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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.

7 minute readWritten by Free Resume Download Editorial DeskReviewed 2026-06-19

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 A name-based address is usually safer than a nickname, joke, or outdated school account.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 Broken or outdated links make the resume feel neglected.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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Editorial details

Written by
Free Resume Download Editorial Desk, resume template and job-search content editors
Reviewed by
Application Materials Review Desk, resume structure and application guidance reviewers
Review date
2026-06-19

Guides are edited for practical job-search use, realistic resume language, clear examples, and consistency with the site editorial policy. They do not guarantee interviews or hiring outcomes.