How to Write a Resume Header that Stands Out (+Tips, Examples)

A resume header is said as a business card in the resume and is placed on the top of your resume. A resume header includes essential information about yourself. A professional resume header can give your hiring manager a clear picture of who you are.

This article will provide guidance on crafting a professional resume header that that catch the attention of your porential employers and setting you apart from other canddiates.

The resume header is different from resume headings as it consists of personal information and is typically presented in separate lines or bullet points. When creating a header for your CV or resume, it is important to include certain key elements in the resume header format. Here are what to include:

Full Name

When creating your resume, it is important to include your full name in the header. Make sure to use a larger font size for the header to help the hiring manager remember who you are.

Job title

Including a job title in the header of your CV/resume can provide recruiters with a clear understanding of your specializations. This is especially important if you are licensed or have obtained certifications related to a specific job title.

Address

Some say it is okay to leave out your address in your CV/resume header. However, some recruiters consider the time of your commute an important point. If you don’t like sharing too much information, you could also just put the city you currently live in on your CV/resume header.

Phone Number

Phone number is considered as one of the most efficient ways for a hiring manager to contact you. When your hiring manager wants to set up an interview, they usually look for the number you put in your header for resume. Make sure to include your phone number in the header of your resume for easy access.

Email Address

Your email address is another way for recruiters to find you. In case you weren’t able to answer your phone, remember to put your email address in the header for your resume so that the hiring manager could find you more easily.

Optional Elements of a Resume Header

Resume Summary

If you have some extra space in your resume header and want to grab the attention of potential employers with an impressive summary, you can consider adding a summary to your resume header. This can help to highlight your skills and experiences in a concise and impactful way.

URL(s) to Your Online Portfolio or Professional Social Media Account

Personal branding is highly valued in today’s workplace. Showcasing your skills using online portfolios or personal websites and social media accounts like LinkedIn can show your value as an employee.

It is up to you to consider whether you think it is vital for your career. If you work in the creative field, or just want to show off your personal brand, consider including these URLs on your resume header:

• Personal website 
• Online portfolio 
• LinkedIn
• Medium
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Youtube channel

💡Font and Font Size

When crafting your resume, it is crucial to select a font that exudes professionalism and sophistication. This applies not only to the header but also to the entire body of your resume. It is a small but significant detail that can make all the difference in landing your dream job. Some of the professional font include:

• Arial.
• Helvetica.
• Verdana.
• Times New Roman.
• Garamond.
• Georgia.
• Calibri.
• Cambria.

The font size used in your resume can indicate the level of importance of the information presented. Opting for larger font sizes for headings and important details (like name) can help draw attention to key points and make them stand out to potential employers. On the other hand, smaller font sizes can be used for less critical information or details that do not require as much emphasis.

💡Resume Header Presented on a Two-Page Resume

When creating a 2-page resume (or more), it's recommended to keep the header on page 2 consistent with the one on page 1. This will help the hiring manager easily recall your information.

💡 Resume Header Design

A design that is visually attractive can be very effective in capturing someone's attention. A well-designed resume header can also make it easier for the hiring manager to remember you.

However, it's important to remember that visual appeal doesn't not mean to include unnecessary illustrations (unless you're working in creative industry like design), as they do not add any extra value and may not be ATS-friendly. Our advice? Opt for simple header design instead.

💡 Resume Header Icons

Opting for icons instead of written words can significantly enhance the readability of your resume header. It can also help save you some extra space (rule of design: negative space is essential) and make it easier for anyone to comprehend at a glance.

💡 Resume Header Information to be Excluded

When creating a resume, it's important to avoid including personal information such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. It's highly irrelevant when it comes to job application, thus, employers are not allowed to request this type of information.

Remember—it's best to keep your resume focused on your professional qualifications.

💡 Proofread Resume Header

After completing your resume header, it is important to proofread it thoroughly. Check for any errors or incorrect information that could mislead hiring managers as they review your CV header. 

To summarize, a resume header gives your employer your basic information. However, there are other important sections that are should be included in your resume:

1. Resume Header

As mentioned above, resume headers include a lot of information about oneself and would be very useful for recruiters to view through your resume.

2. Resume Summary

An opaque resume summary would give your hiring manager a great perspective of who you are. A rather vague resume summary would not present your potential in the following field. Hence, be sure to write your resume summary well.

3. Career Objective

A perfect career objective would show visions of your aspiration. Hence, a clear career objective is essential. It gives you a place to tell your future employer what you’re aiming at.

4. Skills

Skills are one of the most important parts to show towards your recruiters. Recruiters often look through your skills in order to determine whether you’re qualified for the job or not. Before crafting this part, you could also look at the job description to see what qualifications. Make sure you hold the skills they are searching for and write them down properly.

5. Work Experience

If you have work experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to write them down! Past working experience shows your competence in the position. The hiring manager often deems this as an efficient way to get to know your ability.

6. Education

Especially for freshers who just graduated, your educational background counts as an important part of the review. Remember to also write down some details about your academic background so the hiring manager could understand what you’ve learned.

7. Achievements

Whether your achievements from education or career, it is a plus to put in your achievements in the past. Achievements could show that you have done a great job in the following prospects.

8. Additional Sections

If you have earned useful certificates, done any related projects, or competed in any relevant contests, be sure to write them down on your resume. Especially if they are highly related to the duties of the job you’re applying for, writing them down could be a plus to getting the job and would present a great outline of your abilities in related fields.