If you have career or job search question you would like answered on this blog, click here to Ask Brian.
Reader Fred from Wilkes-Barre, PA writes:
“Does an employer have the right to ask what activities/groups/clubs an employee is active in? I left that information off my resume and the employer asked why it was missing.”
Brian answers after the break…
Brian Sayz:
First, I always encourage people to leave things like clubs, personal activities, hobbies, etc… off a resume. Good for you. A resume is a professional document and you should stick to the professional details. If the employer wants to know any sort of personal background information, they can ask.
And you can decline to answer, but that will look creepy. I mean, it’s a free country, but being evasive just makes it seem like you have something to hide.
Now, if your answer elicits some negative response or you think your personal info was the reason you didn’t get a job… maybe it revealed something about your religion, background, nationality, etc… well, that’s what the EEOC is for.
What do you say, readers? Any tips for Fred? Leave your advice in the comments.
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