US resumes do not include personal data such as date
of birth, sex, religious affiliation, race, or
social security numbers. The only exception to the
last entry, social security numbers, would be when
applying to the federal government for a position.
Then, and only then, social security numbers should
be listed on a resume.
However, the rules change when you are submitting
your resume to overseas employers.
Although each country has a different set of
requirements regarding which pieces of personal
information they most want to see, generally most
will ask for the following:
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Citizenship/Nationality
- Sex
- Race
- Marital Status
Personal data such as hobbies or activities
Because the modern resume is a business and
marketing tool, it's best to keep personal interests
and hobbies for the interview process as a way to
"break the ice." This is especially true if your
activities involve some perceived risk or danger. A
candidate who is otherwise qualified for a
management position might have his resume passed
over if he "runs the rapids" on the weekends or
participates in a parachuting club. Activities with
risk aren't the only ones to caution against. A
candidate who collects rare coins -- an expensive
hobby -- may have her resume passed over by a hiring
manager for a position that involves controlling a
company's funds.
Remember, hiring managers want to know what you can
do for their company in terms of boosting profits or
reducing expenses. What you do on your own time is
best kept off a resume.
References
Unless, and until, you are asked to interview for a
position, references should not be provided to a
prospective employer.
