Your resume header might be a small part of your resume, but it's the first thing a recruiter notices. A clear and well‑designed header shows who you are and how to reach you without making them search for details.
When done right, it conveys professionalism and sets the tone for the rest of your resume. But if it’s cluttered, outdated, or hard to read, recruiters may move on before ever reaching your experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to include in a strong resume header, how to format it for maximum clarity, and see real examples that'll help you make an immediate, positive impression.
Key takeaways
- Design your header for clarity so recruiters can identify and contact you at a glance.
- Include essential details—full name, phone, email, and optional LinkedIn or portfolio—without clutter.
- Match your header style to your resume to create a professional, cohesive first impression.
- Skip outdated elements like full street addresses or multiple phone numbers that distract from key info.
- Optimize for readability and ATS (applicant tracking systems) so both hiring managers and the ATS can process your resume smoothly.
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What belongs in a strong resume header
A strong resume header gives recruiters exactly what they need without unnecessary details.
Include these elements:
- Full name: Makes your resume immediately identifiable and sets a professional tone. A commonly used nickname is acceptable, especially in industries where you're known by it more than your legal name.
- Resume headline: Sits just below your name and before your contact info. It can state the role you’re pursuing, your current position, or a creative title like “AI Wizard” if it fits the company culture.
- Phone number: A single, reliable number ensures recruiters can reach you without confusion.
- Professional email address: Confirms your credibility and keeps communication professional. Use a simple, name‑based address like jane.smith@gmail.com rather than something casual like guitarhero92@yahoo.com.
- City and state: Sharing your general location is enough for recruiters to assess fit—full street addresses are outdated.
- LinkedIn or portfolio URL (optional): Gives hiring managers quick access to your work or professional profile.
- Pronouns (optional): Adding pronouns is becoming more common, but remains a personal choice.
Focusing on only current, relevant contact details ensures recruiters reach you quickly without distractions.
How to format your resume header
Your resume header isn’t just a design element—it’s the gateway to your application. A well‑formatted header ensures your name, location, and contact information are instantly accessible to recruiters and fully readable by ATSs
A clear, professional header encourages recruiters to focus on your qualifications, while a poorly formatted one risks your resume being overlooked.
Here’s how to format the header effectively:
- Place it at the top of the page: Your header should be the first thing a recruiter sees. Centered or left-aligned layouts are easiest to read and look professional.
- Use a clear font hierarchy: Make your name the largest element to stand out. Keep your contact details slightly smaller but still easy to read.
- Keep it concise and scannable: Combine details into a single line when possible—for example: Name | City, State | Phone | Email | LinkedIn. And remember—hyperlinks save space.
- Maintain consistent spacing: Don’t waste vertical space. A compact header leaves more room for experience and skills.
- Use color sparingly to guide attention: A subtle accent color on your name or separators can draw the eye without overwhelming ATS or human readers.
- Avoid tricky formatting: Skip tables and text boxes. These can break when uploaded to job boards. Fancy or overdesigned headers may also get rejected by older ATSs.
- Keep it visually simple: Recruiters—and job seekers sharing real feedback—agree that a streamlined, well‑organized header makes your information easier to spot than one overloaded with extra details.
A well-structured header sets the stage for the rest of your resume, but it’s often confused with another element that serves a different purpose.
Resume headline vs. resume header: What’s the difference?
It’s easy to mix these up, but they serve two different purposes.
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Resume header | The block of contact information at the very top of your resume. Includes your name, phone number, email, city, and state, with an optional LinkedIn or portfolio link. Its job is purely functional—to help recruiters reach you. |
| Resume headline | A one-line branding statement that sits directly under your name. Optional, but a smart addition to communicate your value or target a specific role immediately. Think of it as your resume’s tagline—short, sharp, and tailored. |
When to add a headline
While a headline is technically optional, most modern resumes benefit from having one. It gives recruiters instant context, which is especially useful if you’re switching industries, applying to a competitive role, or want to emphasize a key specialization.
Strong examples:
“Certified Budget Analyst | Federal Financial Oversight & Reporting”
“UX Designer | Figma • Accessibility • Enterprise SaaS”
A headline doesn’t replace your summary—it complements it by giving recruiters a quick, scannable snapshot of your expertise while naturally capturing important keywords for ATS.
Resume header examples for different roles
Seeing real examples can make it easier to format your own header.
Here are four versatile templates you can adapt, depending on your career stage and industry:
1. Basic professional header
Why it works: Clean, complete, and recruiter-ready. Works for most mid-level or senior roles.
2. Tech industry header
Why it works: Highlights technical skills in the headline and includes GitHub for instant proof of work.
3. Creative industry header
Why it works: Prioritizes a custom domain and portfolio link over LinkedIn, which is common in design roles.
4. Student or entry-level header
Why it works:Placing key skills in the header puts them at the very top of the resume, compensating for limited experience while keeping the format short and scannable.
Whichever style you choose, keep the header to two or three lines, use clear separators, and avoid unnecessary details. A recruiter should know who you are and how to reach you at a glance.
Author’s take
Matching your resume header with your cover letter header creates a cohesive, professional look and helps recruiters immediately connect both documents to you.
Conclusion
By keeping it clean, concise, and ATS‑friendly, you make it easy for recruiters to recognize your information quickly and move on to your qualifications.
A strong header ensures your resume starts with impact, so recruiters immediately know who you are and how to reach you. They focus on the qualifications that land you the interview.
Upload your resume to our free checker and see instantly if your header—and the rest of your resume—makes the right first impression.
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