How to Write a Perfect Resume Header: Examples for 2025

Writing a good resume header is important because that’s the first thing employers see. Moreover, recruiters spend roughly 7.4 seconds scanning a resume during their initial review, so it might mean the difference between an opportunity for an interview and having your application overlooked.

Given the importance of this short yet important section, we’ll show you how to write a perfect resume header and provide examples that will help you land an interview.

What is a Resume Header?

A resume header is the opening act of your professional story, and it should include your full name, phone number, email address, and location, regardless of the resume format. Depending on your industry and career level, you might also want to add additional elements like your LinkedIn profile or a professional website.

However, keep in mind that the beauty of a well-designed header lies in its simplicity and clarity. It should answer the basic question: "Who are you and how can we contact you?". Remember, if recruiters can't easily figure out how to reach you, they'll simply move on to the next candidate who made their life easier.

Also, your header sets the visual tone for your entire resume. A cluttered, poorly formatted header suggests you might approach your work with the same lack of attention to detail. Conversely, a clean, well-organized header immediately signals professionalism and competence.

Essential Elements of a Professional Resume Header

As we already noted, your resume header is the first thing employers notice, so it needs to be clear, consistent, and professional. Let’s take a look what are the essential elements of a professional header and how to incorporate them:

1. Full Name

Your full name should dominate your resume header. To achieve this, you should:

2. Professional Email Address

Your email address needs to be professional and straightforward. The best example is the combination of your first and last name. If your current email includes numbers, underscores, or casual references, it's time for an upgrade.

3. Phone Number

Include your primary phone number with area codes even for local positions since many companies recruit nationally these days. Make absolutely sure this number is current and that you're actually available to answer during reasonable business hours.

Your voicemail greeting deserves just as much attention as your resume header. Record a professional message that clearly states your name and promises a prompt return call.

Most professionals stick with mobile only but if you have reception issues in certain areas, a landline backup might make sense.

4. Location Information

Modern resume headers typically include just your city and state rather than your complete home address. This approach provides employers with enough geographic information to assess commute requirements or potential relocation needs without compromising your personal safety or privacy.

For remote positions, you've got some flexibility here. You might include "Remote" or "Available for Remote Work" in your location field, especially if you're applying for positions that could be anywhere. Just make sure you're genuinely prepared for the remote work lifestyle before advertising it.

If you're planning to relocate for the right opportunity, consider including both your current location and your target area. Something like "Boston, MA (relocating to Austin, TX)" gives employers a clear picture of your situation without making them guess about your intentions.

5. LinkedIn Profile URL

Your LinkedIn profile URL should be included in your resume header. However, make sure your LinkedIn profile is actually complete, professional, and consistent with your resume information.

Customize your LinkedIn URL to include your name rather than sticking with the random string of numbers and letters the platform assigns by default.

Before including your LinkedIn URL, review your profile thoroughly. Check for outdated information, unprofessional photos, or posts that might raise eyebrows with potential employers. Your LinkedIn should complement your resume, not contradict it or introduce new concerns.

6. Professional Website or Portfolio (When Relevant)

For creative professionals, developers, writers, or anyone in roles where showcasing work examples adds value, including a professional website or portfolio, can be a game-changer. However, only include this if it actually enhances your candidacy and directly relates to your target position.

Also, consider the industry you're targeting before including personal websites. Conservative fields like banking or law might view personal websites as unnecessary fluff, while creative industries expect them as standard professional tools.

Resume Header Formatting Guidelines

Proper formatting of your resume header highlights your information while keeping it professional. Here are few considerations you should keep in mind:

#1. Font and Typography Guidelines

Clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica consistently perform well across different systems and maintain legibility in both digital and print formats.

Your name should be the largest text element in the header, typically 16-20 point font, while contact information can be 10-12 point font. This creates a natural visual hierarchy that guides the reader's eye exactly where you want it to go. Maintain absolute consistency with whatever font you choose throughout your entire resume—mixing fonts makes you look amateur.

#2. Alignment and Layout Options

Resume headers offer several formatting approaches, each with its own advantages. The table below shows three most common layouts and what to consider when choosing them.

Whatever alignment you choose, maintain it consistently throughout your resume.

#3. Spacing and White Space Management

Proper spacing can make or break your resume header's effectiveness. Include adequate white space around your header to separate it visually from the rest of your content. Cramped formatting makes everything harder to read and suggests poor attention to detail.

Use consistent spacing between different contact elements. If you put one line break between your name and phone number, maintain that same spacing throughout. These small details contribute to the overall impression of professionalism and care.

Industry-Specific Resume Header Considerations

A well-formatted resume header ensures your details are easy to read and visually appealing. Since formatting can depend on the industry, read on to discover what works best for your niche.

#1. Corporate and Business Roles

Traditional corporate environments favor conservative, straightforward header designs that prioritize information over style.

Focus on clarity and professionalism rather than creative elements that might distract from your qualifications. Include standard contact information and LinkedIn profiles while avoiding decorative fonts or design elements that could raise eyebrows in buttoned-up environments.

Also, consider the company culture when designing your header. A startup might appreciate slightly more creative approaches, while established Fortune 500 companies typically stick to traditional expectations.

#2. Creative Industries

Creative professionals can incorporate subtle design elements into their headers.

Consider using strategic color accents, modern typography, or thoughtful spacing to reflect your design sensibilities without going overboard. Include portfolio websites and relevant social media profiles that showcase professional work. Make sure everything you link to actually supports your candidacy.

However, remember that even creative industries have professional standards. Your header should demonstrate your design skills while proving you understand appropriate business communication.

#3. Technology and Engineering

Tech professionals should include GitHub profiles, personal websites, or technical portfolios when they're relevant to the target position.

Keep designs clean and functional, focusing on easy scanability, and consider including location preferences for remote work opportunities. Many companies hire talent globally, so indicating your remote work availability can expand your opportunities significantly.

Technical recruiters often look for specific skills and technologies, so make sure your header doesn't interfere with their ability to quickly scan your qualifications.

#4. Healthcare and Legal Professions

Conservative formatting is essential for healthcare and legal positions. These industries value tradition and attention to detail above creative expression.

Include relevant licenses, certifications, or professional designations after your name when they're directly related to your target role. Also, maintain traditional formatting and consider including state licensing information if it's relevant to your target positions, especially if you're licensed in multiple states or hold specialized certifications.

Common Resume Header Mistakes to Avoid

Many job seekers sabotage their chances with preventable header mistakes that immediately signal unprofessionalism. Some of the most common mistakes include:

ATS-Friendly Resume Header Tips

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resume headers to extract contact information, making proper formatting absolutely crucial for ensuring your application reaches human reviewers.

Here’s what you should do to avoid common pitfalls:

Resume Header Examples and Templates

Entry-Level Professional Header

Perfect for recent graduates and entry-level professionals, this header focuses on essential contact information with a clean, professional appearance that works well across industries. The simplicity ensures ATS compatibility while creating a solid foundation for building professional credibility.

This straightforward approach emphasizes readability and professionalism without unnecessary flourishes that might distract from limited experience.

Mid-Career Professional Header

Designed for experienced professionals, this header includes LinkedIn profiles and potential certification information while maintaining sophisticated visual appeal. The layout accommodates additional elements without becoming cluttered.

The horizontal layout maximizes space efficiency while clearly organizing information for quick scanning.

Creative Professional Header

Ideal for creative industries, this header incorporates design elements while remaining professional and ATS-friendly. The approach demonstrates design sensibility without sacrificing functionality.

Strategic use of typography and spacing creates visual interest while maintaining professional standards.

Executive-Level Header

Executive headers should convey authority and professionalism while including relevant contact methods for high-level communication. The format emphasizes seniority and executive presence.

Clean, authoritative formatting reflects the executive level while ensuring easy access to contact information.

Header Formatting for Different File Types

The most common dilemma is between PDF and Word file formats. The table below examines each one in more detail.

Research your target companies' preferences when possible. Many application systems specify their preferred format, eliminating the guesswork about which approach to use.

International Resume Header Considerations

Different countries have varying expectations for resume headers, so research local customs when applying internationally. European CVs often include photographs and personal information that would be inappropriate for US applications.

Currency considerations matter for international applications—include country codes for phone numbers and clarify your location if it might be ambiguous. Something like "Toronto, ON, Canada" eliminates confusion about which Toronto you mean.

Language skills might deserve prominent placement in international applications, either in your header area or immediately following it. Bilingual capabilities can be significant selling points for international positions.

How to Create Your Resume Header with ResumeBuilder.so

ResumeBuilder.so's AI-powered resume builder creates professional headers effortlessly. Our platform offers multiple header templates designed specifically for different industries and career levels, while staying optimized for ATS systems.

Simply input your contact information, and our resume builder creates a polished header that aligns with current industry standards. You don't need to worry about font choices, spacing, or layout decisions—the system handles all the technical details while you focus on content.

Choose from various layout options, including centered, left-aligned, and split designs that complement your overall resume design. Our templates include built-in practices for spacing, typography, and information hierarchy, eliminating guesswork about proper header formatting.

Our professional resume templates integrate seamlessly with optimized headers, ensuring your entire document maintains consistent, professional formatting. The result is a polished resume that looks professionally designed without requiring advanced formatting skills.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted resume header sets the foundation for a successful job application by providing employers with essential contact information in a professional, easily accessible format. It's not just about listing your phone number and email, but it’s about creating that crucial first impression that encourages recruiters to keep reading.

By following proper formatting guidelines, avoiding common mistakes, and tailoring your header to your specific industry, you create a strong foundation that supports your entire candidacy. Remember that your resume header should be updated regularly to reflect current contact information and professional developments, ensuring employers can always reach you when opportunities arise.