Your resume is a snapshot of your professional career, but it’s not just about listing jobs and achievements to show your overall career journey.
Sometimes, while creating a resume, we give so much importance to highlighting our skills and experiences that we often overlook the personal details section. However, this part is critical as it provides basic information about you and makes it easier for recruiters to contact you for that dream job.
In this blog, let’s break down how to write personal details in resume, what to avoid, and how to present them effectively.
Why Are Personal Details Important?
Imagine your profile catches the attention of a recruiter, but it has no contact information. Or worse, it includes irrelevant or outdated details that add no value. Personal information is essential because they:
- Help recruiters contact you effortlessly.
- Ensure your resume maintains a professional tone.
- Create a positive first impression by demonstrating attention to detail.
Now you might wonder, What exactly should I include? Let’s dive deeper to understand what personal information in resume you should include.
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What to Write in Personal Details in Resume
1. Full Name
Your full name is your identity. Use the name you go by professionally. No nicknames or overly casual references.
Pro Tip: Ensure consistency across your LinkedIn profile and email.
2. Contact Information
This is your lifeline to recruiters. Double-check for accuracy and professionalism.
- Phone Number: Use a working number. If you want to have a number dedicated for professional purposes you can do that too. This makes it easier for you not to mix up personal and professional numbers.
- Email Address: Stick to a professional email format. For example sunita.sharma@example.com. Avoid quirky or informal IDs like coolsunita@example.com.
- Location: Mention your city and state. Full addresses are no longer required unless specified in the job description.
- LinkedIn Profile: If you have a strong LinkedIn presence, include the URL. Shorten the link (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname).
3. Job Title or Professional Headline
This acts as a quick identifier of who you are and your career focus. For instance:
- “Digital Marketing Specialist”
- “Entry-Level Software Developer”
This is optional but adds value as personal info by giving context to your application.
Additional Details to Consider (Optional but Beneficial)
Professional Website or Portfolio
For creative roles like designers or writers, linking to a portfolio can set you apart. Ensure your info is updated and relevant to the role.
Social Media Handles
Include these only if they’re professional and align with the job. For instance, a Twitter handle showcasing industry insights could work for a PR role.
Languages Known
If you’re fluent in multiple languages and the job requires it, list them. Mention proficiency levels (e.g., Native, Fluent, Intermediate).
Personal Details For Resume to Avoid
Personal Identification Numbers
Details like your Aadhaar, PAN, or Social Security Number are not required at this stage.
Overly Personal Information
Personal details list that you should avoid mentioning in your resume:
- Marital status
- Religion
- Political affiliations
- Hobbies (unless directly relevant to the role)
Photographs
In most countries, including a photo is unnecessary unless specifically requested. It could even lead to unconscious bias in some cases.
How to Write Personal Details in a Resume
Here’s a quick overview of how to present your personal information in resume professionally:
- Placement: Typically, personal details are at the top of the resume, often as part of the header. For example:
Sunita Sharma
Digital Marketing Specialist
sunita.sharma@example.com | 912345678390 | Mumbai, India
linkedin.example/sunitasharma
- Formatting: Use bullet points or a clean layout to ensure readability.
- Consistency: Match fonts and formatting with the rest of your resume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Typos and Errors: A misspelled email or wrong phone number can cost you the opportunity.
- Cluttered Layout: Keep it clean and straightforward.
- Irrelevant Links: Ensure all links add value. Always double-check links to ensure they direct recruiters to the correct page.
Final Checklist
Before you send out your resume with your info, make sure:
- Your personal and professional details are accurate and up-to-date.
- You’ve included only professional and relevant information.
- The formatting of the resume should be clean, concise, and easy to read.
Conclusion
Including personal details in resume is more than just a formality, it’s a strategic move to present yourself professionally and make it easy for recruiters to reach you. By following these tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be one step closer to landing that interview.
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