The header on a resume does two jobs at once: it gives recruiters your contact details and sets the visual tone for everything below. A clean, complete header makes you easy to reach; a cluttered or missing one can end the review before it starts.
This section should be the simplest part of your resume — name, phone, email, location — yet it is the first thing a hiring manager sees. Below, we cover required fields, optional links that add value, copyable examples by role, and layout rules that work with applicant tracking systems.
What to include in a resume header
A resume header sits at the top of the page with your name and contact information. These details tell a hiring manager who you are and how to reach you for an interview. Every header should include the following core elements.
Your name
Your name should be the largest element in the header — typically 18 to 24 points in a clean font from our best resume font guide. Use bold or a heavier weight so it is the first line a recruiter reads.
Include the name you use professionally. If you go by a nickname at work (Bill instead of William), use that version here and match it on LinkedIn, email, and your cover letter so recruiters are not confused.
Job title
Below your name, add a job title or headline that signals the role you want. Matching the target posting works when it reflects your background — a marketing coordinator applying for a specialist role can list “Marketing Specialist” or “Marketing Coordinator.”
Noteworthy credentials (CPA, PMP, RN) can sit on the same line or directly under your name when they strengthen your candidacy.
Expert tip
Keep your header on brand
Use the same font, spacing, and contact layout on your resume and cover letter. Consistent headers read as polished and detail-oriented.
Location
Full street addresses are outdated and raise privacy concerns. List city and state only (e.g., “Denver, CO”). If you are open to moving for the role, add “Willing to relocate” on the same line.
Phone number
Provide one number where you can answer or return calls quickly. Set a professional voicemail greeting and make sure the inbox is not full — recruiters often move on if they cannot leave a message.
Email address
Use a professional address built from your name (firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid nicknames, old school domains, and especially your current employer's work email.
Expert tip
Never use work contact details
If you are job searching while employed, do not list your office phone or company email. It looks unprofessional and can alert your current manager.
Standard resume header
Jordan Lee Marketing Specialist Chicago, IL | (312) 555-0142 | jordan.lee@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jordanlee
How to make your resume header stand out
Beyond the essentials, a few optional links can give recruiters a fuller picture — as long as each one is current and professional.
Website or portfolio
Designers, developers, writers, and other portfolio-driven roles should link to a site with recent work. Confirm the URL loads quickly and reflects your latest projects before you apply.
LinkedIn profile
A customized LinkedIn URL lets recruiters verify your history, read recommendations, and check mutual connections. See our guide on whether to include LinkedIn on your resume for placement and formatting rules.
Other social media profiles
Industry-specific accounts can help when they are clearly professional — a journalist's X profile for bylines, a designer's Behance page, a developer's GitHub. Skip personal accounts with non-work content.
Resume header examples by job
Tailor the headline and optional links to your situation. Copy and adjust these samples.
Summer job
Students and first-time applicants can keep the header simple: name, city, phone, and email. A job title is optional when you have little work history.
Summer job header
Maya Chen Tampa, FL | (813) 555-0198 | maya.chen@email.com
Need a full first resume? Start with our first job resume guide.
Computer science internship
List your major or student status as the headline and add GitHub or a portfolio link on the contact line.
CS internship header
Dev Patel Computer Science Student Seattle, WA | (206) 555-0174 | dev.patel@email.com | github.com/devpatel
For layout and project sections, see the software engineer resume guide.
Retail
Retail headers should name the role you are targeting (“Retail Associate,” “Store Supervisor”) and show your city. Add relocation note if you are applying outside your area.
Retail header
Sam Ortiz Retail Associate Phoenix, AZ | Willing to relocate | (602) 555-0116 | sam.ortiz@email.com
Human resources manager
Management roles call for a confident, minimal header. Include LinkedIn when your profile is complete and aligned with your resume.
HR manager header
Rachel Nguyen, SHRM-CP Human Resources Manager Atlanta, GA | (404) 555-0133 | rachel.nguyen@email.com | linkedin.com/in/rachelnguyen
Creative director
Senior creative roles can use a subtle accent color or stronger typographic hierarchy in the header — paired with a portfolio link — without sacrificing ATS readability. Preview the PDF before you submit.
Creative director header
Elena Brooks Creative Director Brooklyn, NY | (718) 555-0160 | elena@elenabrooks.studio | elenabrooks.studio
FAQs about resume headers
How do you design a good resume header?
Match the tone of your industry. Finance and law favor conservative, single-column headers; creative fields allow slightly more expression. Either way, prioritize alignment, white space, and a readable font. Our resume formats guide covers layout choices that pair well with different header styles.
Should a resume header be horizontal or vertical?
Both work. A horizontal header across the top is the default. Vertical headers live in a side column — often with skills or languages stacked below for balance. Pick the structure that fits your template, not the other way around.
How should you format the header on a two-page resume?
Most candidates should aim for one page. If your experience truly requires two, repeat the same header at the top of page two so both sheets are clearly yours. See how long a resume should be before adding a second page.
Should you include a photo in your resume header?
In the U.S., skip headshots unless appearance is part of the job (acting, modeling). Photos can introduce bias and are unnecessary for most corporate roles. Focus on qualifications instead.
Build a polished header in minutes with the MakeResume builder — choose a template, enter your details, and export an ATS-safe PDF.
Resume header checklist
Before you export, confirm the top of your resume is complete and professional.
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Tools & guides mentioned in this article
- AI Resume Builder
Build an ATS-ready resume with AI writing help and live preview.
- Resume Templates
Browse ATS-friendly layouts for every industry and career stage.
- Resume With No Experience
Simple header and structure tips for first jobs.
- Resume Format for Graduates
Where contact info fits in a student layout.
- Free ATS Checker
Upload your resume and get an instant ATS compatibility score.