Think I should point out these personal qualities on my resume?

mxmaniac

Looking for some opinions, I know normally resumes seem to be strictly about professional experience, and personal traits don't generally seem to be listed but I'm wondering if it would be worth adding an extra little sectoin pointing out a couple of things, such as.

I've never done drugs, not even once. I basically don't drink (only about 1 beverage per year on average). I don't smoke. I have a clean driving record. Clean criminal record. Good credit. Homeowner. I'm an honest person who values good moral integrity.

Yeah, maybe I could be considered a total square. Maybe this might even be offputting to hiring managers who may likely enjoy drinking and drugs, or maybe it just sounds bad or is out of place. I don't know, that's why I'm asking for opinions.

I feel maybe it could get some good attention, separating me from the crowd of people who technically have more credentials and experience, yet show up hung over, constantly taking smoke breaks, or generally behave irresponsibly.

jamthat

I'd say leave it out, that's a bit too personal for a resume. I do really like one of your points though and think it should become a standard question during interviews - "Will you take 10 5-10 minute smoke breaks per day?"

TomkoTech

Leave it out. They have background checks for it. It doesn't do you any favors to point at these qualities and in some cases may turn companies off of you for feeling the need to do so.

With that said you can point out integrity and honesty in a resume without saying I do no wrong.

philz1982

mxmaniac wrote: »

Looking for some opinions, I know normally resumes seem to be strictly about professional experience, and personal traits don't generally seem to be listed but I'm wondering if it would be worth adding an extra little sectoin pointing out a couple of things, such as.

I've never done drugs, not even once. I basically don't drink (only about 1 beverage per year on average). I don't smoke. I have a clean driving record. Clean criminal record. Good credit. Homeowner. I'm an honest person who values good moral integrity.

Yeah, maybe I could be considered a total square. Maybe this might even be offputting to hiring managers who may likely enjoy drinking and drugs, or maybe it just sounds bad or is out of place. I don't know, that's why I'm asking for opinions.

I feel maybe it could get some good attention, separating me from the crowd of people who technically have more credentials and experience, yet show up hung over, constantly taking smoke breaks, or generally behave irresponsibly.

What position are you looking at?

iBrokeIT

Your resume is about your professional qualifications to do the job, not how you live your personal life. Let your clean background check and perfect credit check speak for themselves.

Saying you never drink could also work against you if they are looking for cultural fit and it were say custom for the team to go out every Wednesday for a happy hour drink. Just an example and probably rare but you get what I'm saying. I try to offer as few personal details as possible during the interview so that I am judged on my professional capabilities and not my personal life.

networker050184

I'd say it would have a chance doing more harm than good. My honest opinion if I was reading a resume with that is first, this guy doesn't know what to put on or leave off a resume. Second, he might not fit in with the culture if the team goes for happy hours etc. Not saying everyone needs to drink to fit in on a team like that, but someone "square" as yourself might not be the best personality fit. Also when I read a resume I kind of assume the person isn't a drunk or drug addict until proven otherwise.

srabiee

Way, way too much personal information that is, frankly, nobody else's business.

If a potential employer decides to take it upon themselves to do a criminal background check or credit check, then so be it.

A potential employer has no business knowing whether or not you drink casually, are a homeowner, someone who frequents dance clubs every weekend, an evening couch potato, a weekend cross-dresser, etc. Keep it to yourself.

Don't mention anything about smoking unless it comes up during an HR meeting for the purposes of discussing smoke breaks and designated smoking areas. And even then, you don't have to discuss the issue if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Again, keep this stuff to yourself.

Also, keep your religion to yourself. I once contracted with a client who hired a new employee in a junior managerial role. She was young, attractive, and very outgoing. She was also a self-proclaimed evangelical Christian who could not keep her religious beliefs to herself. She went around the office building starting religious conversations with fellow co-workers, getting into "denominational arguments," and to some extent, trying to convert non-Christians. She was quickly terminated.

The point is, your personal life and personal beliefs/habits are YOUR BUSINESS. My advice: keep your professional life and personal life separate as best you can.

lsud00d

Relevant to your question, none of that belongs on your resume.

Relevant to your post, I wouldn't be so narrow-minded. It's fine if you don't partake in certain activities but you are certainly passing a lot of judgment (and misperceptions) on those that do.

MeanDrunkR2D2

As others have said, keep that off your resume. It has no bearing on what you know and what kind of worker you are. If you are preachy like that on your resume you are likely to see it round filed and most employers wouldn't care about that as they only care if you are a valuable member of the team and do your job well. As far as smokers go, there are some who abuse it, and there are others who are addicted to them and take a break here and there, but they do their job and do it well. And you'll run into alot of casual drinkers out in the workforce and that is normal. many of whom, own homes and are good high standing people who have great credit and have no criminal record.

It comes off as "Preachy" and I wouldn't want to work with someone like that who may not realize that they may offend others with their personal lifestyle.

210mike

If I saw that on a resume I wouldn't even bother interviewing you. I don't drink or do drugs (addiction runs rampant in my family so I abstain), but someone who felt the need to put that on a resume wouldn't be a culture fit at all. Half the team I work on smokes, and everyone but me drinks frequently. We all get our work done and we're good at what we do.

Like others have said, more harm than good by putting that on a resume.

Vask3n

Dude, leave it out. All of it.

colemic

Agree with the others, it's not appropriate for your resume. +1 for your good habits though!

Tom Servo

It will not help your cause at all to put that on your resume. The general assumption most managers have is you aren't a criminal/heroin addict/whatever until you prove otherwise (or fail the background check/drug test). Personally I would consider it unprofessional and a little naive to put that on a resume.

I feel maybe it could get some good attention, separating me from the crowd of people who technically have more credentials and experience, yet show up hung over, constantly taking smoke breaks, or generally behave irresponsibly.

The crowd you are trying to separate yourself from does not disclose on their resume that they are an alcoholic and show up to work hungover everyday, so I'm not sure what you would gain.

PurpleIT

I would read a resume like that as having come from a person who is trying to make up for their lack of technical background/expertise by telling me they are a really good person and that is why I should hire them.

cyberguypr

Man, this guy is no fun! Haha!

Seriously, what they guys said. I am curious, what made you think it would be a good idea to include this? Have you ever seen it on a resume?

mxmaniac

Thanks for all my input. I'm starting to believe one of my biggest weaknesses is I just struggle to understand basic social protocol, as well as understand the illogical things most people do. (Like drinking themselves stupid rather than doing productive things. Things that are bad for their health like smoking and drugs. Or things like arbitrarily deciding their local sports team is the greatest ever, based purely on proximity of their location, and becoming crazy passionate about the team for no good reason. Or ridiculous financial decisions like gambling in casinos with odds against them)

The answer to the question I asked seemed obvious to all of you guys, but was simply not obvious to me.

It makes me wonder how many people I may have inadvertently offended. After all, I find it nearly impossible to make friends.

The reason I thought it would could be effective is I pretty much assume the vast majority of people do have issues with drinking, drugs, and all those other problems. Recently when I was in school, the question of how many people had at least 1 DUI came up, and 2/3 of the class raised their hand. People I know are not interested in doing any activities unless drinking is involved, even cool stuff like jet skiing or snowboarding, they either want to get drunk and do it, or else go smoke week or go to a drinking party instead. Maybe I'm just in a bad area (I'm near seattle).

If I were a hiring manager, and I saw that on the resume I'd immediately think "Whew, what a relief, this guy has his act together". His resume would be top priority. I guess maybe I automatically assume the worst from people until its shown elsewise.

I normally would never say these things to anyone in person, but maybe my judgmental nature shows through despite efforts to hide it. I don't know, give it to me straight and brutally honest. Is my mentality just completely wrong or something? Do I see the world in a different way?

lsud00d

Just curious but have you been tested/diagnosed with any medical or social disorders? You remind me of an acquaintance who has Aspergers. Also, you seem on the younger side...are you still in high school? Are you an only child?

You don't have to answer any of these questions, just looking at this from a psychological perspective.

iBrokeIT

You seem to lack the understanding that not everyone in this world thinks and lives their life like you do. Not everyone that indulges in a vice does so irresponsibly. I think you need to get some more experiences outside of whatever bubble you are currently living in.

Armymanis1

I have my own vices. You need to take up drinking thats how you make connections. I went out for beers with people in IT all the time when I was at my old job. You don't need to drink a lot, just enough to have you sober/buzzed. Idk how people can live an alchohol free life.

cyberguypr

OP, I mean this in the nicest way possible, I also get the impression that you are very young and lack business acumen. Not really a problem, as we all started somewhere. But really, saying that "the vast majority of people do have issues with drinking..." is just an extremely myopic statement.

To answer your question, yes, I think you view things in a way that is not consonant with how "the vast majority of people" see it.

P.S. You need a new social circle.

Armymanis1

I agree with cyberguypr! You need to get your own group of friends even if they are gaming friends. Hangout out, drink for once in your life, and just relax. Sure its all about the rat race and see who can get to the top most of the time. But man chill and enjoy it! I have no DUI's and drink and always have a designated driver. As long as you have a DD you should be fine and should learn to drink. Drinking is not bad as long as your drink responsibly! You will not move up in IT unless you drink! Your co workers want you to drink and fit in!

lsud00d

Lol @Armymanis1, OP doesn't have to drink. In fact it may exacerbate any underlying conditions. I know at first I was slightly offput, but everyone needs to practice empathy in this situation...I think there is more going on under the surface. I believe he's honestly not trying to offend, just is lacking in social folkways/norms.

Armymanis1

Drinking is one way i can connect with people brah. I have no social skills what so ever and i somehow am able to form social groups and survive.

bhcs2014

You remind me of me, OP. I'd leave all that stuff off the resume. I think it's a given that people don't take 5-10 smoke breaks a day or show up to work hungover, etc. I've never seen anyone like that. Personally I just focus on the work and if someone won't hire me because I don't drink I don't want to work for/with that person.

Russell77

Although I would not put it on a resume there are ways you can point out your clean background on a cover letter. Some jobs require solid backgrounds and if you can make a hiring managers job easier then it can be helpful. If you have to drive a company car some places will not hire you if you have 2 moving violations because the cost of insurance is so high. Other companies want really clean backgrounds because of liability and safety issues. If you see requirements in he job description for being drug free or having clean records it is appropriate to respond in a cover letter that you meet these requirements.

As far as the socializing goes just be true to yourself. There are all kinds of people in the world and all you have to do is find one you like working for. Some one out there will appreciate you for who you are.

Rkdrummer20

Yes as pointed out they should be left out, then what should be included if at all:

Personal nature or habit that helps make you better person at job like:
1) Good communication skills
2) Happy-to-go types
3) Do not crack under pressure
4) Handle multiple things at the same time
5) Ability to prioritize issues
6) Get along with people well

But again each of these skills should be properly weighed while being included in the resume. Good Communication skill may not rank too high if the job is of 'data entry operator'.

TomkoTech

The kid does NOT need to start drinking to make friends. However he/she does need to not be judgmental of those that do.

Not everyone who has a drink more than once a month is an alcoholic. Having a drink is in fact "socially acceptable". Coming in to work the next day always hung over or still drunk is something that happens frequently in the trades or retail, and rarely in IT. At least in my experience.

Smoking cigarettes is completely irrelevant. There are companies that have a zero smoking tolerance. They ask during the interview process. Those that don't have policies for company breaks. They typically don't care what you do or don't do on your breaks.

Companies do drug testing. If you pass the drug tests and do your job that's all they care about in that regard.

Driving records are important for jobs that require you to drive. There are plenty of people who don't even own a car and are very successful in IT and many other careers. Cities like like New York and Chicago you are better off without driving. So again this is irrelevant.

Criminal record/Credit score gets pulled in your background check. Pointing it out is irrelevant. They aren't going to take your word for it, they will still pull the records themselves.

As for being an honest person who values moral integrity. You can add things like this to your resume. However keep in mind that your personal morals aren't necessarily in line with that of the hiring managers. If you were to add a skills summary or profile to your resume phrases like "Values moral integrity" can be a red flag to some where as others here have mentioned cultural fit is important.

Personal qualities that most companies would jump at would be things like "easily transcends cultural differences", "diplomatic and tactful with professionals and non-professionals at all levels", or "able to maintain a sense of humor under pressure." Personal qualities that directly translate to doing your job better than the next guy/gal.

A lot of companies now do tests as part of the interview process. Personality, cultural indices, things that they then match up with their existing employees. You need to be careful that your prejudgements on the world around you don't become the reason you can't land a great job.

BerkshireHerd

Leave it out, but do not be afraid to show personality in the Resume, Don't sound like a robot. Remember your resume probably gets 10-15 secs max eye time before being discarded or kept.

yeah yeah

Are you Sheldon?

TomkoTech

Sheldon wouldn't ask such questions. What other people think is irrelevant to him.

yeah yeah

He often asks about sarcasm...