Your resume header: the 6 things it should include (and 4 it shouldn't)
The most-scanned area of the whole document — get it right in 60 seconds.
3 min read Updated November 1, 2025
Recruiters look at your header first, longest, and most often. Here's the clean version.
Include
- Full name — bold, largest text on the page.
- Current role or target role.
- Phone number (one).
- Professional email (one).
- City and country.
- One link — LinkedIn, portfolio, or GitHub.
Skip
- Full street address.
- Date of birth.
- Marital status or nationality (unless country-specific norm).
- Multiple phone numbers or emails.
FAQ
Should the header use icons?
Small, single-color icons are fine and improve scannability. Large, colorful icons look juvenile.
Put this into practice.
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