Your name and contact information might seem like the simplest part of your resume, but small mistakes here can cost you job opportunities. Recruiters and hiring managers need to be able to quickly identify and contact you—without confusion or frustration.
This guide covers exactly how to format your name and contact details on your resume, common mistakes to avoid, and pro tips to help you stand out.
1. What Contact Information to Include on Your Resume
The best way to structure your resume header is to keep it simple, professional, and scannable. Here’s what to include:
✅ Full Name (First & Last Name)
✅ Phone Number (Mobile preferred, voicemail set up professionally)
✅ Email Address (Professional format)
✅ LinkedIn Profile (If optimized)
✅ Portfolio or Personal Website (If relevant)
Example of a Well-Formatted Resume Header
2. How to Format Your Name on a Resume
Your name should be the most prominent text on your resume—larger than the rest of the text (typically 18-24 pt font).
Best Practices for Formatting Your Name:
✔ Use your full name (First and Last)
✔ No nicknames (unless it’s a professional branding decision)
✔ Middle names optional (Only if it helps avoid confusion with common names)
✔ Bold and slightly larger than other text
Should You Include a Credential After Your Name?
If you have a professional designation (e.g., MBA, CPA, Ph.D.) and it’s relevant to the job, you may include it:
✅ Example: John Doe, MBA
However, avoid adding too many credentials—this can clutter the resume and look excessive.
3. Phone Number: The Right Way to Include It
Your mobile number should be your first choice, as it’s the easiest way for employers to reach you.
✔ Use a personal, professional voicemail greeting
✔ Include only one phone number (Avoid listing multiple numbers)
✔ Format it for easy readability
Best Formats for Phone Numbers
✅ (555) 123-4567 (U.S. Standard Format)
✅ +1 555-123-4567 (For international job applications)
🚫 Don’t Use:
❌ No work numbers (Use only a private number)
❌ No outdated landlines
4. Email Address: Keep It Professional
Hiring managers will notice if your email is unprofessional. Avoid using personal or outdated domains like @aol.com or @hotmail.com.
Best Practices for a Resume Email Address
✔ Use a professional format:
✅ [email protected]
✅ [email protected]
🚫 Avoid unprofessional email addresses:
❌ [email protected]
❌ [email protected]
🔹 Pro Tip: If your ideal email address is taken, try adding a middle initial or numbers (but keep it simple).
5. LinkedIn & Portfolio Links: Should You Include Them?
Including your LinkedIn profile can give recruiters access to more details about your experience and recommendations. However, only add it if your profile is fully optimized and up-to-date.
✔ Custom LinkedIn URL: linkedin.com/in/johndoe (Remove numbers from the default URL)
✔ Portfolio or Personal Website: If you’re in design, marketing, writing, or tech, linking to your work can be a game-changer.
🚫 Don’t include your LinkedIn if it’s outdated or empty.
6. Should You Include Your Address?
🔹 For most resumes in 2025, a full mailing address is unnecessary. Employers don’t need it, and it takes up space.
What to Include Instead:
✔ City, State Only (E.g., Los Angeles, CA)
✔ “Open to Relocation” (If applying to jobs in different locations)
✔ Remote-Friendly? Indicate flexibility if relevant
🚫 Avoid listing your full home address unless required (e.g., government jobs).
7. What NOT to Include in Your Contact Info
🚨 Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Multiple phone numbers or emails (Confusing for employers)
❌ Your full home address (Privacy risk, unnecessary)
❌ Unprofessional email addresses
❌ Work email or work phone number (Keep job searching private)
❌ Social media links (unless relevant)
Final Checklist: Resume Contact Information
Before submitting your resume, check off this resume header checklist to make sure it’s perfect:
✅ Full Name (Bold, larger font)
✅ Professional Email Address
✅ One Phone Number (With voicemail setup)
✅ LinkedIn (If optimized)
✅ Portfolio/Personal Website (If relevant)
✅ City, State (Optional, based on job type)
✅ No personal or unnecessary details
Final Thoughts
Your resume’s contact information is a small but crucial detail. If done right, it makes it easy for recruiters to reach you without confusion. Follow these best practices to ensure your resume stands out—and gets responses!
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