Some resumes contain a section title that says something like “Hobbies,” “Interests,” or “Personal Information.” In these sections you often see things like: Enjoy skating, biking, and bird watching.
or
Avid reader, singer/songwriter, and accomplished mime.
The rationale behind including this type of information has some merit. Proponents argue that including this information on your resume shows that you are not just one-dimensional, and that you are in fact quite interesting. My opinion is, however, that if you can fit only a few hundred words on your resume, you had better pick the most important words you can. It seems highly unlikely that the words “mime” or “skating” would make that cut.
Other people choose to share personal information, also as a way of showing their multidimensional background. Often you see things like:
6'2", 215 lbs.
Single, willing to travel and/or relocate.
or
Married for 12 years, two children (3, 9)
Health—Excellent
In all of my years of helping people with their resumes, I have seen hundreds with the line “Health—Excellent,” and not one that said “Health—3–6 months to live,” or “Health—My gout is killing me!”
Including personal information is, in my opinion, just asking for trouble. If the information is not directly relevant to the job, why include it? Providing this information simply gives the employer an easy way to discriminate against you. Marital status, religion, health, sexual preference, disability status, ethnicity, and plans for raising a family are all topics that would be excluded from any legal line of interview questioning. You have absolutely nothing to gain by bringing up these topics yourself.
By the same token, do not include a picture on your resume. This was in vogue a number of years ago and then thankfully faded away. Now with the low cost of scanners and digital cameras, some individuals are including digitized images on their resume as a way of distinguishing themselves from other applicants. Unfortunately for these candidates, they are distinguishing themselves, but not in a positive way (unless, of course, they are Brad Pitt or Cameron Diaz!).
There are, however, a few jobs for which a photo is helpful, even necessary. Positions like model, spokesperson, or actor often require that a customary “head shot” photo be sent along with the resume and portfolio.
Samples of Chronological Resumes
The following are different versions of chronological resumes. The first Martin
Rowan resume does not fit on one page. By changing the layout and style, and by
deleting some text, the most important information can all fit on one page.
Applebee’s July 2004–August 2004 Host, Server’s
Mamaroneck, NY Assistant
Gained valuable communication and public relations skills by providing quality
customer service. Handled disputes with customers and performed
troubleshooting tasks to improve customer relations.
Rite-Aid Pharmacy May 2003–August 2003 Sales Associate
New York City, NY
Responsible for directly assisting the customer on the sales floor and handled
customer cashier accounts. Managed inventory levels to maintain constant
availability of products.
Atlantic and Pacific Corporation August 2000–May 2003 Sales Associate
New York City, NY
REFERENCES WILL BE FURNISHED UPON REQUEST
