How to Write a Resume Header with Tips & Examples for 2025

Your resume header is the first thing recruiters see, and the first place where Applicant Tracking Systems look for critical information. Get it wrong, and your application might be rejected before anyone reads your qualifications.

In this guide you’ll learn:

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What To Include In a Resume Header

A resume header is the section at the top of your resume containing your name and contact information. It tells recruiters and hiring managers who they are hiring and how to reach them if they want to schedule an interview.

Despite its simplicity, the resume header is where many job seekers make formatting mistakes that confuse ATS systems or create unprofessional first impressions.

A professional resume header includes:

What doesn’t belong in your header:

Note: These recommendations are for the US job market. If you are applying to jobs in a different country, you should consult the local customs and traditions.

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How to Create a Resume Header

Quick Overview

1. Choose Your Name Format

Your name should be the most prominent text in your header. Use your full professional name—the one you use in professional settings and on LinkedIn.

Best practices:

Example:

Copied!SARAH JOHNSON
SARAH JOHNSON

2. Add Your Phone Number

Include one phone number where recruiters can reliably reach you. Make sure your voicemail is professional and has space for new messages.

Format options:

All three formats work with ATS systems. Choose one and use it consistently across all application materials.

Pro tip: If you’re applying internationally, include your country code: +1 (555) 123-4567

3. Create a Professional Email Address

Your email address should be simple, professional, and easy to type. Hiring managers will use this to send interview invitations and follow-up communications.

Professional format:

Avoid:

Create a dedicated job search email if your current address isn’t professional. Gmail, Outlook, and ProtonMail are all acceptable providers.

4. Include Location

You don’t need your full street address on your resume- it’s a privacy risk and takes up valuable space. City and state (or city and country for international applications) is sufficient.

Format examples:

Why location matters: Recruiters use location to assess commute feasibility, time zone compatibility, and whether relocation assistance might be needed. ATS systems often filter candidates by location, so include it even if you’re willing to relocate.

5. Add Your LinkedIn Profile URL

A LinkedIn profile link is now standard practice for most professional roles. It gives recruiters additional context about your experience and shows you maintain an active professional presence.

How to customize your LinkedIn URL:

Format on resume:

Important: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated and consistent with your resume before including the link. Discrepancies between your resume and LinkedIn profile raise red flags for recruiters.

6. Include Portfolio or Website Links

For certain industries like design, software engineering, writing, marketing, photography- a portfolio link is essential. For others, it’s optional but can strengthen your application.

Include a portfolio link if:

Format:

Don’t include:

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Resume Header Formatting

Typically resume headers follow 3 layouts:

1. Standard Header Layout

This centered format is the most common and looks professional. It is also the safest to use for ATS compatibility.

2. Left-Aligned Header Layout

Some job seekers prefer left-aligned headers, which also work well with ATS:

3. Two-Column Header Layout

Two-column headers can look modern but may confuse some ATS systems. Only use this format if you’re certain the company uses modern ATS software:

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Common Resume Header Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Using Text Boxes or Headers/Footers

Why it’s a problem: Many ATS systems can’t read text inside text boxes, headers, or footers. Your contact information might be completely invisible to the system.

Solution: Place your header in the main body of your document using standard text formatting.

Mistake #2: Including Unnecessary Personal Information

What to avoid:

Why: This information isn’t relevant to your qualifications and can introduce unconscious bias. In many countries, including this information violates employment discrimination laws.

Mistake #3: Unprofessional Email Addresses

Email addresses like “partyking2024@email.com” or “hotchick85@email.com” immediately undermine your credibility. Hiring managers report that unprofessional email addresses are one of the top reasons they reject candidates.

Quick fix: Create a new email address using your name. It takes five minutes and dramatically improves your professional image.

Mistake #4: Broken or Incorrect Links

Common issues:

Solution: Test every link before submitting your resume. Send yourself a test email. Call your phone number to verify it’s correct.

Mistake #5: Inconsistent Formatting

Using different fonts, sizes, or styles within your header looks unprofessional.

Best practice: Use the same font throughout your header (and ideally throughout your entire resume). Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.

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Resume Header Checklist

Use this checklist to verify your resume header is optimized for both ATS and human reviewers:

Contact Information:

Formatting:

What’s NOT Included:

Final Check:

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Frequently Asked Questions