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This guide breaks down exactly what to include (and what to skip) so you can make sure your resume is as clear and professional as possible.
What Contact Information to Add to Your Resume
Your contact section might seem like the easiest part of your resume to fill out. But it’s also one of the most important. If employers can’t get in touch with you, the rest of your resume doesn’t matter. Here’s what you should always include, what you can add for extra impact, and what you should leave out entirely.
1. Essential Resume Contact Information
- Full Name
Always use your full legal name, or the name you’re known by professionally. This makes it easy for recruiters to identify you and match your application with their records. If you have a preferred name or nickname, it’s fine to include it in parentheses (e.g., Robert “Bob” Johnson). Avoid using initials only, as it can look informal or unclear.
- Phone Number
Your phone number is a direct line to potential job offers. Make sure it’s accurate and always double-check it before sending out your resume. Use a mobile number that you have access to at all times, and ensure your voicemail is professional. Avoid quirky or overly casual voicemail greetings; it’s a small detail, but it matters.
- Email Address
A professional email address is non-negotiable. Use your name or a variation of it. For example, something like john.smith@example.com works perfectly. Avoid addresses with random numbers or nicknames, such as cutiepie87@yah.com or partyguy99@hot.com. These can leave a bad impression. Also, check that you’re using a modern email provider; addresses from outdated platforms like AOL might make you seem out of touch.
- City and State (Optional)
Including your location is no longer a must, but it can still be helpful in some cases. If you’re applying for a local job, adding your city and state can show that you’re nearby and ready to work. For remote roles, it’s usually fine to leave this out unless the employer asks for a mailing address. If privacy is a concern, you can simply write the state or region without your full address.
2. Optional Contact Details
- LinkedIn Profile
A LinkedIn profile can add value to your resume, but only if it’s up-to-date and relevant. Employers often check your LinkedIn URL to get a fuller picture of your skills, experience, and recommendations. Add your profile link if it highlights your professional achievements. Just make sure it doesn’t have outdated information or incomplete sections.
- Portfolio, Website or Personal Blog
If you work in a creative field, tech, or freelancing, a portfolio or personal website is a great addition. It gives employers a chance to see your work firsthand. Include this only if it’s relevant to the job. For example, designers can link to their portfolios, while developers might share a GitHub page. If your website isn’t polished or professional, leave it off your resume until it’s ready.
- Social Media
Social media links can be helpful, but only if they showcase your professional side. For instance, a marketer might share their Twitter or Instagram if it’s relevant to the role. Avoid linking personal accounts that aren’t work-related. Employers don’t need to see your weekend barbecue photos or cat memes. It can only be useful if you're applying for a social media manager position or something similar.
3. What to Leave Out
- Personal Details
Details like age, marital status, or a resume photo are unnecessary for job seekers. In many places, employers are not allowed to consider this information when hiring. Adding it can even make you seem outdated or unaware of modern hiring practices. Focus on what’s relevant to the job instead.
- Multiple Phone Numbers or Email Addresses
Keep things simple. Listing more than one phone number or email address can confuse employers. They might not know which one to use, or worse, they could contact the wrong one. Stick to one reliable phone number and one professional email address.
- Unprofessional Email Addresses or Outdated Profiles
As mentioned earlier, your email address should look clean and professional. Anything that sounds casual, funny, or immature can work against you. The same goes for outdated profiles; don’t include links to websites or platforms that no longer reflect your current skills or experience.
When to Update Your Resume Contact Information Section
It’s important to check your contact section every time you send out your resume. If you change your phone number, email address, or even your location, make sure your resume reflects those updates. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because a recruiter can’t reach you.
Even if you’re using the same contact info, it’s a good idea to double-check them before each application. That way, you’ll know everything is accurate and up-to-date. Keeping your contact info fresh shows that you’re organized and ready to connect.
Formatting Tips for Your Resume Contact Information Section
Formatting your contact info properly can make a big difference. You want this section to be easy to find by employers and applicant tracking systems, easy to read for the hiring manager, and clean. Here’s how to format your resume right:
1. Keep It at the Top
Your contact information should always go at the very top of your resume. It’s the first thing recruiters look for. Place it above your work experience and education sections. Make sure it’s clearly separated from the rest of the content so it stands out.
2. Use a Simple Layout
Avoid fancy designs or complicated formats. A single line works great:
If you need more space, you can use a block format with each detail on its own line. Just keep it tidy and consistent.
3. Choose a Readable Font
Use the same font as the rest of your resume. Stick to professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep the font size the same or slightly smaller than your section headings, but don’t make it too small.
4. Align It Properly
Most people center-align their contact info for balance. This looks clean and professional. Left alignment is also fine as long as everything is neat. Avoid right alignment, as it can look awkward.
5. Double-Check Spacing
Make sure there’s enough space between your contact section and the other parts of your resume. Crowding can make it harder to read.
Simple formatting shows attention to detail. That’s the impression you want to leave. Keep it professional and polished; it’s worth the extra effort.
Examples of Contact Information Sections on Resumes
Here are five simple examples of how you can format your contact information on a resume. These layouts are clean, professional, and easy for employers to read.
1. Single-Line Format
This is compact and works well for most resumes.
2. Block Format
Use this style if you prefer a more spaced-out look:
3. Adding a Portfolio or Website
Great for creative professionals or freelancers.
4. Including a Location
Ideal if the job is local or if the employer prefers to know where you’re based.
5. Minimalist Style for Remote Roles
This keeps it simple while focusing on digital communication.
Each example works in different situations. Pick the one that fits your needs and the role you’re applying for. Always double-check for typos and make sure every link works. A clean, polished contact section helps you look professional and organized.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to your contact information in resume writing, small mistakes can leave a big impact. You want to make sure everything is clear, accurate, and professional. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
1. Typos in Your Phone Number or Email
This is a simple but costly mistake. Double-check your phone number and email address. If a recruiter can’t reach you because of a typo, it could cost you an interview.
2. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Your email should look professional to the hiring manager. Avoid using quirky or outdated addresses like “coolguy123@yah.com” or “partyqueen@example.com.” Stick to something simple with your name in it, like “john.doe@example.com.”
3. Forgetting to Update Your Information
If you change your phone number or email address, make sure to update your resume. Outdated details make you look careless. Always review your contact section before submitting your resume.
4. Adding Too Many Contact Details
More isn’t always better for job seekers. Listing multiple phone numbers or email addresses can confuse employers. Keep it simple; one phone number and one email address are enough.
5. Including Personal Information
Personal details like your age, marital status, mailing address, or a photo are unnecessary. Employers don’t need to know this when deciding whether to contact you. Including such details can even make your resume look outdated and complicate your job search.
6. Linking to Outdated or Incomplete Profiles
If you’re including a LinkedIn profile or portfolio, make sure it’s up-to-date and professional. Don’t link to a profile with outdated work experience or personal content. This could make you seem unprepared or unprofessional.
7. Using a Hard-to-Read Format
Formatting is important when adding contact information during resume writing. Don’t make your contact information difficult to find. Keep it at the top, use clear spacing, and avoid fancy fonts or designs.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make sure your contact section is clear, professional, and easy for the hiring manager to read. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference!
Final Thoughts
Your contact information is one of the first things a recruiter will see on your resume. Keeping it clear, simple, and accurate can make a big difference. Always double-check your details to avoid small mistakes that could cost you an opportunity.
Keep in mind, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. Stick to the essentials; your full name, phone number, and professional email. You can include a LinkedIn profile or portfolio if it’s relevant, but keep things neat.
