Your phone number might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most important parts to consider when writing your resume. After all, it’s how hiring managers will contact you when it’s time to schedule an interview or ask a quick question.
Here’s a super straightforward way to format your number: (555) 555-5555 or 555-555-5555.
But is including your phone number always the right move? In this article, we’ll cover when it’s a good idea (and when it’s not), plus the common mistakes people make when adding their contact details to a resume or cover letter.
Key takeaways
- Your phone number is crucial for direct communication and it's often the fastest way for hiring managers to reach you for interviews or urgent updates, especially in time-sensitive industries.
- Use formats like (555) 555-5555 or 555-555-5555 and include a country code (e.g., +1) for international applications to ensure clarity.
- Stick to one reliable phone number and avoid sharing multiple lines, shared numbers, or outdated information to keep your resume professional.
- For public job boards or sensitive applications, consider using privacy-friendly options like Google Voice or temporary number apps to protect your personal details.
- When recruiters call, answer professionally, avoid noisy environments, and respond promptly to missed calls or voicemails to leave a strong impression.
Why should you put your phone number on your resume?
Not every employer uses the same method to get in touch. For some roles, a quick phone call might be their preferred way to reach you—especially if they’re juggling multiple candidates or working in fast-paced industries like sales or customer service.
For others, email might be the go-to, particularly in fields like tech or academia, where written communication is key. Knowing this can help you decide how to present your contact information strategically.
Below are the main reasons why adding your phone number to your resume can make the difference:
- For time-sensitive roles, speed is everything: In professions where quick decisions are vital—like healthcare, retail, or event planning—employers are more likely to call. A phone number ensures they can reach you instantly, so you don’t miss out on critical opportunities.
- Not all jobs rely on email alone: While email works well for tech or marketing roles that involve detailed communication, hiring managers often pick up the phone when they need a quick answer or last-minute scheduling. Relying solely on email could slow things down.
- A phone call can make you stand out: In fast-moving industries like sales, customer service, or human resources, a quick conversation can set you apart. Having a reliable number tells employers you’re accessible and ready to engage—qualities they value in candidates.
Now that you know why it’s usually a good idea to put your phone number on your resume, let’s talk about how to do it right.
How to format a phone number on a resume
Your phone number should sit right at the top of your resume, typically in the header, alongside your location, email address, and LinkedIn profile. It’s best to keep things simple and clean—your contact details don’t need to steal the spotlight from your skills and experience.
When it comes to formatting, stick to one of these professional options:
- (555) 555-5555
This format is the most common in US resumes and makes your number easy to read, with the area code clearly separated by parentheses. - 555-555-5555
Another US-friendly option, this one uses dashes and works just as well as the first format. - +1 555 555 5555
If you’re applying internationally or have a global job search in mind, adding the country code (+1 for the US) is essential. It ensures recruiters from other countries know how to reach you without confusion.
PRO TIP
For international applications, clarity is key. Including a country code—+1—helps avoid issues with dialing conventions. While parentheses for the area code are standard in the US, they’re less common internationally, so adapting your format based on where you’re applying shows attention to detail.
Whatever format you choose, be consistent. Mismatched styles on your resume and cover letter can make it look sloppy, and that’s an impression you want to avoid.
This is how your header can look if you choose any of Enhancv’s resume templates:
Speaking of avoiding inconsistencies, let’s take a deeper look at the most common do’s and don’ts when writing a phone number on a resume.
Dos and don’ts of phone numbers on resumes
Your phone number might seem like a straightforward detail, but getting it right can make a big difference in how hiring managers perceive you.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to do and what not to do when adding your number to your resume.
DO’S
- Write a personal phone number you check regularly: As simple as that—make sure the number you list is yours and that you actually use it. If a recruiter calls and you don’t pick up—or worse, it goes to someone else—that could cost you the job.
- Set up a professional voicemail message: Not every call will come through when you’re available, so your voicemail needs to leave the right impression. A clear, professional message like, “Hi, this is [Your Name]. Please leave a message, and I’ll get back to you,” works perfectly.
- Ensure your number is error-free and up-to-date: Double-check your resume before you send it out. A typo in your resume number can make you unreachable, and that’s an easy way to lose out on opportunities without even knowing it.
DON’TS
- List multiple phone numbers: It might feel helpful to give a backup option, but it’s actually confusing. Stick to one reliable number so recruiters know exactly how to reach you.
- Use your work number: Using your office phone might seem convenient, but it raises confidentiality issues. Plus, it signals that you’re job hunting while on the clock—not exactly the impression you want to give.
- Forget to update your phone number after changing it: If you’ve recently switched numbers but haven’t updated your resume, employers might end up calling a dead line. Always double-check that the contact information on your resume matches your current details.
Worried that including digits might confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen resumes before they reach recruiters? Don’t stress—it’s just another ATS myth. Your phone number won’t cause any issues.
In the meantime, why not see how your resume performs with a real ATS? Try our free resume checker to make sure everything’s in top shape.
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Keeping these simple tips in mind ensures your phone number is working for you—not against you.
Now, let’s tackle some of the more specific questions about adding your cell phone to your application.
PRO TIP
Some people still prefer listing a home number because it feels reliable and stable. But modern trends lean toward cell phone numbers for their accessibility and convenience. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s a number you’ll always hear, has a professional voicemail setup, and won’t leave recruiters waiting.
Should you always include your phone number?
Adding your phone number to your resume is usually a no-brainer—it’s how recruiters will reach you for interviews or quick follow-ups. But are there situations where leaving it off makes sense? Surprisingly, yes.
Here are two common scenarios where you might consider skipping your digits, plus some privacy-friendly solutions:
When posting your resume on public job boards
If you upload your resume to platforms like Indeed or Monster, your phone number might be visible to anyone, not just legitimate recruiters. This could lead to spam calls, unwanted solicitations, or even misuse of your information.
In such cases, it’s best to restrict visibility through the platform settings. Many job boards allow you to make your resume "private" or "limited visibility." This means it’s only viewable by verified employers.
PRO TIP
If the platform doesn’t offer this feature, consider creating a custom resume specifically for public posting. On this version, omit your phone number entirely and rely on your email address or LinkedIn profile as the primary contact method. Once an employer reaches out and seems legitimate, you can provide your phone number directly during further communication.
When privacy or identity theft is a concern
Your phone number is often used as a personal identifier, especially when combined with other details like your name, work history, and educational background. If you’re worried about sharing too much, particularly when applying to less reputable companies, leaving your phone number off might be the smarter move.
Instead, rely on email as your primary point of contact. Just be sure your email address is professional and regularly checked.
Privacy-friendly alternatives for phone numbers
If you’re cautious about sharing your personal number on a resume—especially for public job boards—services like Google Voice (for Android and iOS) or apps like Burner and Hushed (for iOS users) can be great options. These services provide you with a secondary number for calls, texts, and voicemails while keeping your actual number private.
Now that you’re set up to avoid any issues, it’s time to get ready for that long-anticipated call from recruiters.
Getting ready to connect with employers
That first phone call from a hiring manager is crucial—it’s often their first real impression of you.
Here’s how to make sure you handle it like a pro, even if nerves get the better of you sometimes:
Tips for preparing for a phone call from a recruiter
- Answer with a confident, friendly tone: “Hello, this is [Your Name].”
- Have a pen, paper, and your resume nearby in case you need to take notes or reference your experience.
- Take a deep breath before answering to calm your nerves. Remember, they’re calling because they’re interested in you.
- Don’t answer if you’re in a noisy or inappropriate environment like a busy café or restroom. Let it go to voicemail and call back when you’re in a quiet space.
- Avoid sounding distracted—no multitasking! Hiring managers can tell if you’re not fully present.
- Always call back as soon as possible, ideally within an hour or two. Waiting too long might make you seem uninterested.
- If you leave a voicemail, keep it short and polite: “Hi, this is [Your Name]. I’m returning your call regarding [position name]. Please let me know a good time to reconnect. Thank you!”
- If the call is an interview invitation, respond politely and make sure to allow yourself enough time to prepare for the meeting.
Five common mistakes when adding a phone number to your resume
Let’s recap the most common mistakes we’ve seen in real users’ resumes. These are small but impactful missteps that could stand between you and your next opportunity. No worries, Enhancv’s resume templates are designed with just the right number of fields in the header to guide you—helping avoid unnecessary moves while keeping things professional and efficient.
- Typos in your phone number: A single incorrect digit can make you unreachable. Always triple-check your number before sending out your resume.
- Listing multiple numbers: Providing more than one number can confuse hiring managers. Stick to one reliable number to make communication simple.
- Using a shared line: Avoid listing a number shared with family or roommates. You want to ensure that only you answer or have access to messages.
- Unprofessional voicemail greetings: Quirky or casual voicemail messages can leave a bad impression.
- Formatting inconsistently: Inconsistent formatting (e.g., 123-4567890 on your resume vs. (123) 456-7890 on your cover letter) can look sloppy. Use a standard format throughout your entire application.
Frequently asked questions about phone numbers on resumes
Knowing the best practices can make a big difference, from formatting to privacy concerns. Here, we answer the most common questions to help you navigate this small yet critical detail with confidence.
Which jobs in the US require a phone number on a resume?
In the US, certain jobs and industries strongly prefer or even insist on listing your phone number on a resume because of the nature of their communication or hiring processes.
These include:
1. Sales and customer service roles: Recruiters in sales and customer service value quick, direct communication to schedule interviews or assess your phone skills. They may even test your responsiveness and professionalism over the phone as part of the evaluation process.
2. Healthcare positions: Jobs like nurses, medical assistants, or caregivers often require immediate or flexible availability. Hiring managers in these roles typically rely on phone calls to coordinate interviews or discuss urgent shifts.
3. Construction and trades jobs: In industries like construction, plumbing, or electrical work, hiring is often time-sensitive. Employers or contractors often prefer calling to finalize schedules or discuss job requirements.
4. Hospitality and retail jobs: These roles tend to move quickly, with hiring managers looking to fill shifts or interview slots on short notice. A phone number is essential for rapid contact.
5. Temporary and freelance work: For gig economy jobs or contract-based roles, clients and employers rely on phone calls for last-minute assignments or project updates.
6. Law enforcement and security: These fields prioritize immediate availability and quick scheduling, making a listed phone number a critical part of your application.
Can I replace my phone number with an email address if I don’t have a phone?
While having both is your best bet, you can list only your email if you don’t have a phone. However, ensure it’s professional, checked frequently, and consider adding a LinkedIn profile to give employers another way to reach you.
Is it okay to exclude my physical address but still include a phone number?
While including your physical address used to be standard, it’s perfectly fine to omit it these days—especially if the job isn’t location-specific. Instead, you’d normally write just the city and state in the header, alongside your phone number, to keep it simple and professional.
How much personal information is too much on a resume?
Here’s a quick rule of thumb: if it’s not directly relevant to the job or doesn’t help an employer contact you, leave it off. Adding personal details can distract hiring managers and may even hurt your chances in the US job market.
Here are some examples of what’s best not to put on your resume.
- Date of birth, marital status, or hobbies. In the US, including personal details like your age or marital status could lead to bias concerns, and employers are careful to avoid requesting this information. In some countries, such as Germany or India, listing your date of birth or marital status on your CV (the European term for resume) is still common, but it’s not the norm in the US.
- Social media profiles: Only include professional profiles like LinkedIn or platforms relevant to your field (e.g., GitHub for tech roles or Behance for designers). Adding personal accounts like Instagram or Facebook isn’t appropriate unless they showcase your professional work.
- Photo: Avoid including a photo on your resume in the US, as it raises concerns about bias in hiring. Most recruiters prefer resumes without pictures to focus on qualifications and skills.
Conclusion
Your contact information is one of the simplest yet most important elements of your resume. Ensuring it’s accurate and easy to find can make all the difference in landing that interview. Don’t forget to double-check for errors—because even the strongest resume won’t matter if employers can’t reach you.
Make one that's truly you.
