Resume Personal Information: Complete Guide 2026
Your resume's personal information section is the headerβthe first thing a recruiter sees.Well-formatted headers with professional contact details increase response rates by 25%. Learn exactly what to include, what to avoid, and how to format for your target country.
π Table of Contents
π‘ Pro Tip: Ensure your email and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and professional. Recruiters check these within 30 seconds of reviewing your resume. A customized LinkedIn URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname) looks more professional than the default random string.
β What to Include in Your Resume Header
Essential Information
- β Full Name - Use your legal name; professional nickname optional
- β Professional Email - firstname.lastname@domain.com format
- β Phone Number - Include country code for international roles
- β Location - City and state/country only (no street address)
Optional but Recommended
- β LinkedIn Profile - Custom URL: linkedin.com/in/yourname
- β Professional Website/Portfolio - Essential for creative roles
- β GitHub/GitLab Profile - Required for developer roles
- β Portfolio/Behance/Dribbble - For designers and creatives
β What NOT to Include on Your Resume
β Photo - Not required in US/UK/Canada; can lead to bias
β Age or Birth Date - Age discrimination risk
β Marital Status - Completely irrelevant
β Social Security Number - Major security risk
β Full Street Address - City/state only needed
β Unprofessional Email - Avoid nicknames/numbers
β Nationality - Unless visa sponsorship required
β Religious Affiliation - Illegal discrimination in many countries
β Political Views - Never relevant to qualifications
π International Resume Formatting Guidelines
Personal information expectations vary by country. Research your target country's norms before applying:
| Country/Region | Photo | Personal Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA & Canada | β Not recommended | β Avoid age, marital status, nationality | Focus on skills and experience. Photo can lead to discrimination claims. |
| United Kingdom | β οΈ Usually not required | β Avoid personal details | Equal opportunity laws discourage personal information beyond contact details. |
| Germany & Austria | β Often expected | β οΈ Photo, age, marital status sometimes included | Traditional resumes often include professional photo and date of birth. Check company culture. |
| France & Belgium | β οΈ Optional but common | β οΈ Age sometimes included | Modern resumes often omit photo. Photo laws are changing to prevent discrimination. |
| Netherlands & Scandinavia | β Not recommended | β Avoid personal details | Focus on qualifications. Photos are increasingly seen as outdated. |
| Australia & New Zealand | β Not recommended | β Avoid personal details | Similar to US/UK standards. Anti-discrimination laws protect candidates. |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | β Often expected | β Photo, nationality sometimes included | Professional photo is common. Include nationality if relevant to work visa. |
| India | β οΈ Varies by industry | β οΈ Age sometimes included | IT/tech roles often omit photo; traditional industries may expect it. Check company norms. |
| Japan & South Korea | β Standard practice | β Photo, age, sometimes marital status | Resumes often include professional photo, birth date, and other personal details on standardized forms. |
| China & Hong Kong | β Often expected | β Photo, age common | Professional photo is standard. Age and sometimes gender are typically included. |
Sample Resume Headers by Format
Standard Format (USA/UK/Canada)
Creative Professional Format
Modern Tech Format
Traditional German Format (with photo)
π€ ATS-Friendly Header Formatting
- Keep formatting simple: Avoid tables, text boxes, or columns in your headerβATS systems may not parse them correctly
- Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman for best compatibility
- Place contact info on one line: Use pipes (|) or commas to separate items for easy parsing
- Include full name at top: Make it the largest text (18-24pt) for clear identification
- Avoid graphics: No icons, logos, or decorative elements that may confuse ATS parsers
- Use standard section order: Name β Contact Info β Professional Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a photo on my resume?
In the US, UK, and Canada, it's not recommended to include a photo as it can lead to unconscious bias and discrimination. In some European countries (Germany, France) and Asian countries, it may be expected. Always research local norms and industry standards before including a photo.
What email address should I use for my resume?
Use a professional email address, ideally in the format firstname.lastname@domain.com. Avoid nicknames, unprofessional terms, or outdated email services. Gmail or Outlook are preferred. Example: john.smith@gmail.com instead of cutiepie123@yahoo.com.
Should I include my full street address?
Only include city and state/country. Full street address is unnecessary, raises privacy and security concerns, and can lead to geographic discrimination. City and state are sufficient for employers to know your location and commuting feasibility.
Should I include my age or date of birth?
No, never include your age, date of birth, or birth year on a resume in the US, UK, Canada, or most of Europe. Age discrimination is illegal in many countries. Focus on your skills, experience, and qualifications instead.
Should I include my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, include your LinkedIn profile URL. Ensure your profile is complete, professional, and consistent with your resume. Use a custom URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname) for a cleaner, more professional look. Recruiters frequently check LinkedIn after reviewing resumes.
What should I do if I have an unprofessional email address?
Create a new, professional email address specifically for job applications. Use your first and last name (e.g., john.smith@gmail.com). If your name is common, add a middle initial or profession (e.g., john.m.smith@email.com). It's free and creates a much better first impression.
Should I include my marital status or family details?
Absolutely not. Marital status, number of children, spouse's occupation, and similar personal details are irrelevant to your qualifications and can lead to discrimination. Never include this information on your resume.
Should I include my social security number?
Never include your social security number, national insurance number, or any government ID on your resume. This is a major security and identity theft risk. This information is only required after you're hired for tax purposes.
Should I include my nationality or visa status?
Only if you require visa sponsorship and the employer specifically asks, or if you're applying internationally. In most cases, wait until the application process or mention briefly if it's relevant to your work authorization.
How should I format my resume header?
Place your name prominently at the top (largest font, 18-24pt). List contact information directly below in a smaller font (10-12pt). Use a clean, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid decorative fonts that may not be ATS-friendly.
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