How to Format Your Resume Header: Contact Info Best Practices

Your resume header should contain four essential pieces of information: your full name, professional email address, phone number, and location. Your full name should be the largest text element on your resume, typically 18-24 point font, making it immediately identifiable. Use your legal name or the professional name you're known by in your industry. Your email address must be professional—ideally firstname.lastname@gmail.com or a similar variation. Avoid outdated email providers or unprofessional handles like partygirl2023@hotmail.com. Include your phone number with proper formatting, such as (555) 123-4567, and ensure your voicemail greeting is professional. For location, you only need your city and state—never include your full street address for privacy and security reasons. If you're open to relocating, you can list your target city instead. Additionally, include your LinkedIn profile URL (customized, not the default random numbers) and relevant portfolio or personal website links if they showcase work relevant to your target role.

The visual presentation of your header is just as important as the information it contains. Center your name at the top of the page, making it the focal point, or align it to the left for a more modern look. Keep your contact information clean and organized—you can arrange it in a single line separated by vertical bars (|) or stack it vertically beneath your name. Use consistent font styling throughout the header, typically the same font family as your resume body but potentially in different weights or sizes for hierarchy. Maintain adequate white space around your header elements to avoid a cluttered appearance. Choose a font size between 10-12 points for contact details, ensuring readability while conserving space. Consider using subtle formatting like bold text for section labels (Phone:, Email:) or light gray text for a sophisticated touch. Avoid using headers or footers in your document, as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often can't read information placed in these areas. Instead, keep all contact information in the main body of your document where it's easily scannable by both humans and software.

Several critical mistakes can undermine your resume header's effectiveness and hurt your job prospects. Never use an unprofessional email address—create a new Gmail account if necessary. Avoid including outdated contact methods like fax numbers or AOL email addresses, which can make you appear out of touch with current technology. Don't include your full home address, as this poses privacy risks and may lead to location-based discrimination. Resist the urge to include multiple phone numbers, which creates confusion about the best way to reach you. Avoid using fancy fonts, excessive colors, or decorative elements that may not translate well through ATS systems or appear unprofessional. Don't include social media profiles unless they're professionally relevant—your Instagram or Facebook personal accounts have no place on a resume. Never use a photo in your header (unless specifically required in your industry or location), as this can lead to unconscious bias and is considered unprofessional in most Western countries. Finally, avoid including personal information like age, marital status, or religious affiliation, which is irrelevant to your qualifications and may violate employment discrimination laws.

Today's resume headers can benefit from strategic modern enhancements that showcase your digital presence and professional brand. A customized LinkedIn URL is essential—change the default random numbers to linkedin.com/in/yourname for a cleaner appearance. If you work in creative fields, include links to your portfolio, personal website, or relevant professional profiles like Behance or GitHub. Ensure all links are clickable in digital versions and clearly written out for printed copies. Consider adding a subtle horizontal line or simple graphic element to separate your header from the body content, but keep it ATS-friendly. For digital submissions, save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and operating systems. When including your LinkedIn profile, make sure it's completely up-to-date and consistent with your resume information. Some professionals add a brief tagline or professional title beneath their name (like 'Digital Marketing Specialist' or 'Senior Software Engineer') to immediately communicate their expertise. However, ensure this title aligns with your target role and doesn't limit your opportunities. Always test your resume by emailing it to yourself and viewing it on different devices to ensure your header displays correctly and all links function properly.