Recruiters, hiring managers, and interviewers are prohibited by law from asking certain questions. Therefore, you should make sure that your resume does not contain the answers to those questions. For example, unless you are applying for a position with a religious or political organization, you should not provide information about your religion or politics. If it is a job requirement, a potential employer may ask if you are available to work on Saturdays or Sundays; but the employer cannot ask what religion or religious holidays you follow.
Companies cannot ask your age. Sometimes this information is easy to deduce from your work history or your date of college graduation (you do not have to supply your graduation date); but the company cannot ask how old you are and you should not list your age on your resume.
Family dynamics (marital status and number or ages of children) and disabilities or health issues are also prohibited areas. However, if the job requires you to lift 50 pounds, then you need to be able to lift 50 pounds. The employer is under no obligation to hire you if you are physically unable to fulfill the requirements of the job. But if your disability does not prevent you from fulfilling those requirements, it should be irrelevant and should not be mentioned on your resume or in your cover letter.
While companies can test for drug use, you are not required to tell them if you are a recovering alcoholic or addict. You would be wise to eliminate from your online accounts any tweets, photos, or other information that might give employers a negative impression about your current and past sobriety. Employers do search the Internet for information.
At Robin’s Resumes®, we keep up with the laws about what companies can and cannot ask. We will help you to make sure that your resume content gives employers only the information they are allowed to have.
William R Wilgus Jr says
I would like to know how companies can get away with age discrimination? I pride myself on my appearance keeping my weight under control, hair neatly cut but never get the job. It’s really bad and I am afraid my family and I aren’t going to make it this time. Even with all my education and experience I am still second best.
Robin Schlinger says
You need to show why the company should hire you versus someone else – and work to find organizations that celebrate experience. Does your resume show how you have contributed to your companies’ bottom lines and have achievements. Does your resume show why the company should hire you? Are you networking so you not only just are sending in your resume – but are getting recommended by folks in the company for the job. These days, for the best chance at a job you need to pass the ATS, not have red flags in your resume, AND network in for a job. If you want a review of your resume, feel free to email me a copy of your resume and job goal to https://www.robinresumes.com.