Most general job-hunting books recommend including a section of “personal information” on a résumé. And some Ph.D.‘s, following that advice, include on their CV’s information about their hobbies, spouse, children, and so forth.
I find mention of a candidate’s “hobbies” to be mildly interesting — good conversation material — but never once has that information influenced me to interview a candidate.
Same with details about a candidate’s familiy. With very few exceptions, it’s illegal to include family status in a search-committee deliberations. I have, however, occasionally noted when a spouse is an academic whose specialty is one for which my institution has a search under way. On more than one occasion, I’ve asked for the spouse to send in a CV for the other faculty search.
Putting a “personal information” section on your CV doesn’t bother me one iota, but I am wondering if any search-committee members have strong feelings one way or another about such inclusions? Have such personal details ever influenced your decision to interview (or not) a candidate?
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