The Structure of a Resume - What Not to Include

Here are some items that are better left off your résumé:

• Personal information-Your personal information is private: Date of birth, Social Security number, height, weight, health, marital status, religious affiliation, children, sex, national origin, race or ethnicity.
• Photographs on résumés are not acceptable in the U.S. This is not true in all other countries, so before applying overseas check on their standard résumé format and expectations.
• Hobbies aren't necessary unless they're relevant to the job or reflect your skills or accomplishments.
• Old information.  Interviewers have a tendency to play down résumé information that is more than 10 years old.

However, do include any information relevant to the job for which you are applying, as long as the skills (particularly in instrumentation) are not outdated. Some experts advise older job seekers to omit some jobs and focus on the most recent and relevant ones to avoid drawing attention to their age.