When you're applying for a job, your resume has just seconds to make an impression, and it all starts with your resume header. This small but powerful section is more than just contact information; it's the front door to your resume, setting the tone for everything that follows. A well-crafted header grabs attention, projects professionalism, and demonstrates to hiring managers that you mean business.
So how do you create a functional and eye-catching resume header?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to build a strong, polished header that stands out in today’s competitive job market. You’ll get expert tips, real examples, and clear answers to questions like "Do I need a header on page 2?" and "What does a good resume header look like?"
Whether you’re crafting your first resume or refreshing an old one, this article will help you create a header that opens the right doors.
What Is a Resume Header?
A resume header is the top section of your resume that displays your contact information and key personal details. It's the first thing recruiters see, and it sets the tone for your entire application.
Think of your resume header as a digital handshake, which can quickly introduce who you are and how to reach you. While it may seem simple, this section plays a big role in shaping first impressions and ensuring hiring managers can easily follow up.
A well-designed header does more than just list your name and phone number. It shows professionalism, makes your resume look clean and organized, and ensures you're memorable in a stack of applications.
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What Should the Heading of a Resume Include?
A resume header is more than just your name at the top. It’s a quick snapshot of your professional identity and contact details. It’s the first thing recruiters see, and it must be clear, professional, and informative.
Here’s what a strong resume heading should include:
- Full Name: Use your legal or professional name. Make it bold and slightly larger (14–16 pt) to stand out.
- Professional Title or Headline: (optional but powerful) A short phrase that reflects your job title, area of expertise, or the role you're targeting. e.g., UX Designer | Front-End Developer.
- Contact Information: Include your phone number, professional email address, and optionally, a LinkedIn URL or portfolio link.
- Location: List your city and state only—no full mailing address is needed unless a job posting specifically asks for it.
- Optional Links: Add a personal website, GitHub, online portfolio, or relevant social profiles if they showcase your work or add credibility.
- Resume Summary or Objective (Optional): While technically not part of the header, the resume summary or objective often appears just below it and complements your header by providing a brief snapshot of your career goals or qualifications. Including one can immediately reinforce your fit for the role and entice recruiters to keep reading.
Common Resume Header Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using a generic or outdated email address.
- Listing unnecessary personal details (like full home address).
- Including too many irrelevant links.
- Failing to tailor your header for specific job or industry.
How to Create a Standout Resume Header: Step-by-Step
Once you know what to include in your resume header, the next step is formatting it in a way that’s both professional and eye-catching.
Here’s how to write a resume header that gets noticed:
Start with Your Name
Make your name the visual anchor of your header. Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and apply bold formatting.
Example:
Jane Doe (14–16 pt font, bold)
Add a Professional Headline or Summary
A professional headline is a short phrase summarizing your expertise, while a summary expands slightly (1–2 sentences) to highlight your key skills, experience, or career goals. Choose one based on the job and industry:
- Headline: A single phrase, e.g., Marketing Manager with 5+ Years in Brand Strategy.
- Summary: A brief statement, e.g., Results-driven Marketing Manager with over 5 years of experience in brand strategy and digital campaigns, passionate about driving customer engagement.
Place the headline or summary directly below your name in a smaller font (10–12 pt) to keep the header compact. Ensure it includes keywords from the job description for ATS compatibility.
Not sure what to write? Use JobHun’s resume generator to craft a tailored headline or the whole resume in seconds.
Include Key Contact Details
List your email, phone number, and (if relevant) a LinkedIn profile. Use a clean, readable format.
Example:
jane.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Add Your Location
Include only your city and state or region (e.g., Melbourne, VIC or Chicago, IL). This gives recruiters a quick sense of your geographic fit.
Link to Optional Resources
If applicable, include a link to a portfolio, GitHub, personal site, or online resume. Make sure the link is current and professionally relevant.
Format It Cleanly
Use consistent spacing, alignment, and font styles throughout. You can left-align or center your header, but avoid overly decorative fonts or colors. Clarity is key.
5 Resume Header Examples (Realistic & Ready to Use)
1. Digital Marketing Specialist
Example
Ava Thompson
Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO & Paid Ads | HubSpot Certified
Why it works: Combines a clear job title with high-value keywords and a professional portfolio link.
2. Software Engineer
Example
James Lee
Full-Stack Software Engineer | Python | React | AWS Certified
Why it works: Showcases relevant tools, frameworks, and certifications that are instantly recognizable to tech recruiters.
3. Graphic Designer
Example
Isabella Martinez
Creative Graphic Designer
Why it works: Pairs design-related keywords with a link to an online portfolio, essential for creative fields.
4. Registered Nurse (Healthcare)
Example
Olivia Chen, RN
Registered Nurse | AHPRA Registered | Emergency & Acute Care Experience
Why it works: Includes certification (RN), regulatory body (AHPRA), and relevant clinical areas, which are vital in medical resumes.
5. Project Manager (Construction)
Example
Liam Bennett
Construction Project Manager | PMP Certified | Budget & Site Management
Why it works: Mentions certification (PMP), specific project types, and keywords like budget and site—terms hiring managers in construction look for.
Should You Have a Running Header on Your Resume?
This is a common question: “Should I add a running header (like in Word documents) on every page of my resume?”
Short answer: Not always.
But here’s when it helps:
Add a header on page 2 if:
A running header repeats key information (like your name or contact details) on every page of a multi-page resume. It’s useful for:
Resumes longer than one page, especially for senior professionals or academics.
Industries where printed resumes are common like law or academia.
Ensuring recruiters can easily identify your document if pages get separated.
What Should a Resume Second Page Header Include?
Include just your name and a page number (e.g., “Jane Doe – Page 2”).
Use a smaller font (10–12 pt) and place it in the top corner or center.
Avoid repeating full contact details to save space.
Example:
Emily Wu | Software Engineer | emily.wu@email.com
When to Skip a Running Header
If your resume is one page, a running header isn’t necessary.
In creative fields, where unique formatting might distract from the design.
If you’re submitting digitally and expect the resume to stay intact.
PRO TIP
What’s a Good Resume Header? Tips for Standing Out
So, what’s the best headline for a resume? The answer lies in customization and clarity. A good resume header is:
Tailored: Aligns with the job description and industry.
Concise: Avoids clutter while providing essential information.
Professional: Uses clean fonts, consistent formatting, and no gimmicks.
ATS-Friendly: Includes keywords from the job posting to pass applicant tracking systems.
Creative vs. Traditional Headers
Creative Fields (e.g., design, marketing): You can use subtle design elements like a logo or color accent, but don’t overdo it.
Traditional Fields (e.g., finance, law): Stick to minimalist, black-and-white formatting for a polished look.
Quick Tip: Not sure if your header is ATS-friendly? Run it through JobHun’s AI Resume Checker to optimize for both recruiters and software.
Best Headline Templates for a Resume
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your role, experience, and the job you’re targeting. But here are some formulas to help:
[Job Title] + [Core Skills]
“Customer Support Specialist | Zendesk Expert | Conflict Resolution”
[Years of Experience] + [Result-Oriented Phrase]
“5+ Years in Software Sales | Consistently Exceeded Quotas”
[Role] + [Industry or Specialization]
“Digital Marketing Specialist | E-commerce & B2C Campaigns”
Final Thoughts: Your Resume Header Matters More Than You Think
Your resume header isn’t just a formality but your first impression, your digital handshake, and your chance to stand out before a single bullet point is read.
Take the time to craft it well. Use clear formatting, relevant keywords, and a sharp headline to instantly communicate your value.
Ready to make yours shine?
👉 Use JobHun’s AI Resume Builder and Checker to build a powerful resume header in minutes. It’s free, easy to use, and built to help you land more interviews.
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