Personal Information in Resume: What to Include in 2024

You’ve found it—a job that has your mind racing. One that would 100% change your life for the better.

But you’ve come to put your personal information in a resume, and you’re stuck. Do you include your date of birth? Your nationality? Your marital status? Then there’s the question of how to write personal details in a resume. Worry not. We’re here to help you figure that out. Within a couple of minutes, you’ll know everything about the personal information in your resume.

This guide will show you: 

• Sample resume with personal information that’s better than 9 out of 10 resumes.
• How to write personal information in a resume to make it relevant.
• Tips and examples of what personal information should be included in a resume.
• Which personal details you should avoid mentioning in your resume.

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Looking for some more resume tips? Visit our guides below:

• Resume Contact Information Tips & Examples
• Professional Summary Tips & Examples
• Resume Objective Tips & Examples
• Resume Profile Tips & Examples
• Resume Formats Tips & Examples
• Resume Introduction Tips & Examples
• Resume Education Section Tips & Examples
• Resume Experience Section Tips & Examples
• Resume Skills Section Tips & Examples
• Resume Additional Sections Tips & Examples

Personal Information in a Resume—Sample

Now, here’s everything you need to know about personal information on a resume:

1. What Personal Information Should Be Included in a Resume?

Every part of your resume is important, but it’s all for nothing if you don’t get the personal information in your resume right. Without it, employers won’t know how to contact you. It’s surprisingly easy to get this wrong in subtle ways that cause problems down the line.

Resume Personal Information—What to Always Include

So, it goes without saying you want to include your full name among the personal details in your resume. As far as contact details go, a daytime (preferably mobile) phone number and email address are a must. But remember, don’t use your work email or phone number.

It’s also a good idea to state your job title on a resume and include links to professional online profiles, like LinkedIn profile or portfolios if they’re relevant to the job. 

Personal Information in a Resume—What Is Optional

You might want to include a mailing address, but this carries some risks—first, you’re giving out very personal information in this way. Second, if you live far away from the company, they may discard your application under the assumption that you wouldn’t want to relocate. 

Your potential employers can't ask about your date of birth or marital status. Regarding your nationality, some jobs may require candidates to hold US Citizenship.

You should also think hard before including links to your personal social media profiles, like Twitter or Instagram—these can be relevant to the job offer but often aren’t.

Personal Details on Resumes for Entry-Level Applicants

You’ll be glad to know that there’s no difference in what personal details should be included in resumes for entry-level and experienced candidates. If you have no work experience, you can safely go with the advice provided above and below. 

The only challenge you may run into is stating your job title. With no work experience, you can provide your field of study instead, i.e. “Engineering Student” or “Computer Science Graduate.” 

Pro tip: Your recruiter will definitely Google you, have a look at your LinkedIn profile, and see your other social media pages. Always check your online presence before sending out your resume. 

2. How to Write Personal Information in a Resume: Name and Job Title

Your name seems like one of those personal details in a resume that’s pretty difficult to get wrong, right? Yet too many people manage to find a way. For example, using your nickname is a big no-no. The same goes for a shortened version of your name. You’ll be able to let them know what you prefer in person.

Your resume should include your full name as it appears on your ID. There are two possible exceptions to this. Sometimes names are badly transcribed from their original alphabet on passports. In this case, go with the spelling you usually use. 

Including your occupation, current job title, or professional qualification is optional. It’s also a very good idea. Having your professional qualification, like a CPA for an accountant, right there after your name will really spotlight your suitability. Don’t worry if you don’t have anything to add here.

Personal Information in Resume Samples: Name and Job Title

As you can clearly see, the first example looks professional. The second one looks like a joke. And as long as you’re not applying for a stand-up comedian, stick to the professional one.

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

3. How to Write Personal Information in a Resume: Phone Number and Email Address

Employers need to get back to you with follow-up questions, phone interviews, and face-to-face interview invitations. Make it easier for them by including a mobile phone number and email address. Make sure your email address is a professional-looking one. This means one that includes your full name or your first initial(s) and your surname. Avoid nicknames, usernames, and so on.

Pay attention to the domain name as well: something like gmail.com looks a lot more professional than something like crazywebzz.com. If you don’t have an email that fits the bill, create one. Remember to check it frequently. 

Resume Examples with Personal Information: Phone Number and Email Address

Talking about emails: do you know how to send a resume to an employer? Check here: How to Craft the Best Email With Your Resume to a Potential Employer

4. How to Write Personal Information in a Resume: Relevant Links

There are many occupations where it makes perfect sense to include a link to an online portfolio. Graphic designers, photographers, and writers all benefit from including such a link. Shorten the link if it’s too long or complex to type in by hand—your resume might be printed out.

Programmers, web and app developers, and software engineers can benefit from including a link to their website, GitLab or MS GitHub profiles, or a software/app store page. Include one of these links in the personal details in your resume only if it’s directly relevant to the job to which you’re applying.

You might be tempted to include social media links, but this isn’t always a good idea. Professional social media like Microsoft’s LinkedIn are a safe bet and can always be included. Customize your LinkedIn URL if you add it. Include other social media only if they’re directly related to your work.

Personal Information Sample for a Resume: Relevant Links

A good LinkedIn profile can bring more job offers your way. Learn more: Best LinkedIn Profile Tips to Boost Your Profile’s Potential

5. Potentially Problematic Personal Details in a Resume

Some personal information should be left out of your resume. Social Security Number (SSN), your age, gender, and photo of yourself are only a few that should not be placed in your application documents.

Something like your nationality could be relevant if it’s a requirement of the job to which you’re applying. Many government and embassy jobs have such requirements, for example. If it’s irrelevant, though, you’re just opening yourself up to potential discrimination—whether subtle or blatant. 

What if the job interview questions get too personal? Learn more: Questions an Employer Cannot Ask During a Job Interview

6. Where to Include Personal Details in a Resume

The personal details in your resume go in your resume header. This should be somewhere at the top of your resume, surrounded by plenty of white space. Make your name stand out with bold font, a larger font size, and maybe even a different font type. Everything else should be consistent across your resume.

Lastly, remember to put your personal details on your cover letter. For a professional look, use the same header for both documents. 

Learn more about how to create a perfect header for your resume: Best Resume Header Examples

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaways

Here’s how to write personal information in a resume, step by step:

• Use your full name and occupation, job title, or professional qualification.
• Include your personal mobile phone number and an appropriate personal email account.
• Add personal and professional social media and portfolio links if appropriate.
• Think carefully about what else you include. Some personal information is best left out no matter what.
• Format the personal details in your resume—and the whole resume—properly.

Is there any other personal information in your resume are you still unsure about? Leave a comment. We and your fellow readers are here to help!

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