Resume Header: What to Put, Examples & Format

Your resume header is the first thing recruiters and ATS systems see, yet most job seekers treat it as an afterthought. A strong header immediately establishes professionalism and makes your contact information easily accessible, while a weak one can cause confusion or even lead to your resume being overlooked entirely.

Our AI Resume Builder automatically creates professionally formatted resume headers that are ATS-friendly, visually balanced, and include all necessary information. Based on thousands of successful resumes, our headers ensure you make the right first impression every time.

What is a Resume Header?

A resume header is the section at the top of your resume that contains your contact information and professional identifiers. It's not just your name and contact details—it's your professional introduction to potential employers.

Purpose of the Resume Header

• Identification: Clearly states who you are
• Accessibility: Provides multiple ways to contact you
• Professionalism: Sets the tone for the entire resume
• ATS Compatibility: Structured for easy parsing by applicant tracking systems
• Branding: Your first opportunity to present yourself professionally

What Makes a Header Effective

• Clarity: Information is easy to read and understand
• Completeness: Includes all necessary contact methods
• Consistency: Matches the style of your cover letter and other documents
• Professionalism: Appropriate for your industry and target roles
• Accessibility: Contact information is immediately usable

What to Put in a Resume Header

The content of your header depends on your experience level, industry, and personal preferences. Here's what to consider including:

Essential Information (Always Include)

• Full Name: Your professional name (as you want to be addressed)
• Phone Number: Mobile preferred, with professional voicemail
• Email Address: Professional format (first.last@email.com)
• Location: City and State (full address not needed)

Recommended Additions

• LinkedIn URL: Customized profile link (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
• Portfolio Link: For designers, developers, creatives
• GitHub Profile: For developers, data scientists, tech roles
• Professional Website/Blog: If relevant to your field

Optional (Industry-Specific)

• License/Certification Numbers: For healthcare, finance, legal
• Security Clearance: For government/defense contractors
• Professional Designations: PhD, CPA, PE, etc. after your name

Resume Header Format (With Examples)

Formatting matters as much as content. Here are the most effective formats:

Centered Header (Most Common)

Left-Aligned Header (Professional)

Two-Column Header (Space Efficient)

Good Resume Header Examples

These examples show effective headers for different situations:

Entry-Level Professional

Senior Executive

Technical Professional

Bad Resume Header Examples (What to Avoid)

These common mistakes can hurt your chances:

Too Much Information

Problem: Overwhelming, includes personal social media, multiple phone numbers.

Unprofessional Email

Problem: Unprofessional, suggests immaturity.

Missing Key Information

Problem: No phone number, no location, no LinkedIn.

Resume Header for Students

Students and recent graduates have unique considerations:

Student-Specific Information to Include

• Campus and Permanent Addresses: If relevant to job location
• Graduation Date: Month and year
• Relevant Coursework: If space allows in a concise format
• Academic Projects Portfolio: For technical/creative fields
• Student Organizations: Leadership roles if relevant

Example Student Header

FAQ: Resume Header Questions

Should I include my full address?

Answer: No. City and State are sufficient. Full addresses can raise privacy concerns and are rarely needed until later in the hiring process.

What email address should I use?

Answer: Professional format: first.last@email.com. Avoid numbers, nicknames, or outdated providers (AOL, Hotmail).

Do I need a LinkedIn profile?

Answer: Highly recommended. 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn regularly. Ensure your profile is complete and professional before including it.

Should I put my title in the header?

Answer: Only if it's a recognized professional designation (MD, PhD, PE) or you're at executive level. Otherwise, let your experience speak for itself.

Can I use graphics or logos in my header?

Answer: Generally no. Graphics can break ATS parsing. Exception: Creative industries where you're submitting a PDF directly to a human.

Final Checklist for Resume Headers

1. Name: Professional, as you want to be addressed
2. Phone: Mobile with professional voicemail
3. Email: Professional address (first.last@email.com)
4. Location: City and State only
5. LinkedIn: Custom URL, profile complete and professional
6. Portfolio Links: If relevant to your field
7. Formatting: Clean, balanced, easy to read
8. ATS Tested: Information parses correctly in screening systems
9. Consistency: Matches cover letter and other application materials
10. Professionalism: Appropriate for your target industry and roles

Published on: [Current Date] | Covers: resume header, format, examples, students, ATS optimization | Reading time: 7 minutes