3 Tips for Handling Personal Information on Your Resume

As you begin to develop your resume, it’s important to be mindful of the personal information you include. The last thing you want is to put yourself at risk for identity theft or have too much information that distracts from your qualifications. Here are three important tips for handling personal information on your resume.

1. Avoid Including Your Full Address

While it’s normal to include your city and state on your resume, you don’t necessarily need to list your entire street address. Not only is this information not necessary for most job applications, but it also puts you at risk for identity theft. Instead, simply listing your city and state is sufficient and still provides enough information for the employer to see where you are located.

2. Be Selective About the Phone Number and Email Address You Provide

Your phone number and email address are essential pieces of contact information that you should have on your resume, but it’s important to be selective about the ones you provide. If you have a work phone number and email, it’s best to provide those over your personal information. This allows you to keep your personal contact information private while still providing a way for the employer to reach you.

If you don’t have a work phone or email, consider creating a new email specifically for job applications. This makes it easier to keep track of responses and keeps your personal email separate. When choosing a phone number to provide, consider using a Google Voice number instead of your personal cell phone number. This allows you to keep your actual phone number private while still receiving calls and texts from potential employers.

3. Don’t List Personal Information That is Not Relevant

Your resume is a snapshot of your qualifications and experience, so it’s important to only include personal information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. This means leaving off information such as your age, marital status, and even your gender unless it’s pertinent to the position. Including too much personal information can distract from your qualifications and can potentially open up discrimination concerns.

In conclusion, creating a professional and effective resume is a crucial part of finding a job, but it’s important to be mindful of the personal information you include. By avoiding unnecessary information and being selective about what you provide, you can protect yourself from identity theft and maintain a strong professional image. By following these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful resume that represents your skills and experiences in the best way possible.