It's amazing the number of resume "rules and regulations" we learn at birth. From the womb we are imprinted with resume dos and don'ts that are passed on from one generation to the next. Almost everyone has adopted the same resume "laws." Let's not.

Marital status? No. Number of children? Why? How does this personal information help you?

Your race? What do you think? If you think making your race known in your resume will help you get an interview. Do it. Otherwise don't. Why? Because most employers don't want to see that information printed on resumes or cover letters. See points 3 & 4.

Height, weight, or other personal information about your anatomy? Nope.

Pictures of anyone or anything including you? Not unless you want to be a model, spokesperson, or movie and TV star. If so, print pictures on photo-quality paper and list your "credits." Go for the downs. You are on safe ground here.

Including your age or birth date on your resume gives the age bigot the green light to toss or delete your document. Hint! Don't give away your age before you have to. Hold off on graduation dates. Leave that information for the job application; the only place it is required.

How much money you want to make and how much you have made in the past? Not info you should volunteer because this says you like to begin negotiating pay for a job that has not been offered to you. Cart before the horse. No need to volunteer dollars ever.

After every job you have held you detail why you left and how bad or good the place was? You also give the address, phone number, and zip code. Way too much information or TMI. Don't!
Bonus: Use personal pronouns "I," "me," "we," "mine," "our," and "they?" Here's why not. The resume is a marketing document disguised as a resume. It is not a letter. It is not a personal message. Professional resume writers say, "Write in the third person." It's that simple.

Second Bonus: Religion? Not unless you are applying to a faith-based organization and you think printing that detail might help you. If you want to show leadership use "Faith-based organization." Or name the organization if it is a non-profit, especially if it is well known.

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