Resume Header

The resume header is the first thing a reader sees and contains your essential contact information. At minimum, it should include your full name, phone number, email address, and general location (city and state — a full street address is no longer necessary). Optionally, you can include your LinkedIn profile URL, portfolio website, or GitHub profile if relevant to your field.

Design your header to be immediately scannable. Your name should be the largest text on the page (14-18 point), followed by contact details in a smaller but readable size (10-11 point). You can arrange contact items in a single line separated by dividers, or stack them neatly. Avoid placing critical contact information in headers or footers of the document file itself, as some ATS software cannot read content in those areas.

Keep the header professional and free of unnecessary personal information. Do not include your photo (in the US), date of birth, marital status, or social media accounts unrelated to your profession. Every element in the header should serve the purpose of making it easy for a recruiter to identify you and reach out.