How to Write a Resume Header (Examples & Guide for 2025)

What to include in a resume header

A strong resume header should include professional details that make it easy for employers and hiring mangers to contact you.

Here are the key details you want to be sure to include in the resume header:

Your full name: Use your full, professional name. You'll want to make sure you use the same name you use across all of your online profiles, for example––If your first name is "Edward Smith", but you've always used and go by "Ed Smith", you would want to list your name as "Ed Smith".

Professional job title (Optional): Your professional job title may or may not live within your resume header, depending on the resume template you use––as it's not uncommon for your job title to be formatted after your header and before your professional summary. But if you're using a resume template that includes your title within your resume header section, you'll want to add it.

Phone number: List your full phone number, including the area code. Be sure to double check for typos, as many hiring managers or recruiters may prefer contacting you by phone over email.

Email address: Include your full, professional email address. The standard format for a professional email includes your first and last name. You should always avoid using a personal or outdated email addresses that doesn't provide clear context on who the hiring manager is contacting.

Location: Adding your location in your header helps readers know whether you're local to the role or not. This is especially important for in-person or hybrid roles, however even with remote positions, adding your location can help prospective employers know whether or not they're eligible to hire in your location.

Relevant links: You may choose to include any professional, and relevant links such as your LinkedIn URL, Portfolio or professional website, or GitHub Profile.

Remember, your resume header is the first thing hiring managers see, so getting it right is crucial for making a strong first impression.

Pro-Tip: Want to create a polished, professional header? Teal's AI Resume Builder helps you format your header perfectly––ensuring you have all the essential details employers need to contact you.

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Resume headings include:

• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills and Competencies
• Certifications
• Projects
• Awards and Achievements

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1. Full name

The first part of writing your resume header, is adding your full name. Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, and should use a slightly larger font than the rest of your resume header (14-16pt).

Be sure to use the first and last name that you go by, and avoid any nicknames. If you hold relevant professional certifications or credentials (like PMP, CPA, or RN), you can add these after your name in your header.

For example:

‍"Sarah Martinez, PMP" or "Michael Chen, CPA".

Pro-Tip: Only include certifications that are recognized in your industry and relevant to the role you're applying for.

2. Professional title (optional)

It's not necessary to include your job title (also known as a resume title) in your resume header section, unless it's included in the format and resume template you choose to use. It's most common to include your job title directly following your resume header, right before your resume summary or objective.

However, if you do choose to include it––be sure to use your current or most recent job title. If your title is complicated, includes numerical values to note seniority, or doesn't provide enough context to the hiring manager, it's not a bad idea to write it in a way that is clear to the reader.

Here's an example:

Your job title is "Web Developer III", and your company utilizes numerical values to note seniority. As you write your professional title, instead of writing "Web Developer III", you could instead write your title as "Senior Web Developer".

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3. Phone number

Your phone number is often the first way hiring managers will reach out to schedule interviews, so it's crucial to include one you check regularly.

List your personal cell phone number, and not your current work number, as using a work number could create issues with your current employer and may raise red flags with potential employers.

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4. Email address

Your email address is the second most common way employers will contact you, so it should be professional and easy to read.

The hiring manager should always know who they're contacting based on the email address. Avoid using personal emails with nicknames, random numbers, or unprofessional references.

When adding your email, use a simple format such as:

firstname.lastname@gmail.com or firstnamelastname@gmail.com.

If you're creating a new email address and your name is taken, you can try:

• Adding your middle initial
• Using a professional email provider (Gmail or Outlook)
• Including your industry, for example: firstname.lastnamemarketing@gmail.com

Pro-Tip: Remember to check this email account regularly during your job search, and make sure it's not forwarding to any work email addresses.

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5. Location

When adding your location to your resume header, you want to be sure you only include your city and state. Avoid including your residential or physical address, as that information is considered PII and is only necessary to share if you're offered and accepted a position.

When listing your location, you can choose to write the state in full, or use the state abbreviation.

If you're applying for an in-person or hybrid role and you aren't local to the working location, you can also choose to include that you're open to relocation.

Location on resume example:

Los Angeles, CA (open to relocation)

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6. Professional links

Including relevant professional links in your resume header can help showcase your work and provide employers with additional context about your experience.

However, you should only include links that are relevant to the role you're applying for and ones that strengthen your application.

Resume header example #1

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