What to Include in a Resume Header (Examples & Format Tips)

If a hiring manager can’t immediately see who you are and how to contact you, the rest of your resume may never get read. Your resume header is the first section recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan for your name and contact details, so it should be easy to find.

In this article, you’ll learn what a resume header is, what to include, and what to leave off, with formatting tips, examples, and templates to help you write a header that actually gets seen.

What Is a Resume Header & Why Does It Matter?

A resume header is the top section of your resume featuring your name and contact details. It gives employers the exact details they need to identify and reach you.

Your resume header should appear at the top of the document body, not inside the header or footer, to ensure an ATS can scan your information correctly.

A strong resume header:

• Creates a polished, professional first impression
• Makes your resume easy to scan during an initial review
• Ensures ATS software can accurately read your details

Because it appears first, your resume header plays a major role in whether a recruiter keeps reading or moves on. Recruiters spend only a few seconds on an initial scan, and your header is what quickly orients them. If it’s formatted using a header tool, text boxes, or graphics, some ATS platforms may not read it correctly, causing your resume to be overlooked.

Resume Header vs Resume Headline: What’s the Difference?

Resume headers and resume headlines are often confused, but they serve different purposes. A resume header focuses on who you are and how to contact you, while a headline highlights what you do.

Here’s the difference:

Because they serve different purposes, they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. You don’t have to include a headline, but you should always include a header.

5 Essential Elements of a Resume Header

These five elements should appear on nearly every resume, regardless of industry or experience level. Together, they ensure recruiters can easily identify, contact, and evaluate you. Leaving one header element out or formatting it poorly can hurt your chances.

• 1.

  Full Name

  Your name should be the most prominent element in your resume header.

  • Include your full first and last name (e.g., Annabelle Duncan).
  • Avoid nicknames unless you use them professionally (e.g., James “Jim” Watson).

  Make your name the largest text in your header so recruiters can immediately identify whose resume they’re reviewing. Making it visually distinct also helps your resume stand out.

• 2.

  Phone Number

  Include one phone number where you can reliably be reached.

  • Use a personal mobile number you check regularly.
  • Ensure your voicemail greeting is simple and professional.
  • Avoid listing multiple phone numbers, which can confuse recruiters.

  Recruiters often review resumes on mobile devices or call candidates quickly after screening. Using a single, clearly formatted phone number makes it easier to contact you without confusion or follow-up.

• 3.

  Email Address

  Your email address directly affects recruiter perception and ATS readability. A professional email address reinforces credibility, while an unclear or informal address can raise doubts before your experience is even reviewed.

  

  Use

  • A variation of your name (e.g., mia.levy@gmail.com)

  • A common email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)

  

  Avoid

  • Nicknames or jokes (e.g., t8rtot@hotmail.com)

  • Numbers that look random (e.g., mac.johnson28474675@yahoo.com)

  • Shared or work email accounts (e.g., zeke_williams@company.com)

  ATS systems also parse name-based email formats more reliably than novelty email addresses, which helps keep your contact details searchable in recruiter systems. Using a well-formatted, recognizable structure helps ensure your information is indexed and searchable.
  

• 4.

  Location

  You no longer need to include your full street address in your contact information. Instead, list:

  • City and state (e.g., Milwaukee, WI)
  • City, state, and “remote,” if applicable (e.g., New Orleans, LA | Remote)

  Location helps recruiters assess eligibility, commute expectations, and time zone compatibility. Including only the city and state provides the necessary context while protecting your privacy.

• 5.

  LinkedIn Profile

  A LinkedIn URL is now standard on most resumes. Make sure:

  • Your profile is updated and consistent with your resume.
  • The URL is customized using your name, not random numbers.

  Recruiters often cross-check LinkedIn during screening. A personalized URL looks more professional and is easier to copy, click, and share internally. If you’re unsure how to format or include your profile, see our step-by-step guide on how to add LinkedIn to a resume.

4 Optional Resume Header Elements & When to Include Them

Some roles benefit from additional context in the resume header. Optional elements should only be included when they add clarity for your target role or industry.

• 1.

  Job Title or Resume Headline

  A one-line job title or headline can help recruiters quickly understand your target role.

  This can be especially helpful if:

  • You’re changing careers
  • Your experience spans multiple roles
  • Your current title isn’t clear

  A resume headline typically appears directly below the header, not inside it. Your headline should complement—not replace—your resume header.

• 2.

  Professional Credentials

  Certifications, licenses, or degrees can be added after your name if they’re critical to the job.

  Examples:

  • Ruben Peña, CPA
  • Alison White, RN
  • James Patel, PMP

  Only list your certifications here if they’re required or highly relevant to the role. Listing unrelated certifications can clutter your header without adding value.
  

• 3.

  Portfolio or Personal Website

  Creative, marketing, design, and tech roles often benefit from a portfolio link to showcase work samples, project-based skills, and professional accomplishments.

  While you don’t need to include this, a link to your personal website may benefit you because it:

  • Demonstrates your skills in action
  • Highlights your professional accomplishments
  • Differentiates you from your competition
  • Provides evidence of your expertise
• 4.

  GitHub or Technical Profiles

  For developers, engineers, and technical professionals, GitHub, GitLab, or project sites can provide real proof of skill. Include links only if the repositories are active, well-documented, and relevant to the role. Empty or outdated repos can weaken your application more than they help.

  • Early-career applicants: Prioritize a few strong projects over many incomplete ones.
  • Mid-career applicants: Showcase a mix of individual and collaborative projects to highlight your technical expertise and evolving skill set.
  • Senior applicants: Include links that demonstrate architecture decisions, collaboration, or production-level work.

5-Step Resume Header Format Guide

Once you know what information belongs in your resume header, the next step is formatting it so it’s easy to read.

Follow these steps to format a scannable, ATS-friendly resume header:

• Step 1:

  Choose Overall Alignment

  Most resumes use either:

  • Left-aligned headers, which scan more predictably for ATS
  • Centered headers, which look modern and readable but require careful spacing

  Above all, match your resume header format to your overall resume design for consistency.

• Step 2:

  Make Your Name the Focal Point

  Your name should stand out immediately. In addition to choosing a professional resume font, follow this font guidance:

  • Name: 16–18 points, bold, avoid exceeding 20 points
  • Contact information: 10–12 points
  • Body text: 10–11 points

  Clean formatting helps you write a resume that’s polished and easy to scan at a glance.

• Step 3:

  Place Contact Information Below Your Name

  List your contact details on one or two lines beneath your name.

  Use separators like:

  • Vertical bars ( | )
  • Bullets ( • )

  Keep spacing consistent and readable. Group related information together and avoid crowding headers. White space allows your resume to “breathe,” which makes it easier to read.

• Step 4:

  Add Relevant Links

  Include LinkedIn, portfolio, or GitHub links using short, readable URLs (avoid long strings or tracking parameters). All links should align visually with your header and not wrap awkwardly to the next line.

• Step 5:

  Proofread Carefully

  Because your resume header contains critical contact details, even small errors can make a poor first impression and cost you interviews.

  Proofread your resume header for:

  • Broken links
  • Consistent formatting
  • Minor typos and spelling mistakes

  Always verify that links are live and clickable before submitting.

6 Resume Header Templates for Unique Situations

While most resume headers follow the same basic structure, certain situations call for small but important adjustments. Below are resume header templates you can adapt based on your career stage, goals, or industry.

4 Resume Header Examples

Below are resume header examples for different styles and industries. Using the resume templates above, here’s how those principles look in practice.

Avoid these common resume mistakes to keep your resume professional and ATS-compatible.

Start Your Resume Strong

Your resume header may be small, but its impact is significant. A professional, scannable resume header ensures your resume starts on solid footing, with your contact details visible to recruiters and ATS systems.

When you’re ready to apply our resume header ideas, templates, and examples, Monster’s Resume Builder and AI-powered content suggestions can help you create a job-winning resume in minutes.