Your contact information is like the front door of your resume. It's the first thing recruiters check when they’re ready to invite you for an interview. A well-organized, easy-to-find contact section lets potential employers reach out without any guesswork. Without professional and accurate details, even the most stellar resume could hit a dead end.
But what exactly should this contact information include? Let’s dive in.
What is contact information on a resume?
Contact information refers to the essential details that allow potential employers to reach out to you. This typically includes your full name, phone number, email address, and sometimes your LinkedIn profile or professional website. It's important to keep this section accurate and up-to-date, as it’s the direct link between you and the job opportunities you’re aiming for.
Think of your contact info as your resume’s GPS; it tells employers exactly how to find you.
Emily Dawson
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How to format contact information on your resume
Getting your contact information just right can make all the difference on your resume. A well-organized, easy-to-read layout shows you're detail-oriented and professional.
Here’s how to make sure your details stand out without overcomplicating things:
- Place your contact information in the header of your resume. This makes it easy for recruiters to spot right away.
- Keep the format clean and easy to read. Consider placing all the information on one line if space allows, or use separate lines for each piece of contact info.
- Use a simple font that matches the rest of your resume. The key is clarity—make sure the information is easily legible.
- Don’t include a fax number or multiple phone numbers. Stick to one reliable contact number to avoid confusion.
What contact information to include on your resume
In the fast-paced world of hiring, well-formatted contact details are like the green light for employers. A clear, professional contact section invites them to reach out. Get it right, and you’ll be one step closer to that interview call.
Let's break down how to make sure your contact details open doors instead of closing them.
Full name
Always use your full, professional name as it appears on official documents. This helps maintain consistency when recruiters cross-check your resume with other records or conduct online searches. Avoid nicknames or casual versions of your name, as they can give the wrong impression or make you harder to find.
Your name should reflect your professional identity clearly and confidently.
Phone number
Provide a direct and up-to-date phone number where employers can easily reach you. Make sure this number is one you check regularly and have a professional voicemail set up in case you miss a call. You don’t want to lose out on an opportunity because of a casual or outdated voicemail greeting.
Simple steps like these show you’re ready for professional conversations.
PRO TIP
When listing your phone number on a resume, use clear and professional formats like 123-456-7890 or (123) 456-7890. This ensures it’s easy to read and fits standard formatting used by employers and ATS.
Email address
Use a professional email address–something that mentions your name is best. A variation like firstname.lastname@gmail.com keeps things clear and professional. Avoid using overly casual or quirky email addresses, as this can give off the wrong impression.
Your email is often the primary means of communication, so make sure it represents you well.
Double-check your resume for typos, especially in your contact details. A simple mistake in your email or phone number could mean missing out on a great opportunity. It’s a small oversight that can have big consequences, so review carefully!
Location
There’s no need to include your full home address anymore, especially for privacy reasons. Listing your city and state (or city and country, if relevant) is usually sufficient. Some employers still want to know where you’re based, either for potential relocation or to understand how your location fits with their remote work policies. It’s a small detail, but it can be important depending on the role.
LinkedIn profile
If you have an updated, professional LinkedIn profile aligned with your resume, add a clickable link. This gives employers easy access to more information about your career, endorsements, and connections. LinkedIn can show a fuller picture of your professional life, including skills and recommendations that don’t fit on your resume.
PRO TIP
Treat LinkedIn as your professional stage. Use a polished headshot, craft a compelling headline, and customize your URL. Highlight relevant experience, education, and skills, and don’t forget to gather recommendations. You can also showcase any certificates you’ve earned, whether through LinkedIn Learning or other platforms, to strengthen your profile. Stay active by posting content and engaging with your network.
Job title
You can list your current job title, but there’s a more strategic way to grab attention. Instead of simply stating your position, use this space to quickly highlight how your experience aligns with the role you're aiming for.
Replace the title with a resume headline that illustrates your most relevant strengths and achievements. This approach not only shows off your qualifications but also sets you apart from other candidates. In the creative industry, a bold headline can instantly grab attention and reflect your artistic approach.
Keep it clear, professional, and most importantly, authentic.
Let’s summarize all this with a quick example.
Just as there are must-haves for your professional presence, there are also things you should avoid, especially in your resume's contact section.
Here’s what NOT to feature.
What NOT to include in your resume contact information section
The wrong details can compromise your chances of landing an interview. By keeping your contact information concise, relevant, and professional, you’ll present yourself as a strong candidate.
Here’s what you should leave out to make sure your resume stays sharp and focused:
Personal details
There's no need to include personal details like your full home address, marital status, age, or social security number. These are irrelevant to the hiring process and can compromise your privacy, especially in light of GDPR regulations. Focus on providing professional contact information that's essential for employers, while keeping personal data off your resume.
Photo
Adding a photo to your resume is generally unnecessary. Most recruiters prefer to focus on your qualifications and skills rather than appearance. Including a photo can also introduce bias, which you want to avoid during the hiring process. However, for certain public-facing roles, like acting or modeling, a photo may be required. In most cases, though, let your skills and experience do the talking.
Passing through ATS
Approximately 30% of resumes successfully make it through applicant tracking systems to be reviewed by a human. The other 70% are rejected due to factors such as the inclusion of photos or icons, poor formatting, and failure to use the appropriate keywords from the job description. These elements prevent ATS from accurately parsing and evaluating resumes, leading to automatic disqualification.
Current job email address and phone number
Using your current job’s email address or phone number for job applications is a major no-no. It’s unprofessional and may suggest to potential employers that you’re not respecting boundaries. It can also make them question your work ethics. Always stick to personal contact information when applying for new opportunities.
Avoid featuring personal social media profiles such as Facebook, X, or Instagram on your resume, unless these accounts are strictly professional and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Studies show that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, and your personal profiles could reveal information unrelated to your career that may work against you.
Check out the table below to see which contact details are must-haves, which are optional, and which should be avoided.
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Full name | Must have |
| Phone number | Must have |
| Email address | Must have |
| Location (City, State) | Must have |
| LinkedIn profile | Must have |
| Personal website | Optional (if relevant) |
| Portfolio | Optional (if relevant) |
| GitHub | Optional (if relevant) |
| Social media profiles | Optional (if relevant) |
| Home address | Avoid |
| Multiple phone numbers | Avoid |
| Pronouns | Optional (if relevant) |
| QR Code (for additional info) | Optional (if relevant) |
In conclusion
Your contact information plays a pivotal role in your resume’s effectiveness. It's the direct link between you and potential employers, so makе sure it's easy to find and up-to-date. Keeping your contact info clear, professional, and focused shows you're serious and organized, boosting your chances of catching the recruiter’s attention and moving closer to that interview.
Make one that's truly you.
