Question: Do you add your personal information on the resume? age? sex? nationality? marital status? kids?

(Posted by: Meyaw on 2008-02-13 07:12:43)

OK. Obviously that's not done in the USA, that's where I was educated. But in the middle East, they require this information. Perhaps even in Britain. What do you do if the interviewer's first reaction to you is: You should have written your age down and your sex (being female)? I honestly got offended, and became officially defensive. Could I have handled this better? Though I couldn't gulp down the interviewer's pretentious I- know- better attitude towards me.....you know.

Posted by: tetlitea on 2008-02-13, 08:54:10

Well I would have just told them that I was unaware that information was needed. Then I would have asked him where to put the information (if I really wanted the job) and wrote it down. All of that will eventually come out in the wash so to speak (although maybe not during the interview). They will have concerns about nationality (if they think you may be leaving unexpectedly) and kids (for the same reasons as American employers care). Marital status may mean different things in different cultures. I would try to find out what I legally have to tell a potential employer before my next interview.

Posted by: Khan on 2008-02-13, 07:17:59

This behaviour is illegal in the United States. Other than that in other countries you have to play by those rules.

Posted by: Celeste on 2008-02-13, 07:19:39

I would be offended as well. But in another culture I guess conforming to their standards would be a benefit. Maybe you can contact the embassy in the area you are and get tip / pointers on the interview process for women in that country.

Posted by: noneedtofearitsjustme on 2008-02-13, 07:24:15

I'm from Jamaica and we include those information. Don't be upset its just that employees expect you to do your homework, however you should have just explained that things are done differently where you are from. He/ She should respect the difference in culture.

Posted by: thisisme on 2008-02-13, 07:43:39

When in Rome...abide by the rules. I've only ever worked in the USA so this doesn't apply to me, thank God. Too many personal questions as it is.

Posted by: Gorgonzola Cheese on 2008-02-13, 08:39:40

I don't think that any of that information should have to be written down on the resume, but most people probably have some indication of their sex and possibly their nationality by giving their name. They were being very rude, not you. You're fine.