
• Shorten your LinkedIn URL for a cleaner look.

5. Location

Adding your city and state in your resume can be beneficial, as it gives employers a clear idea of your availability. However, do not list your full home address—keeping it concise is enough.

6. Additional Links (Optional but Recommended)

You can also include links to your portfolio, projects, or published works if they are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

What Personal Information You Should NOT Include in a Resume

Certain personal details are generally irrelevant for most job positions. Including them can not only clutter your resume but also lead to unintentional bias in the hiring process.

1. Photograph

It is generally recommended not to include a photograph unless it is specifically requested or relevant to the role (e.g., modeling, acting). Attaching a photo may introduce unconscious bias in hiring decisions. for informed decision read the guide below.

Learn is a professional photo for resume necessary in 2025?

2. Date of Birth or Age

Sharing your age can sometimes lead to age discrimination. Recruiters may unconsciously prefer younger candidates for entry-level roles or more experienced professionals for senior positions. It’s best to leave this detail out.

3. Marital Status & Family Details

Your marital status, spouse’s details, or number of children have no relevance to your professional qualifications. Employers make hiring decisions based on skills and experience, not personal circumstances.

4. Gender or Religion

Including your gender or religion is unnecessary and may lead to unintentional bias in the selection process—even by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). These details do not impact your ability to perform a job.

5. Full Home Address

A city and country are sufficient for job applications. Listing your complete home address is unnecessary and may raise privacy concerns, especially when submitting resumes online.

6. Hobbies & Interests

Only include hobbies or interests if they add value to your job application. For example, mentioning “blogging about industry trends” can be relevant for a marketing role, while “watching movies” is not.

7. Nationality

Unless a job posting explicitly asks for nationality (e.g., for visa sponsorship or security clearance), it is best to omit this detail. Employers focus on skills and qualifications, not citizenship.

8. Passport Number

Your passport number is sensitive personal information and should never be included in your resume. If required, employers will request it later during the hiring or onboarding process.

Why You Should Avoid Unnecessary Personal Information

Including unnecessary personal details in your resume can do more harm than good. Here’s why:

1. It Can Lead to Unintentional Bias

Employers may unconsciously develop biases based on personal information such as age, gender, or marital status, which could impact their hiring decisions.

2. It Makes Your Resume Less Impactful

A cluttered personal information section filled with irrelevant details can make your resume boring and unprofessional. The focus should be on your skills, experience, and qualifications, not unnecessary personal details.

3. Privacy and Security Risks

Sharing too much personal information—such as your full home address or passport number—can expose you to identity theft or fraud, especially when applying online.

4. Hurts ATS Optimization

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and relevant experience. Extra, irrelevant details can clutter your resume, making it less readable for ATS software and reducing your chances of getting shortlisted.

How to Present Personal Information In Resume Professionally?

To ensure your personal information is presented professionally, follow these tips:

1. Use a Header for Contact Information

Create a dedicated header section at the top of your resume to neatly list your contact details (name, phone number, email, LinkedIn, location).

2. Keep It Brief and Structured

Personal information should be concise and well-organized at the top of your resume, ensuring easy readability. Avoid adding unnecessary details that do not contribute to your job application.

3. If Adding a Photograph, Place It at the Top

If a photo is required or relevant for the role, ensure it is positioned at the top of your resume, aligned with your header section. Use a professional, high-quality image only if necessary.

4. Place Additional Personal Information in a Separate Section

If details like passport number, nationality, or visa status are necessary, list them in a separate section at the end of your resume to keep the main content focused on skills and experience.

Country-Specific Considerations on personal information in resume

The importance of personal information varies across countries. It’s crucial to consider industry standards and regional expectations when creating your resume.

• USA, Canada, UK, Australia – Personal details like age, gender, marital status, and photos are generally unnecessary and even discouraged due to anti-discrimination laws.
• Europe (Some Countries) – A photo and date of birth might be expected, especially in countries like Germany, France, and Spain. However, some companies still follow non-discriminatory hiring practices.
• Asia & Middle East – Some employers may require a photo, nationality, or other personal details, especially for visa-related jobs. It is common to include date of birth and marital status in these regions.
• India – While adding a photo, age, or marital status is not mandatory, some employers may still expect it, particularly in traditional industries. However, in the corporate and tech sectors, resumes without excessive personal details are preferred.

Tip: Always check the job description and company guidelines to align your resume with regional expectations.

Conclusion

Including the right amount of personal information in your resume is crucial to maintaining a professional, ATS-friendly, and bias-free application. Focus on the essential details—your name, contact information, LinkedIn profile, and location, while avoiding unnecessary personal data like age, marital status, and a full home address.

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