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Best Resume Headers: Complete Guide to Creating a Professional Resume Header
A resume header is one of the most important parts of your resume, yet many job seekers underestimate its impact. In fact, recruiters often spend only a few seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to continue reading. If your header is poorly structured, missing key information, or looks outdated, your application may be overlooked immediately.
The resume header sits at the top of your document and includes essential details such as your name, contact information, and sometimes your professional title or LinkedIn profile. A strong header helps employers identify who you are, how to contact you, and what role you are targeting.
Modern resumes require more than just listing your name and phone number. Hiring managers expect professional formatting, optimized contact details, and sometimes even personal branding elements. A well-designed resume header improves readability, increases credibility, and helps your application pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
If you're unsure how to structure your resume header correctly, our specialists can help you create a professional document. Simply register on our website and get expert assistance here: Create your account and get professional resume help.
This comprehensive guide will show you:
- What information should be included in a resume header
- Different types of professional resume headers
- Formatting tips for modern resumes
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Examples of strong resume headers
- Expert strategies to improve your job application
Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, this guide will help you design the best resume header that grabs attention and strengthens your job application.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Resume Header?
- What to Include in a Resume Header
- Best Resume Header Formats
- Professional Resume Header Examples
- 5 Practical Tips for Creating a Strong Resume Header
- Common Resume Header Mistakes
- How to Optimize Resume Headers for ATS
- FAQ
What Is a Resume Header?
A resume header is the section at the very top of your resume that contains your personal and contact information. Its primary purpose is to make it easy for employers to identify and contact you.
A professional resume header typically includes:
- Your full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Location
- Professional title
- LinkedIn or portfolio (optional)
This section should be visually clear and easy to read. Recruiters must instantly recognize your name and know how to contact you.
Why Resume Headers Matter
- They create the first impression
- They improve document organization
- They help recruiters contact candidates quickly
- They improve ATS compatibility
For job seekers building their first resume, it is also important to follow the correct formatting structure. If you are a student or graduate, check this guide on resume format for recent graduates.
Keep your resume header simple and professional. Avoid decorative fonts or unnecessary design elements that can confuse ATS software.
If you want a professionally designed resume structure, explore these awesome free resume templates that already include optimized headers.
What to Include in a Resume Header
A strong resume header should contain the right balance of personal branding and essential contact information. Including too little information can make it difficult for employers to contact you, while including too much may look unprofessional.
Essential Resume Header Elements
| Element | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Your professional identity | Michael Anderson |
| Phone Number | Main contact method | +1 555 234 8890 |
| Professional email address | [email protected] | |
| Location | City and country | Chicago, IL |
| Professional Title | Your specialization | Marketing Manager |
| Professional profile | linkedin.com/in/michaelanderson |
Optional Elements
- Portfolio link
- GitHub profile
- Personal website
- Professional certifications
When listing education details later in your resume, make sure you follow the correct format. This guide explains how to list a degree on a resume.
Using an unprofessional email like [email protected]. Always create a simple professional email based on your name.
If you're unsure what to include, our specialists can review your resume and help you structure it correctly. Simply register here: Register and get expert resume assistance.
Best Resume Header Formats
Resume headers can be formatted in different ways depending on your resume design and career level. The best format depends on readability, professionalism, and ATS compatibility.
1. Standard Resume Header
The traditional format places your name on top with contact details below it.
Example:
Michael Anderson
Marketing Manager
Chicago, IL | 555-234-8890 | [email protected]
2. Centered Resume Header
This format is common in modern resume templates and improves visual balance.
3. Left-Aligned Professional Header
Left alignment improves readability and works well for ATS systems.
| Header Style | Best For | ATS Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Header | Corporate roles | Yes |
| Centered Header | Creative jobs | Moderate |
| Left-Aligned Header | Technical roles | Yes |
Always keep your name larger than other text in the header. This helps recruiters immediately recognize your identity.
If your resume is rejected because of formatting errors, grammar mistakes may also be the issue. This guide provides a useful resume English grammar checklist.
Professional Resume Header Examples
Looking at real examples can help you design a strong header for your resume.
Example 1: Entry-Level Candidate
Emily Johnson
Business Administration Graduate
New York, NY | 555-345-2221
[email protected] | linkedin.com/in/emilyjohnson
Example 2: Experienced Professional
Daniel Carter
Senior Software Engineer
Austin, TX | 555-234-5566
github.com/dcarter | linkedin.com/in/dcarter
Example 3: Creative Professional
Sarah Martinez
Graphic Designer
Portfolio: sarahmartinezdesign.com
| Candidate Type | Header Focus |
|---|---|
| Student | Education and LinkedIn |
| Professional | Title and experience |
| Freelancer | Portfolio and website |
Including your full home address. Modern resumes only require city and country.
Strong resumes combine good headers with strong skills sections. Learn how to choose the best skills to list on a resume.
5 Practical Tips for Creating a Strong Resume Header
Tip 1: Make Your Name Stand Out
Your name should be the largest text element in your resume.
Tip 2: Use a Professional Email
Create an email address based on your first and last name.
Tip 3: Add a Professional Title
This helps recruiters understand your expertise instantly.
Tip 4: Include LinkedIn
LinkedIn profiles strengthen credibility and provide additional information.
Tip 5: Keep It Clean
Minimalism improves readability.
Resume Header Checklist
- Full name clearly visible
- Professional email
- Phone number included
- Location listed
- Professional title added
- LinkedIn profile optional
Avoid using icons or graphics in resume headers when applying through ATS systems.
If you want your resume reviewed by professionals, create an account here: Register and get professional resume feedback. Our specialists will help optimize your resume for recruiters.
Common Resume Header Mistakes
Even small mistakes in resume headers can reduce your chances of getting an interview.
Top Resume Header Errors
Adding unnecessary personal details like age, marital status, or photos.
Using outdated information or incorrect phone numbers.
Overloading the header with social media links.
Resume Header Quality Checklist
- Information is accurate
- Formatting is clean
- Font size hierarchy is clear
- Only professional links included
- Header is easy to read
Remember that your resume works together with your cover letter. If you're unsure about formatting, this guide explains the proper business cover letter format.
How to Optimize Resume Headers for ATS
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a recruiter sees them. Optimizing your resume header ensures that ATS software correctly identifies your contact information.
ATS Optimization Rules
- Avoid images or logos
- Use standard fonts
- Place contact details in text format
- Avoid tables inside headers
- Use simple formatting
Modern resume templates already follow these rules. You can explore professionally designed options here: free professional resume templates.
Always test your resume by uploading it to a free ATS checker before applying for jobs.
If you want expert help creating a fully optimized resume, our specialists can assist you. Register today and receive personalized support: Create your account here.
FAQ
1. What should a resume header include?
A resume header should include your full name, phone number, email address, location, and optionally a professional title and LinkedIn profile.
2. Should I include my address in a resume header?
No. Modern resumes only require your city and country.
3. Can I include LinkedIn in my resume header?
Yes. LinkedIn profiles are recommended because they provide additional professional information.
4. Should resume headers be centered?
Both centered and left-aligned headers are acceptable, but left alignment is more ATS-friendly.
5. What font size should a resume header be?
Your name should be around 18–24 pt, while contact details should be 10–12 pt.
6. Can I include social media links?
Only if they are professional, such as LinkedIn or GitHub.
7. Is a resume header necessary?
Yes. Without a clear header, employers may not be able to contact you.
8. Can professionals help me create a resume?
Absolutely. Our specialists can review, edit, and optimize your resume to increase interview chances. Simply register here: Sign up and get expert help.