resume writing
What contact information to put on a resume
A simple guide to resume contact information, including email, phone, location, LinkedIn, portfolio links, and privacy concerns.
Resume contact information seems basic, but small mistakes here can cost opportunities. A recruiter needs to identify you, contact you, and verify supporting links without confusion.
The header should be clean, current, and professional. It should not expose unnecessary personal details or bury the information someone needs to reach you.
Use a professional name and email
Use the name you want employers to use professionally. If your legal name differs from your preferred name, choose a clear format that fits your situation.
Your email should be simple and professional. A name-based address is usually safer than a nickname, joke, or outdated school account.
Include phone and location thoughtfully
A phone number is still useful for recruiters and hiring coordinators. Make sure your voicemail is set up and professional.
For location, city and state or metro area is usually enough. You rarely need to include a full street address on a modern resume.
Add links that support the application
LinkedIn, portfolio, GitHub, writing samples, or personal websites can help when they are current and relevant. Only include links you want the employer to open.
Before applying, test every link in the exported file. Broken or outdated links make the resume feel neglected.
Avoid unnecessary personal details
In many U.S. contexts, details such as birth date, marital status, full address, personal ID numbers, and unrelated social media profiles do not belong on a resume.
Keep the header focused on professional contact and evidence.
Clean resume header example
- Jordan Lee
- jordan.lee@email.com | 555-123-4567 | Seattle, WA
- linkedin.com/in/jordanlee | jordanleeportfolio.com
Sources
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