CV header: Examples and instruction tips

While you might not spend quite so much time on your CV header as the rest of the document, it is nonetheless an important section that can make or break the first impression of any hiring manager.

When a hiring manager is busy flicking through CVs, it would be beneficial if they pause for a moment before they explore the important content of your CV.

While the CV header is a functional space that contains all the essential contact details, it also serves as a visual introduction to give the reader a slight pause before they get into the text. It should not take up too much space on the page, but at the same time it shouldn’t be apologetically small. Your name should be in a large font – you want them to remember it, after all.

In this blog, we look at the considerations involved in creating a compelling CV header.

• What is a CV header?
• How to write a CV header section
• CV header design tips
• Your summary is part of your header
• What about a 2-page CV header?
• CV header examples

What is a CV header?

A CV header is the top section of a curriculum vitae where essential personal details are prominently displayed. This section includes your full name, professional title, and contact information—such as phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. 

Some may also choose to include their physical or mailing address. The header's purpose is to immediately identify the document as yours and provide easy means for potential employers or recruiters to contact you. It should be visually distinct and formatted to stand out without overshadowing the content that follows. 

The CV header sets the tone for your professional presentation in the document.

How to write a header section for your CV

There are various constituent parts to a CV header section.

Full name

Include your full name with a significantly larger font than the rest of the document (maybe 3-4 times larger than the font of the CV content. Your CV should stand out when it is scattered on a table with a bunch of other CVs. Hiring managers shouldn’t have to squint to find your name.

Middle names are not typically included on a CV, so don’t worry about including it if you have a couple of middle names (one of which you hate). You do not have to write the name that is on your passport either – go with the name that you are known by at work. Don’t include any kind of nickname —  a CV is a professional document.

Mobile number

If you are one of those people who are reluctant to publicise their mobile number, put those reservations to one side. You should make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to get in touch with you, so a mobile number is essential. 

Some candidates choose to get a different mobile number for their job search, but make sure that you have that phone with you most of the time. Last minute interview arrangements are not unheard of – make sure that you are responsive. In any case, make sure that your voicemail message is intelligible and professional.

Email address

An email address is an essential part of a CV header. This does not have to be the same email that you have had for 20 years – again, many people set up a specific email for their job search. Make sure that you have an accessible app on your phone that you are able to check regularly for emails. 

Resist the temptation to come up with a cute “memorable” email address. While the hiring manager might get your sense of humour, people in HR (for example) may not share their feelings. Everything about your CV should be professional – with a touch of personality.

Social media 

With many people spending significant amounts of time on social media, it is likely that the hiring manager will unofficially check out potential new hires. This wouldn’t be part of the official hiring process, but it is only human nature to want to find out more about the person that you will be potentially working closely with in future.

While we would not recommend including purely social accounts such as Facebook or TikTok (unless you use them for work purposes), it is common for people to include their LinkedIn account on the CV header. LinkedIn is like an online CV, with the ability to include plenty of multimedia, so make sure that it is set up to work in your favour. Ensure that your LinkedIn URL is bespoke – keep it as simple as possible.

Pronouns

Some candidates feel that it is important to include their pronouns on their CV. This is also an increasingly common way of showing allyship and it reduces any potential awkwardness during an interview. Being clear about who you are and what you stand for is important.

Although many do not feel comfortable doing this due to worries over potential biases, this may well become standard for all CVs. Hiring managers certainly would not want to unknowingly misgender someone during an interview.

As with everything in the job search process, it is a two-way decision. Including gender pronouns is an efficient way to weed out those hiring managers who have a rather narrow-minded view of the world. Who would want to work for them, anyway?

Location

Including a full home address in the header of a CV was important two decades ago when you would receive correspondence by post. With the advent of email and electronic messaging, a full home address is no longer required on a CV.

Data protection issues are also prevalent. If your CV is being kept in an ATS database of tens of thousands of CVs, is it really that safe from a hacker who wants to scrape your details. Hacking into the Google candidate database would be a treasure trove of successful and ambitious professional candidates whom malicious actors may target.

There may also be potential discrimination issues if you live in a certain area. Share your town or city along with your county. That is enough to give the hiring manager an idea of where you live geographically. 

It is also worth stating your ability to work remotely in this section. If you are looking for flexible working, share your situation alongside your location details.

Job title

It might be worth including the job title on a CV, but only if that is the clear job that you are targeting. Any variation between the job title on the CV and the job title that you are interviewing for would cause unnecessary questions.

Having said this, if you are seeking to change industries, including the desired job title in the header would help to clarify your intentions. This, in conjunction with a focused objective, would make the hiring manager understand that you are looking to make a career change.

Photo

Photos are more common on CV headers in some countries than others, but in the UK they have long been excluded from the CV. Unless you work in entertainment or modelling, there is no reason to include a photo. If the hiring manager wants to know what you look like, they can check you out on social media. 

CV header design tips

There are a baffling number of choices for CV header design. Much of it comes down to your personal taste but keep it to one or two colours. Here are a few suggested design tips.

• Consistency in style: Use the same font style and size as the rest of your CV to ensure a cohesive look.
• Minimalistic design: Keep the header simple and clutter-free; include only your name, professional title, and essential contact information.
• Highlight your name: Make your name the most prominent element in the header to draw attention and make it memorable.
• Use of colour: Consider using a subtle colour for your name or line dividers to make the header stand out without being distracting.
• Alignment: Align the text in your header to match the alignment of the body of your CV, maintaining a clean and professional layout.

Your summary is part of your CV header

If you think that hiring managers will spend any more than a millisecond scanning the contact details of your CV header, you are mistaken. They will want to note that all the required contact information is there if they require it, but their attention will immediately be drawn to the vital first few sentences of content in your CV summary.

We would consider the summary (or objective) section to be part of the CV header. It is possibly the most important part of the document. If you write a relevant and compelling summary, the hiring manager will be curious to read further. 

While the contact details of the CV header are functional, and the design ideally visually pleasing, it is the summary that will awaken a special kind of excitement in the hiring manager. Maybe, just maybe, you could be the one that they have been looking for.

There are three types of CV summary:

• Objective. A CV objective shares your vision for your future career path. This is particularly useful for early career professionals and those who are changing industries. Do not use a CV objective if you are applying for a job in a function and industry where you have experience.
• Summary. CV summaries are the most common type of CV header content. They comprise 3-4 sentences of why your application should be considered. Include accomplishments, key skills and maybe some indication of why the role is a personal fit. A compelling summary should make the hiring manager want to read on.
• Headline. If you are only writing a one-page CV, it is enough to write a one-sentence headline in the CV header section. This might outline the role that you are seeking, with maybe one brief accomplishment from your past to hint at why you would be worth interviewing. Make that sentence work hard for you.

What about a 2-page CV header?

When creating a multi-page CV, replicating the CV header on page two is a good idea.

This ensures that all pages of your CV are easily identifiable and appear cohesive, enhancing the professional presentation. Including the header on subsequent pages aids in maintaining continuity, especially important if pages become separated during the interview process.

In the replicated header on page two and any additional pages, it's sufficient to include a simplified version of your main CV header. Typically, this might include your full name and possibly one piece of contact information, such as your email address or phone number. 

This simplified header should be formatted consistently with the main header on the first page but can be less detailed, focusing on maintaining identity and accessibility rather than providing comprehensive contact details. This approach helps ensure clarity and ease of navigation throughout your CV, regardless of its length.

CV header examples

Here are a few examples with headline style summary sections:

Key takeaways

The CV header, though a small part of your resume, plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression. It's not just a place for your name and contact details but a gateway to your professional story. 

By carefully crafting a visually appealing and information-rich CV header, you ensure that hiring managers pause before diving deeper into your qualifications and experiences. Read our full CV writing guide now or use our CV builder.