The resume header is perhaps one of the most crucial parts of a professional resume. It serves as an introduction to who you are, what you do, and how to get in touch with you. It’s your personal brand statement that sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

Importance of Resume Header

Your resume header can be the first thing that a recruiter or employer notices about your resume. It’s your opportunity to make a strong first impression and grab their attention. A well-crafted resume header not only sets you apart from other candidates, but it also shows that you take the job search process seriously and that you are a professional.

Your resume header should include your name, job title or profession, and contact information. It sounds basic, but it’s essential that this information is clear and easy to read. Your name should be the most prominent element of your resume header, followed by your job title and contact information.

Basic Elements of a Resume Header

Creating a professional and effective resume header is the first step in capturing an employer’s attention. The header typically contains three main elements: your name, professional title, and contact information.

A. Name

Your name should be the most prominent feature of your resume header. It should be listed in a larger font size, be bolded, or have a differentiating color or format to help it stand out. Use your full name and avoid using nicknames or informal variations.

It’s important to make sure your name is easily readable and recognizable to the employer. Your name is your personal brand, and it’s the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will see, so it should be memorable and easy to remember.

B. Professional Title

The professional title, also known as the job title or position title, should follow your name. It’s a brief and concise description of the position you’re applying for.

Choose wording that best represents the role you want to land, such as “Marketing Manager,” “Software Engineer,” or “Financial Analyst.” Avoid using vague titles like “professional” or “specialist,” which don’t provide any specific details about the job.

Including your professional title in your header can help recruiters and hiring managers quickly understand your experience level and qualifications, which can increase your chances of getting selected for an interview.

C. Contact Information

The contact information section of your resume header should include your phone number, email address, and physical address (optional). It’s important to make sure this information is up-to-date and accurate.

Many companies rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort through resumes, which means including specific keywords and phrases in your contact information can help you get noticed. For example, including the city and state where you live can help your resume show up in a search for employers looking for local candidates.

A well-designed resume header should showcase your name, professional title, and contact information in a clear and visually appealing way. It’s the first chance you have to make a positive impression on a potential employer, so it’s essential to get it right.

20 Professional Resume Header Examples

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, one detail that should never be overlooked is the header. A well-designed header not only adds a professional touch, but it can also grab the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager right off the bat. With that said, here are 20 different examples of professional resume headers to give you some inspiration.

A. Simple and Minimalist Headers

For those who prefer a clean and understated look, a simple and minimalist header could be the perfect way to go. Here are three examples:

Example 1: John J. Smith, Writer

Example 2: Emily Brown | Marketing Specialist

Example 3: David Lee – Senior Financial Analyst

B. Creative and Unique Headers

If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, a creative and unique header can help you do just that. Here are three examples to consider:

Example 4: Sebastian Green | Digital Marketing Rockstar

Example 5: Samantha Park, UX Designer + Front-end Developer

Example 6: Michael Thompson | Sales Dynamo with a Track Record of Exceeding Targets

Example 7: Emily Ramirez | Multilingual Marketing Specialist with a Passion for Global Engagement

Example 8: Jonathan Lee | Data Science Enthusiast and Analytics Wizard

Using creative and unique headers not only catches the attention of hiring managers but also reflects your personality and highlights your unique skills or achievements. Just make sure that the header you choose aligns with the job you’re applying for and portrays you in a professional and relevant light.

Tips for Creating an Effective Resume Header

Creating a resume header may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived. The header is the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers see when they open your resume, so it’s important to make it as effective as possible. Here are some tips to help you create a great resume header:

A. Choose the Right Font

The font you choose for your resume header can set the tone for the rest of your document. It’s important to choose a font that is easy to read, professional-looking, and matches the style of your overall resume. Some good options include Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri. It’s also important to make sure your font size is large enough to be legible, but not so large that it takes up too much space.

B. Use Consistent Formatting

Your resume header should be consistent with the rest of your document in terms of formatting. Use the same font, font size, and formatting style throughout your resume header and the rest of your resume. This helps create a cohesive look that is visually appealing and easy to read.

C. Keep it Short and Simple

Your resume header should be concise and straightforward. Keep it simple by including only your name, contact information, and a title or professional summary if appropriate. Avoid including irrelevant information, such as your social media handles, hobbies, or personal interests. The goal is to make your header easy to read and remember, so recruiters can easily contact you later.

D. Be Mindful of Branding

Finally, when creating your resume header, keep your personal branding in mind. Your header should reflect who you are as a professional, and what kind of impression you want to make on potential employers. Consider including a logo, tagline, or other branding elements that are consistent with your personal brand. This can help you stand out from other candidates and make a memorable impression.

A great resume header is a simple but effective way to make a positive first impression on potential employers. By choosing the right font, using consistent formatting, keeping it short and simple, and being mindful of branding, you can create a header that is professional-looking, easy to read, and reflective of your personal brand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Resume Header

When it comes to crafting a professional resume, the header is a crucial component as it sets the tone for the rest of the document. However, it’s essential to avoid making common mistakes that may hinder your chances of landing your dream job.

Here are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid in a resume header:

A. Including Unnecessary Information

Your resume header should focus on essential information that showcases your professional background and qualifications. It is not the place to share personal details, such as your marital status, age, hobbies, or even your photo.

Including such details can make your resume look unprofessional and cluttered. Therefore, stick to important details such as your full name, professional title, phone number, and email address.

B. Using a Inconsistent Format

Consistency is key when crafting a resume. You should use a consistent format throughout your resume header and the rest of the document. This includes using the same font, font size, and spacing across all elements.

Your header should stand out and be easily recognizable at a glance. Additionally, the information included should be arranged in a logical order, such as including your name first, followed by your professional title, phone number, and email address.

C. Including Unprofessional Email Addresses

Your email address is a critical element in your resume header. However, using an unprofessional email address can leave a negative impression on recruiters and potential employers. It may even lead to them disregarding the rest of your resume.

Avoid using email addresses that include nicknames, slang words, or any address that does not contain your name. Instead, create a professional-sounding email address using your first and last name.

The resume header is a crucial component of a professional resume. Avoid making mistakes such as including unnecessary information, using an inconsistent format, or using an unprofessional email address. This will increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, your dream job.

Examples of Good vs. Bad Resume Headers

As a skilled copywriter and subject matter expert, it’s important to understand the difference between a good and bad resume header. Here are some examples that can help you craft a professional header that can make a great first impression on potential employers.

A. Good Header Examples

Example 9: John Doe

This header is simple and straightforward, incorporating the full name of the applicant. John Doe’s name is the first thing potential employers will see, making it easy to remember and recall.

Example 10: Jane Smith | Marketing Manager

This header is great for those who want to highlight their job title or industry. The formatted bar symbol next to the name adds a professional touch, while also making it easier for employers to recognize the applicant’s expertise.

Example 11: Jim Brown | MBA | Finance Professional

This header not only includes Jim Brown’s full name, but it also highlights his education and background in finance. This header can help Jim stand-out in a sea of generic resumes.

B. Bad Header Examples

Example 12: [email protected]

Using an email address in the header is a big no-no. Employers do not need to see an applicant’s personal email and it can come across as unprofessional.

Example 13: SuperStarResume_1997

Using a username or screen name as a header is not a good idea. This header can come across as unprofessional or juvenile, and it does not showcase the applicant’s real name or job title.

Example 14: Expert Writer | Creative Director | Marketing Manager | Top Talent

This header may seem impressive, but it is too generic and does not provide any concrete information about the applicant. A header like this can come across as trying too hard and does not give potential employers any real reason to consider the applicant.

Resume Header Templates

When it comes to creating a professional resume, the header may seem like a small detail, but it can actually make a big difference in how your application is perceived. A well-designed header can showcase your attention to detail and creativity, while a poorly executed one can leave a negative first impression.

To help you make the best impression possible, we’ve compiled a list of 20 professional resume header examples. This section will focus on the different types of header templates that you can use to create a unique and visually appealing header.

A. Creative Templates

Add a touch of personality to your resume with these creative header templates.

Example 15: This header template features a bold and modern design, with the candidate’s name in large, uppercase letters in the center. The name is surrounded by a border that matches the color palette of the rest of the resume, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look.

Example 16: For a more whimsical feel, this header template uses a playful font for the name, which is surrounded by a decorative frame in a complementary color. The layout is balanced with a small graphic element on the opposite side of the name.

Example 17: This header template is perfect for a creative or visually-oriented field, such as graphic design or photography. The name is placed over a full-bleed image, which can be customized to showcase samples of the candidate’s work.

B. Simple Templates

Sometimes less is more. These simple header templates use clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic to create a professional and timeless look.

Example 18: The name is centered at the top of the page in a clear, sans-serif font. The layout is balanced with the inclusion of the candidate’s contact information in smaller text at the bottom of the page.

Example 19: This header template uses the same font for the name as the rest of the resume, creating a cohesive and professional look. A thin line separates the name from the contact information, which is placed on the right-hand side of the page.

Example 20: This header template uses a unique but simple layout. The name is placed in the center of the page, with the contact information arranged in a grid layout around it. This template is great for candidates with a long list of relevant qualifications that they want to highlight prominently.

No matter which header template you choose, remember to keep it simple, clear, and professional. Your resume header is the first thing that the hiring manager will see, so make it count!

Customizing Your Resume Header to Fit Your Industry

The first thing that recruiters see when they receive your resume is your header. Therefore, it is important to customize your header according to the industry you are applying for.

A. Headers for Funky Creative Industries

If you are applying for a job in a creative industry, such as graphic design, advertising, or fashion, you should aim to create a header that showcases your creativity and personality. Here are some examples:

Playful font: Use a font that matches your personality and the company culture. For instance, if you are applying for a job at a startup, a handwritten font like “Lobster” or “Pacifico” could work well.
Colorful accents: Add a pop of color to your header with a graphic element, such as a logo or an icon. Just make sure it is relevant to the industry and the position you are applying for.
Unique layout: Instead of using a standard layout, consider arranging your information in a more unique way, such as in a circular design or with vertical text.

B. Headers for Classic Professional Industries

If you are applying for a job in a more traditional industry, such as finance, law, or accounting, you should craft a header that conveys professionalism and simplicity. Here are some examples:

Clean font: Choose a simple and elegant font like Arial or Times New Roman. Make sure it is easy to read and not too small or too big.
Neutral colors: Avoid using too many colors or flashy designs. Stick to a neutral color scheme, such as black, white, or gray.
Standard layout: Use a classic layout with your name on top, followed by your contact information, and possibly a professional title or summary.

C. Headers for Technical Industries

If you are applying for a job in a technical industry, such as engineering or IT, you should aim to create a header that showcases your technical skills and expertise. Here are some examples:

Technical font: Use a font that is clean and modern, such as Calibri or Helvetica. Avoid using a font that is too ornate or decorative.
Keyword-rich summary: Add a summary in your header that highlights your technical skills and accomplishments. Make sure to include relevant keywords that the employer is looking for.
Industry-specific logo: If you have a professional logo or a certification badge, consider adding it to your header to showcase your credibility and expertise.

Customizing your resume header to fit your industry is a crucial step in crafting a professional and impactful resume. Use the above examples as inspiration to create a header that stands out to potential employers in your field.

20 Professional Resume Header Examples for 2025