Too many candidates list all types of personal information on their resumes. As a recruiter, I want to know about your professional and career experience. You do not need to tell that you are married, have 3 children, are a hiker, a fraternity member, a gardener or a piano player. All of this information can easily be used against you, consciously or unconsciously. How? Recruiters may think: “Oh no, she will have child care issues” or “A gardener and hiker must be a nature lover and will want to take lots of time off” or “A fraternity member must be a drinker” or “A piano player must be into classical music and won’t fit in.” The only time these personal interests help is if you know the person looking at your resume is interested in the same thing.
However, if you are a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club, that would show your community participation or may be helpful if you are applying for a non-profit position. Services organizations are usually appropriate if they demonstrate community participation or other organizational skills. Political activities should only be listed if applying for political type positions.
