Resume contact information: What to write & how to format

In general, you probably already know what contact information is: a phone number or email address where people can reach you. But when it comes to your resume contact information, it becomes a career necessity, and if you leave it out, you could get “left out in the cold,” professionally speaking. But you might be thinking, “What contact info should you put on a resume? And how do you separate contact info in a resume?” Never fear; we’ve got you covered. We’ll give you the rundown on what to include in your contact information and how to format it—and more—to help make sure that when that interview offer comes, you’re ready. 

In this article, we’ll discuss: 

• What should you include in your resume contact information?
• Why it is important to add contact information on your resume
• How to add contact info on your resume
• How to correctly format your resume contact information
• Should you add your LinkedIn to your resume?
• What not to include in your contact information
• Key takeaways

What should you include in your resume contact information?

Your resume contact information should include your name, of course, but there are a few more pieces of information that should be included. Make sure your contact information includes the following:

• Your preferred first and last name.
• Your advanced degrees or certifications, if applicable
• Your job title (optional)
• Your location.
• Your email address.
• Your phone number.
• Relevant social media accounts

Why it is important to add contact information on your resume

When you were in school, did you ever turn in homework that didn’t have your name on it? What happened? You likely didn’t get credit for your work! It’s a similar situation with your resume: if you don’t have your full contact information, you won’t get credit for your work experience, skills, and accomplishments! 

Remember, a potential employer can’t offer you an interview if they can’t reach you. Don’t make them hunt for it. Your resume contact information should be the first thing a hiring manager sees, since it’s placed at the top of your resume, and you’ll want to make sure that it’s concise, easy-to-read, and accurate. Plus, potential employers expect to see your contact information, and if it’s incomplete (or omitted entirely) your resume will likely be passed over. 

How to add contact information to your resume and format correctly

Of course, the easiest way to add your contact information to your resume is to use one of resume.io’s award-winning Resume Templates, but if you’re doing it on your own, here are a few tips to make sure that your information is complete and effectively formatted.  

Your name

Your name is, arguably, the most important piece of information on your resume. Include your first and last name. If you have a common name, like “John Smith,” consider including a middle initial so that hiring managers don’t confuse your resume with other applicants. If you use a nickname professionally, you can list that, or use it in quotation marks between your first and last name. And if you are married, but use your maiden name professionally, that’s what you should include on your resume. If you have a relevant degree or certification, place it right after your name, as you might on a business card.

Your job title

While this is optional, adding a job title under your name is a great way to let a hiring manager know about what you do, where you fit into a company (such as department), and even your seniority level. It also helps you to optimize your resume if the potential employer uses job titles in its keyword search. Your job title shouldn’t be aspirational; it’s based on where you are in your career. If you’re at the entry-level phase of your career in Human Resources, for example, your job title should not be “Senior HR Specialist.”

Your location

After your name, you’ll want to include your geographical location, including city, state, and zip code. If you’re looking to relocate, or are seeking opportunities outside your general area, it’s okay to leave this off your contact information.

Your email address

Avoid personal addresses with silly usernames (like “alphadude123@hotmail.com”) or outdated browsers such as AOL; consider a separate account that utilizes some variation of your name and job title, if relevant.

Your phone number

You definitely have to put your phone number on your resume. To write a contact number in a resume, don’t use your current work phone, if you’re employed. Use your cell phone, and make sure you have a professional-sounding greeting that includes your first and last name. Make sure to include your area code. You can place an identifier in front of your phone number, such as “Ph” or “C” (for cell phone). You don’t need to include more than one phone number; list the best one for them to use. And there’s no need to include the “1” prefix (if you’re in the US), as most people know that they need to dial it first. Don’t bother putting “do not contact” in your contact information—if you don’t want the hiring manager to call you, don’t apply for the job. If you’re referencing your referrals, that can be taken care of at a later date.

Relevant professional social media sites

This section is optional, but can be used if you have a LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio or blog. In that case, include the link at the bottom of your contact information. Before you add it, however, make sure that your website or profile is updated and active. Also, if you use LinkedIn, consider customizing your URL, and don’t bother including the “https://www” part of the link.

How to correctly format your resume contact information

While this might seem like a lot of resume contact information to include, it’s the best way to ensure that a potential employer can get in touch with you regarding an open position. While the exact format of your contact information will vary based on what resume template you choose, separate contact info in a resume into different lines, and your name should be in a larger size font and formatted similarly to the example below.

Should you add your LinkedIn to your resume?

In general, yes, you should add the link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume.  In fact, according to LinkedIn, applicants with an active LinkedIn profile stand a 71% higher chance of getting an interview than those without one. But there’s one important caveat: your profile needs to be complete and up-to-sate. If you haven't touched it in a couple of years, make sure you update it before including it on your resume. Also, some professions, such as teaching, nursing, or being a police officer, don’t require a LinkedIn profile, so if you’re in those fields, feel free to leave it off. And remember: your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t be a “cut and paste” of your resume. It should provide additional information about your education, skills, values, and work history.

Other reasons to include your LinkedIn profile to your resume include:

• It allows recruiters to verify your professional information.
• It eliminates the need for hiring managers to hunt for it on LinkedIn.
• Your LinkedIn profile enhances your resume and gives more detail about your skills, experience, and network, and can provide recommendations from other experts and colleagues in the field.
• It demonstrates your commitment to your professional growth.

What not to include in your resume contact information

It’s important for a recruiter to be able to contact you if they’re interested in giving you an interview, but they don't need to know everything about you. There are a few things you’ll want excluded from the resume contact information.

• Your current work email and phone number
• Your date of birth, which unfortunately could lead to age discrimination, which is illegal but sadly, still happens.
• Your street address.
• Personal information such as your marital status or political affiliation.
• Link to your personal website.
• Outdated contact information.
• More than one phone number or email address.
• A fax number.
• A photograph or headshot.

If you need a little help creating a great-looking and effective resume, check out resume.io’s Resume Builder or Cover Letter Builder, both of which will provide expert crafted and tested templates that will help you stand out from the crowd.  

Key takeaways

The content information section of a resume is placed prominently at the top of your resume and includes your name, location, email, phone number, and Linkedin/portfolio link. Include your LinkedIn profile, as it adds context and additional information not included on your resume, as well as recommendations and endorsements from colleagues. Don’t include personal information, like photos, social media sites that aren’t job-related, or your street address. Also remember that if your resume contact information is missing or inaccurate, your resume is likely to be passed over.