Before a hiring manager reads a single word of your work experience, they notice your resume header. Think of it like the label on a package, it tells them who you are and how to reach you.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a resume header is, how to write one, and see real examples to help you get it right.
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What Is a Resume Header?
A resume header is the section at the top of your resume that shows who you are and how employers can contact you. It usually includes your name and contact information, and sometimes your job title or a headline.
Resume headers help hiring managers quickly see your basic information without having to scroll through the page. It also ensures recruiters can easily reach you if they want to schedule an interview.
Why Are Resume Headers Important?
Your resume header is important because it’s one of the first things hiring managers see, and it tells them who you are right away. A strong, professional header design can say a lot about your personality.
Resume headers also make sure employers can contact you quickly. If your phone number or email is hard to find, you could miss an interview opportunity.
Here’s how an effective resume header should look:
What to Include in a Resume Header
Your resume header should clearly spotlight your most important contact details. Below are the required and optional items to include when writing your resume.
Required
Every resume header should include these basic details:
Full Name
Your name should be the most visible part of your resume header. Use a larger font size than the rest of your text so it stands out, typically 18 to 24 points.
Avoid using nicknames as they come across as unprofessional and can confuse hiring managers. Make sure your name matches the name you use on job applications and professional profiles.
Phone Number
Include a phone number that employers can easily reach you at. Use a professional voicemail greeting in case you miss a call. Double-check that the number is correct before submitting your resume.
Email Address
Your email address should look professional and simple. Ideally, it should include your first and last name. Avoid using nicknames, numbers, or outdated email accounts.
If your name is taken, use a variation of it that makes sense and is readable. Use reputable email service providers like Gmail or Outlook.
Location
List your city and state to show where you’re based. ZIP codes are okay to include as well. You do not need to include your full street address.
For remote jobs, simply list your state or write “Remote.”
Optional
You can also add extra details if they support your job search:
Job Title or Headline
Stating your job title quickly shows employers the role you're targeting. For example, "Administrative Assistant."
If you want to take it one step further, you can add a resume headline. A resume headline is a one-liner that highlights not only who you are but also your greatest strengths right away.
For example, instead of writing "Administrative Assistant," you can say "Administrative Assistant With 2+ Years in Real Estate Operations."
Networking Profile
Networking profiles like LinkedIn or Bold.pro provide employers a deeper look at your experience and skills. They also help showcase your industry expertise and your connections. Only include one if your profile is complete, up to date, and professional.
Portfolio or Website
If you work in a creative, technical, or freelance field, a portfolio or personal website can be very helpful. Many creative roles require visual examples of your work, so including a link in your resume saves hiring managers the trouble of asking for it.
Always make sure the link works and highlights your best work.
Certifications or Credentials
Professional certifications can add value in fields such as healthcare, IT, and finance. Include them only if they are relevant to the job and still current. Write them after your name, like this: "Robert Ham, CPA."
Pro tip: All of Zety’s resume templates include resume header templates. These headers are already optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and help you organize your information neatly.
Making a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide, use ready-made content tailored to your job, and have a resume ready in minutes.
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Resume Header Examples
These resume header samples showcase different ways you can highlight your personal details to fit your style and industry while maintaining a professional look.
Centered Header
Centered headers convey a classic style that works great for traditional industries such as finance, education, law, or government. It also adds symmetry to your resume, helping it look balanced and polished.
Two-Column Header
Two-column headers create a modern look that works well for creative industries and combination resumes. By separating your contact details from your name and qualifications, your information becomes easy to scan.
It also helps you save space at the top of your resume, leaving more room for your professional summary.
Split Header
Split headers separate your name and contact details with a horizontal line or visual divider. This style works well for minimalist resumes, especially in business, consulting, and corporate roles.
It helps guide the reader’s eye across the page and creates a clear structure, making your resume visually appealing.
Banner Header
Banner headers use a bold colored background to separate your name and contact details from the rest of your resume. This style creates a strong visual break and helps your header stand out right away. It works well for roles where personality and branding matter.
When using a banner header, avoid overly bright or dark colors that can make the text hard to read.
Pro tip: Need more inspiration? Zety’s resume examples offer plenty of resume header ideas to help you choose the one that fits you best.
How to Format a Header for a Resume
Formatting your header is all about ensuring your alignment, font size, and spacing are correct and optimized for ATS.
Follow these tips:
- Choose your alignment based on your industry and style. Center your header for a classic look suitable for traditional industries or left-align it for a more modern feel typical of creative fields.
- Make your name stand out. Use a slightly larger font (18 to 24 pt.) for your name so it’s the first thing employers notice.
- Keep contact info readable. Use a 10 to 12 point size professional font for the rest of your details. Don’t shrink it too much.
- Use resume icons. Icons for information like phone number and email address add flair and can make your header pop without a banner. Make sure they’re text-based or a vector so ATS can read them correctly.
- Add space around your header. Leave enough space above and below so the header doesn’t feel cramped. Leaving between 1 and 1.5 lines usually works.
- Repeat headers on multi-page resumes. Include at least your name and page number on the second page so hiring managers always know whose resume they’re reading.
- Stay ATS-friendly. Avoid images, graphics, or fancy fonts. Use plain text so ATS can read your information correctly.
- Match your resume style. Keep fonts, sizes, and spacing consistent with the rest of your resume for a cohesive look.
Common Resume Header Mistakes to Avoid
Missing information or a poorly formatted resume header can lower your chances of landing an interview.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using an unprofessional email address: Emails with nicknames or outdated accounts look careless and unprofessional.
- Forgetting essential contact information: Without a phone number or email, employers can't reach you for an interview.
- Writing in overly small or inconsistent fonts: Hard-to-read text makes your resume look sloppy and unorganized.
- Cluttered or crowded layout: Too much information in the header confuses readers and distracts from your content.
- Over-styling your header: ATS software often can't read colorful graphics, images, or complex fonts, which may prevent your resume from being seen.
- Adding irrelevant links: If the position doesn't require visual creative work, leave out your digital portfolio link. Only include links that support your resume.
Key Takeaways
You're ready to start creating your resume header. As you do, remember these key points:
- A resume header is the section at the top of your resume that makes a first impression with your name and contact details.
- Include required info such as your full name, phone number, email, and location.
- Optional info may include a job title or headline, a networking profile, a portfolio, or certifications.
- Choose a header style—centered, left-aligned, two-column, split, or banner—that matches your industry and resume design.
- Keep formatting professional by using readable fonts, proper spacing, and ATS-friendly text.
- Avoid common mistakes such as unprofessional emails, missing information, cluttered layouts, poor graphics, or inconsistent fonts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good header for a resume?
A good resume header clearly shows your full name and contact information at the top of your resume. It should include your phone number, email address, and location.
If it supports your application, you can add your job title or headline, networking profile, or portfolio link. Choose a style that matches your resume design, whether it's centered, two-column, split, or banner.
What should I put for my resume headline?
For your resume headline, which is a one-liner that summarizes your professional identity or value, include your job title, years of experience, and one key skill or area of expertise.
For example, “Experienced Marketing Specialist With SEO Expertise” quickly tells employers who you are and what you bring to the table. Keep it concise, relevant to the job, and tailored to highlight what makes you a strong candidate.
What does a header section of a resume include?
A resume header includes:
- Your full name
- Phone number
- Location
You can also add optional details such as:
- Job title or headline
- Networking profile
- Portfolio or personal website
- Professional certifications
What is a good resume headline?
A good resume headline is a brief, attention-grabbing phrase that highlights your expertise and career focus. It should include your job title, years of experience, and a key skill or specialization, all in a concise way.
For example, "Business Analyst With 7 Years of DevOps and Process Improvement Expertise" quickly communicates your value to employers.
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