Making a Strong First Impression With a Standout Resume Header

A well-crafted resume header is crucial for making a strong first impression on potential employers. Your header is the first thing recruiters see, and it needs to communicate your professionalism, personal brand, and contact information clearly and concisely. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating an effective resume header, with seven stellar examples to inspire you.

Keep It Simple and Professional
A resume header should be clean, simple, and professional. Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman, and stick to a font size between 10 and 12. Your name should be the largest and boldest text on the page, with your contact information listed below in a smaller font. For example:

John Smith
123 Main Street | New York, NY 10001
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Use a Horizontal Line to Separate Your Header
Including a horizontal line beneath your header can make it stand out and create a sense of organization on the page. This simple design element can help your header appear more polished and professional. For example:

Jane Doe
555 Maple Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90001
(987) 654-3210 | [email protected]
Incorporate Subtle Color or Design Elements
To make your resume header stand out, consider incorporating a subtle pop of color or a simple design element. Just be careful not to go overboard—remember that your resume should still be professional and easy to read. For example:

William Johnson
1111 Elm Street | Seattle, WA 98101
(222) 333-4444 | [email protected]
[Blue horizontal line]

Use a Two-Column Layout for a Modern Look
A two-column layout can give your resume a modern, sophisticated look. Place your name on the left side, and your contact information on the right. This layout provides a clean, organized appearance that's easy on the eyes. For example:

Emily Brown (333) 444-5555
[email protected]
222 Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Create your resume here

Include Your LinkedIn Profile URL
Including your LinkedIn profile URL is a great way to showcase your professional online presence. Place it alongside your other contact information, or consider using a LinkedIn icon to save space. For example:

Michael Thompson
777 Pine Street | San Francisco, CA 94101
(555) 666-7777 | [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelthompson

Add a Professional Title or Branding Statement
Including a professional title or branding statement in your resume header can help employers quickly understand your expertise and career focus. Keep it short and concise, and be sure to tailor it to the specific job you're applying for. For example:

Laura Martinez
Marketing Specialist
1212 Birch Lane | Atlanta, GA 30301
(678) 901-2345 | [email protected]

Utilize White Space Effectively
Don't cram too much information into your header. Make use of white space to create a clean, organized look. If your header appears too cluttered, consider adjusting the margins, font size, or line spacing. For example:

Christopher Johnson
Software Developer
999 Willow Court | Austin, TX 78701
(512) 765-4321 | [email protected]
GitHub: github.com/cjohnson

Creating an effective resume header is essential for making a strong first impression on potential employers. By incorporating these seven tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a header that showcases your professionalism and personal brand. Remember to keep it simple, clean, and tailored to the specific job you're applying for. With the right combination of layout, design elements, and relevant information, your resume header will stand out from the competition and help you land that dream job.