Your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression, and ensuring that your contact information is clearly and professionally presented is key to standing out. While your experience, skills, and qualifications are essential, your resume’s contact details are the first things a recruiter or hiring manager sees. Having them formatted correctly can make all the difference in securing an interview.
In this guide, we will cover the essential contact details you should include on your resume, including tips on presenting your name, phone number, email, social media profiles, and more.
What Contact Information Should Be on a Resume?
The contact section of your resume is the most important yet simplest part. It includes the information a recruiter needs to reach out to you. Here’s what you need to include:
1. Your Name and Professional Title
Your name should be listed clearly at the top of your resume. Make sure to:
- Use your full legal name (first and last name).
- Avoid nicknames unless they are commonly used in your professional field.
- Optionally, include a professional title immediately below your name to define your career focus (e.g., Software Engineer, Digital Marketing Specialist).
Tip: If you have professional credentials, like a CPA or PhD, it’s customary to list these after your name. For example:
John Doe, CPA
2. Phone Number
Your phone number should be easy to find, preferably directly below your name. Use your mobile number whenever possible, as it’s the most reliable method of contact.
Formatting your phone number:
- In the U.S., use the format: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
- Include your country code if you’re applying internationally. For example: +1 (657) 333-1212.
Make sure your voicemail message is professional and clear in case the recruiter calls while you are unavailable.
3. Email Address
Your email address is essential. Avoid using outdated or unprofessional emails such as those from high school (e.g., [email protected]). Instead, opt for a modern, professional email address like:
Pro Tip: Don’t use your current work email, as it may be seen as unprofessional and you could lose access to it once you switch jobs.
4. LinkedIn & Social Media Profiles
Including a link to your LinkedIn profile is highly recommended. LinkedIn is a powerful professional network used by recruiters, and it helps you present a more complete professional profile. Be sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile before sharing it.
How to Add LinkedIn to Your Resume:
Simply include your LinkedIn URL under your contact information. Ensure your profile is public and up to date. Example:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
While other social media profiles like Facebook or Instagram may seem appealing, it’s best to avoid personal accounts. Only include Twitter or GitHub if they are relevant to the job (e.g., for social media managers or developers).
5. Personal Website or Portfolio
If you have a personal website or online portfolio showcasing your work (especially important for creative roles), include the link under your contact details.
- For designers, Behance is a great option.
- Developers can include GitHub for code samples.
- Writers may link to their Muck Rack or personal blog.
Example:
- Portfolio: www.johndoedesigns.com
6. Location: To Include or Not?
There’s a common debate about whether to include your physical address on your resume.
Do you need to include your address on a resume?
- No longer a strict requirement: In today’s digital age, physical addresses are less important. Communication usually happens via email or phone, making your city and state sufficient.
- Yes, if the job requires it: Some employers may want to know if you’re local, especially if the position involves a commute. In this case, just listing your city and state is enough.
Avoid including your full street address unless explicitly requested, as it could expose you to privacy risks.
7. Professional Acronyms and Certifications
If you hold any certifications or credentials, list them after your name. For example:
- John Doe, CPA
- Jane Smith, PMP
This allows employers to quickly identify your qualifications.
8. Other Contact Methods
In some cases, especially for international job seekers, you might also want to include additional methods of communication like:
- Skype ID or Google Hangouts
- WhatsApp (for international job applications)
Make sure that your phone number and communication methods are reliable and readily available.
Key Points for Writing a Professional Resume Contact Section
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when writing your resume’s contact information:
Use a Professional Email Address
Create a professional email address if you don’t have one already. Use your full name or initials and avoid anything informal or childish.
Keep it Simple
Don’t clutter the contact information section with unnecessary details. Stick to the basics: Name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (or other relevant profiles).
Use Consistent Formatting
Ensure that your contact details are consistently formatted throughout your resume. If you list your phone number in one format, do the same for your email address and LinkedIn.
Personalize for the Role
If you are applying internationally, include your country code in your phone number and tailor your contact details to suit the location or industry of the role.
Can Your English Skills Boost Your Resume?
In today’s global job market, strong communication skills are key, and being proficient in English can open doors to more opportunities. If you’re looking to improve or showcase your English skills on your resume, consider taking the International English Test (IET). The IET offers assessments from A1 to C2 levels, providing certifications that demonstrate your proficiency.
By including an International English Test (IET) certificate on your resume, you’ll show employers that you have the language skills necessary to succeed in international and communication-focused roles. This can significantly increase your chances of being selected for the job you desire.
Conclusion: Resume Contact Information is Key to Your Success
The contact information section of your resume is small but mighty. It’s the gateway for employers to reach out to you, so make sure your contact details are accurate, professional, and easy to access. Avoid cluttering your resume with unnecessary personal information and focus on what matters most—your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile.
And remember, if you’re looking to stand out in the global job market, adding an International English Test (IET) certification to your resume will help highlight your language proficiency and set you apart from other candidates.