Personal Information in a Resume: What to Include and What to Leave Out
- Author: InterviewBee Team
- Published On: Nov 14, 2026
- Category:Resume Tips
The top of your resume is the first thing a recruiter sees. Missing contact details prevent an interview invitation; unnecessary details can expose private information or introduce bias.
This guide explains what to include, what to leave out, country differences and what a strong personal-information section looks like. If a detail is not needed to contact you or assess your qualifications, leave it out.
What Is the Personal Information Section?
It is the header at the top of the page that identifies you and tells the employer how to reach you. Contact details usually mean phone, email, location and links; personal information can be a broader term.
Personal Information Examples
Priya Sharma
Marketing Analyst
+1 555 0142 | priya.sharma@email.com
Austin, TX | linkedin.com/in/priyasharma | priyasharma.design
Daniel Brooks
Computer Science Graduate
+44 7700 900123 | daniel.brooks@email.com
Manchester, UK | github.com/danielbrooks
| Detail | Right | Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Priya Sharma | An unclear nickname |
| Title | Marketing Analyst | A vague title |
| Phone | +1 555 0142 | Several phone numbers |
| priya.sharma@email.com | An unprofessional username | |
| Location | Austin, TX | Full street address |
What to Always Include
- Full professional name. Keep it consistent across your application.
- Phone number. Use a number you answer and professional voicemail.
- Professional email. Use an address based on your name, never your work account.
- Location. City and state or city and country is enough.
- Professional links. Add LinkedIn, a portfolio or GitHub when relevant.
- Job title or qualification. This optional line can show fit immediately.
Optional Information
- A mailing address only when requested.
- A relevant portfolio or website.
- Volunteer work or interests only when job-relevant.
- Work authorization when the posting asks or eligibility depends on it.
Country Differences
| Region | General practice |
|---|---|
| US and Canada | Name, phone, email, city and links; avoid photo, birth date and family details |
| United Kingdom | Name, phone, email, city and links; exact address and birth date are usually omitted |
| Germany and parts of Europe | Photos and birth dates have been traditional, though norms are shifting |
| India | Many private employers prefer a lean header; government forms and some employers request more |
| Other parts of Asia | Research local norms because photos and birth dates are more common in some markets |
What to Leave Off
- Government ID numbers such as Social Security, passport or Aadhaar numbers.
- Age, birth date, marital status, family details or gender unless specifically required.
- A photo in the US, UK or Canada unless requested.
- Religion, political affiliation, a full home address or irrelevant nationality information.
- Multiple phone numbers, unprofessional social media, salary history and references unless asked.
Placement and Special Situations
- Place contact details in the document body, not a Word header or footer that an ATS may miss.
- Match the header on your cover letter and LinkedIn.
- For remote work, add city and country or Remote, plus time zone if useful.
- For relocation, state the destination and timing when known.
- For international applications, follow the destination country's conventions.
See also how to write the About Me section of a resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What personal information should be included?
Name, phone, professional email, city and state or country, and relevant links.
Should I put my full address?
No. City and state or country is enough unless requested.
Should I include my date of birth?
Not in the US, UK or Canada. Follow instructions in markets or applications that request it.
Should I put a photo on my resume?
Generally not in the US, UK or Canada. Check local norms elsewhere.
What personal information should I put on a CV in India?
Many employers prefer name, phone, email, city and links; some government forms request more.
Should I include marital status or gender?
No, unless the application specifically requires it.
Can I include social media?
Include professional profiles and only add other platforms when directly relevant.