Resume Header Examples

An effective resume header introduces you as credible, polished, and easy for hiring managers to contact. With the guide below, you’ll learn what to include and how to format your resume header for clarity and impact.

What Is a Resume Header?

A resume header is the topmost part of your resume. It should usually have these five elements:

• Your first and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• City, state, and zip code
• LinkedIn address, online portfolio, or other relevant links

Your header may also include your current job title or credentials, especially if you’re in a specialized or licensed profession.

In all cases, the point of this section is to give hiring managers a quick, clear snapshot of who you are and how to reach you. Even though it’s only a few lines of text, your resume header is crucial because it enables recruiters and hiring managers to respond to your application.

Why Your Resume Header Matters More Than You Think

Your resume header may seem like a small design detail, but it’s actually one of the most strategic sections on the page. Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning an application before deciding whether to keep reading. The header is what orients them—it tells them who you are, how to reach you, and whether your name looks familiar from prior contact or online networking.

Think of it as your resume’s digital handshake. A strong header immediately signals professionalism and helps hiring managers find your information quickly. This small section is also one of the few areas that applicant tracking systems (ATS) reliably scan, so clarity and consistency are key.

For example, including a professional title such as “Marketing Coordinator” or “Registered Nurse, BSN” can instantly communicate your target role or credentials. It’s a simple addition that adds focus and gives your resume context before the reader even reaches your profile summary.

Your header is also your branding opportunity. Matching your resume name, email, and LinkedIn URL shows polish and credibility. You can find more examples of professional branding throughout our collection of professional resume examples.

How To Create a Resume Header

Following are tips and examples for each key part of your header:

1. Your first and last name

Use the name you go by professionally, and keep it consistent across your resume, LinkedIn, and email. Consider also including your middle initial if it helps distinguish you from others with the same name.

2. Phone number

Use a reliable personal mobile number with voicemail enabled. Avoid giving work numbers or multiple lines.

3. Email address

When possible, use an email address that includes your name or initials.

4. Location

It’s no longer necessary to give your street address, but list your city, state, and zip code. If you’re moving or planning to move, feel free to cite your future location as well.

5. LinkedIn or online portfolio

Only include links if the content is professional and up to date. LinkedIn is expected in most industries. Online portfolios are often important for design, tech, and writing roles. For LinkedIn, make sure you use your vanity link to shorten the URL.

Optional Header Elements

Depending on the job or your experience level, you may also include your:

• Job title or headline: Ideal if you’re an experienced professional targeting a specific role
• Credentials: Common in health care, law, and finance (e.g., RN, JD, CPA)
• Website: Best for tech and creative roles

Resume Header Formatting Tips

Your header should be clean, easy to scan, and formatted in a way that saves space without sacrificing clarity. When in doubt, use

• bold text for your name.
• professional fonts like Calibri, Cambria, or Arial.
• pipe symbols, commas, or line breaks to separate elements.
• font sizes between 10–12 pt (except your name, which can be 14–20 pt).

Common Resume Header Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls:

Typos in contact information

Double-check your email and phone number. A single digit off can cost you the interview.

Over-styling

Don’t use images, colorful graphics, or overly large fonts. Simplicity wins.

Redundant or irrelevant links

Only include links that support your application.

For more ideas tailored to different careers, explore our job title examples for your resume.

How To Match Your Resume Header With Your Overall Design

Your header should set the tone for your entire resume design. The best headers are clean, consistent, and integrated seamlessly with your document’s layout. Avoid cramming too much information into one line—give each element enough space to read easily on both desktop and mobile screens.

If your name stands out in bold at the top, use that same font or size treatment for other key section titles like “Professional Experience” or “Education.” This creates a polished look that ties your design together.

Modern resume templates often place the header in a centered or left-aligned layout with subtle spacing. Avoid graphics, borders, or background colors that may not translate well when printed or scanned. The safest approach is a black-and-white design with strong typography.

You can view clean, professional layouts in our curated list of modern resume examples. These templates show how to style your name and contact details while maintaining a minimalist look that’s ATS-friendly.

Adding a Job Title or Resume Headline

If you’re targeting a specific role, consider adding a short title line or headline directly beneath your name. This helps orient recruiters immediately and makes your resume look tailored rather than generic.

A headline works especially well when you’re pivoting careers or applying to competitive positions where your resume might otherwise blend in. You can create one that reflects both your target job and your professional strengths. For inspiration, browse our collection of resume objective examples at resumetemplates.com/resume-objective-examples/.

Keep headlines concise—ideally under 10 words—and avoid clichés like “Results-Oriented Professional.” Instead, use direct language that describes what you do best or the role you’re seeking.

Customizing Your Header for Different Industries

Your industry can influence what belongs in your resume header. A software engineer might link to a GitHub repository, while a marketing professional may include a portfolio or personal website. In contrast, a nurse or teacher might highlight credentials such as “RN,” “BSN,” or “State Certified Educator.”

When tailoring your header, think about what information builds credibility in your field. Our skills to put on a resume guide at resumetemplates.com/skills-to-put-on-resume/ offers helpful insight into highlighting your strengths throughout the document in ways that complement your header details.

How Recruiters View Resume Headers

Recruiters rely on headers more than many job seekers realize. When an ATS scans resumes, it pulls name and contact information from the header section first. If that data isn’t formatted properly—say, because your email is hidden in a text box or graphic—it may not be read correctly.

Hiring managers also tend to glance at the header multiple times as they skim the rest of the document. That’s why your header should appear balanced, centered (if you choose that style), and aligned with your overall aesthetic.

Imagine two identical resumes—one with clear, consistent formatting and one with mismatched fonts or outdated contact details. The first gives a sense of reliability before the recruiter even reaches your qualifications. The second can appear careless or outdated.

Your header sets the first visual impression. Treat it as part of your personal branding and make sure it reflects the same professionalism as your experience and education sections.

Resume Header Checklist

Before sending your resume, check that your header is

• free of typos or outdated information.
• professional and easy to read.
• consistent with your LinkedIn and online profiles.
• tailored with a job title or credential as appropriate.

Additional Resume Resources

Need more help building your resume? Explore these guides:

• Job Title Examples for Your Resume
• Professional Resume Examples
• Resume Action Words
• Skills To Put on Your Resume