The job search process can be overwhelming, and creating a resume that stands out can feel like a daunting task. However, one solid and effective way to make your resume more memorable is to craft a well-designed resume header.
A header not only provides essential contact information but also establishes your personal brand.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a professional resume header, including tips on formatting and content. With these practical insights, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job!
Key Takeaways
- The resume header is an important part of your job application, as it’s the first thing a hiring manager sees.
- A resume header should include your name, job title, contact information, location, and a brief summary or objective.
- Your resume header needs to be clear and easy to read so that it looks clean and professional.
- Don’t be afraid to be creative with your resume. Use colors and interesting fonts, but make sure it’s still appropriate.
- Avoid including unnecessary personal information such as age, gender, or religion.
What is a Resume Header & Why It’s Important
A resume header is the section located at the top of a resume. It should always contain your name, contact information, and any relevant professional branding elements.
Resume headers are essential to a resume, as they provide a quick and easy way for employers to identify and contact you.
The header can also include a professional summary, LinkedIn profile URL, or personal website URL. It’s also important for the header to be easily distinguishable from the rest of the resume.
Besides providing contact information, the header can also serve as an opportunity to showcase your personal branding. This includes logos or taglines that can help you stand out in a crowded job market.
Additionally, a resume header is important because of ATS compatibility. Since many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes, a well-formatted header that includes keywords and contact information can help ensure that the resume is analyzed correctly by the ATS.
What Goes on a Resume Header
Since a resume header is an essential component of a job application, it’s important to know what goes in one. This section will explain what should be included in a resume header, why it’s important, and what you should avoid.
Let’s have a look:
#1. Name
The name section of a resume header needs to include your full name and any professional credentials. It should be the largest and most prominent element of the header, as it serves to identify you and make you memorable to potential employers.
It’s also important to write your actual, full name instead of nicknames, as these can make you come across as unprofessional.
A good example would be:
Joshua Hong
And a bad example would be:
Josh the Hongster
#2. Job Title
This part of your resume header should be listed immediately after your name. It needs to include the specific role or position you’re seeking or currently hold. This helps clarify your career goals and qualifications and can make your application more relevant to the job opening.
Some things to consider while listing your job title are:
- Avoid any generic or vague titles like “Professional in Management”. Use specific job titles that reflect your experience and skills instead.
- If you’re applying for multiple positions, tailor your title to each job to make it more relevant.
- For a resume header for a fresher with no previous job experience, include a degree or some qualification in place of the job title.
- Avoid using funny titles and keep it professional instead.
A good example of a job title is:
Joshua Hong
Social Media Marketing Manager
A bad example would look like:
Joshua Hong
Social Marketing Guru
#3. Contact Information
The contact information section of your resume header is the most crucial, as it might be the only way for hiring managers to contact you. That’s why this section should include your phone number, email address, and sometimes your physical address.
This information allows potential employers to get in touch with you, and it’s essential for scheduling interviews and follow-up communication.
When adding your contact information, try using an email address that includes your full name.
A good example of the contact information section is:
Phone:
545-4545-4513
Email: [email protected]
Houston, Texas
A bad example would be not adding your contact information at all.
#4. Social Media
Including social media links in your resume header can be beneficial if they’re relevant to your professional brand and qualifications. For example, if you’re applying for a social media or digital marketing job, you can include links to your LinkedIn or Twitter profiles that showcase your expertise in the field.
Make sure to only include links that are relevant to the job description. You can also consider creating a personal website or portfolio that showcases your work. You should also avoid adding any unprofessional tags.
A good example of adding social media links is:
Linkedin: linkedin/in/georgiapattinson
Twitter: @gerogiapattinson
A bad example would be:
Instagram: @georgiathestunner
#5. Location
Location can be useful for employers who are looking for candidates who are in a specific geographic area or have some location requirements for remote positions. However, if relocation is not an issue, you don’t need to include this information.
Some tips to consider here are:
- Only include your location if it’s specifically asked for in the job description.
- If you’re applying for a remote position, mention that in your title or summary instead of listing your location.
- If you’re moving to a new city, mention that in your resume or objective statement.
#6. Summary/Objective
A summary or objective section in the header is not necessary; however, it can be a valuable addition to a resume as it can give a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals.
Adding this section can be especially useful if you’re applying for a position that asks for specific skill sets.
To add this to your resume header, keep it brief and to the point, and only include information that is relevant to the job description.
How to Format Resume Header
Here are some tips on how to format your resume header:
- Use a larger font size for your name and job title so that they stand out. Don’t go larger than 14-16 points.
- Use bold or all caps to emphasize some key elements like your name or job title.
- Opt for sans-serif fonts like Helvetica for your header as they are the most distinguishable and easiest to read on screens.
- Keep the font style consistent throughout the header. Different fonts will make the header look messy so don’t use more than two.
- Opt for a clean and professional design that matches the rest of your resume.
- Make sure that your header is aligned with the rest of your resume. Check whether it’s too close to the margins.
- If you decide to use a color, choose one that doesn’t clash with your resume. Don’t go for neon colors either as they’re considered unprofessional.
- Use white space to your advantage by leaving some empty space between each section of the header and the rest of the resume.
- Test your header on different devices to make sure it is readable.
- Avoid using generic job titles and instead use specific, descriptive titles that reflect your current role.
What Not to Include in a Resume Header
Here are some things you should avoid including in your resume header:
- Age or date of birth. Age discrimination is illegal, and including your age or date of birth is not necessary or relevant to your qualifications.
- Gender. Your gender is not relevant to the job requirements and can potentially lead to bias or discrimination.
- Religious or political affiliations. Adding these to your resume header adds nothing to your experience and accomplishments.
- Personal pronouns. Avoid using “I” or “me” in your header, as it can make it seem less professional and more informal.
- Unprofessional email addresses. Make sure your email address is not casual or inappropriate. This way you’ll avoid making a bad impression.
- Too many contact details. Keep your contact information simple and streamlined, and only add one phone number and one email address.
- Long job titles or descriptions. Keep them concise and to the point, and avoid using long, confusing titles that don’t reflect your role and responsibilities.
- Personal hobbies or interests. While it’s important to add some flare to your resume by adding your hobbies and interests, your header is not the place for this information. Save it for later sections of your resume.
Resume Header Examples
Here are some good and bad examples to give you some resume header ideas:
#1. Finance Professional Resume Header Example
Sarah Johnson
Senior Financial Analyst
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 453-596-2443
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
New York, NY
Why this header works: It’s clean, professional, and includes all the necessary information an employer would need to contact Sarah. The job title is specific and reflects Sarah’s role.
#2. Creative Resume Heading Example
Jonathan Lee
Graphic Designer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 348-3584-5348
Portfolio: jonathanlee.com
Los Angeles, California
Why this header works: It’s creative and showcases Jonathan’s design skills while still being professional and easy to read. Including a link to his portfolio is especially important for a creative field like graphic design, as it shows his creative skills in action.
#3. Bad Resume Header Example
Sammy Smith
SEO Guru and Genius
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 728-4734-2464
Dallas, Texas
Why this header doesn’t work: It’s too generic and doesn’t provide enough information about Sammy’s qualifications or experiences. The job title is also too unprofessional and doesn’t show what Sammy is currently looking for.
Final Thoughts
The resume header is like a finishing touch that ties everything together and makes it look polished and complete. It’s a chance to showcase your personality, creativity, and professional skills all at once.
Think of it like a first impression, as everyone reads from the top down. It needs to be memorable and set the tone for the rest of your application. Don’t be afraid to be creative and even add a splash of color to make it sound better. However, make sure it’s still appropriate!
We hope our guide has helped you figure out how to format your resume header and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
