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Designing an ATS‑Friendly Resume Header That Includes Essential Contact Details
Why the header matters: In the first 5 seconds a recruiter (or an algorithm) sees your resume, the header is the only place they can instantly verify who you are and how to reach you. A well‑crafted, ATS‑friendly resume header not only displays essential contact details but also follows the formatting rules that keep your file readable by applicant tracking systems. In this guide we’ll break down every element, provide a step‑by‑step checklist, and show you how Resumly’s free tools can automate the process.
1. Core Elements of an ATS‑Friendly Header
| Element | What to Include | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | First and last name (no titles) | Use a larger font (14‑16 pt) but avoid all caps. |
| Phone Number | Mobile number with country code | Format: +1‑555‑123‑4567. |
| Email Address | Professional email (no nicknames) | Use a simple address like jane.smith@email.com. |
| Location | City, State, Country (optional ZIP) | ATS can parse city and state; avoid full street address. |
| LinkedIn URL | Custom LinkedIn profile link | Example: linkedin.com/in/janesmith. |
| Portfolio/Website | Optional, if relevant to role | Use a clean URL, e.g., janesmith.dev. |
Do: Keep the header to a single line or two lines max. Don’t: Add graphics, icons, or tables – they break ATS parsing.
2. Formatting Rules That Keep ATS Happy
- Plain Text Over Fancy Fonts – Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Avoid Headers/Footers – Many ATS ignore content placed in these sections.
- Use Standard Section Headings –
Contact Informationis optional; most ATS just read the top of the file. - Save as .docx or PDF (ATS‑compatible) – Resumly’s ATS Resume Checker can test your file.
- No Special Characters – Remove emojis, bullet symbols, or decorative separators.
3. Step‑by‑Step Guide to Building the Perfect Header
- Open a blank document in your preferred editor (Word, Google Docs, or Resumly’s AI Resume Builder).
- Type your full name on the first line, centered, bold, 16 pt.
- On the next line, list phone, email, LinkedIn, and location separated by a middle dot (·) or vertical bar (|). Example:
Jane Smith · +1‑555‑123‑4567 · jane.smith@email.com · San Francisco, CA · linkedin.com/in/janesmith - Run the ATS Resume Checker to ensure the header parses correctly.
- Save the file as a .docx first, then export to PDF if needed.
Pro tip: Use Resumly’s AI Resume Builder to auto‑populate the header with the correct format.
4. Checklist: Is Your Header ATS‑Friendly?
- Name is plain text, no titles (e.g., Dr., PhD).
- Phone number includes country code.
- Email address is professional.
- Location is city and state only.
- LinkedIn URL is custom and clickable.
- No graphics, icons, or tables.
- Font is standard (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
- File saved as .docx or ATS‑compatible PDF.
If you tick all boxes, you’re ready for the next stage of resume optimization.
5. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Why It Hurts ATS | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Adding a photo | Many ATS strip images, causing mis‑alignment. | Remove the photo; place it on a separate portfolio site. |
| Using a table for contact info | Tables can be unreadable to parsers. | Switch to plain text with separators. |
| Including “Resume” in the file name | Some systems treat it as duplicate content. | Name file JaneSmith_Resume.docx. |
| Over‑long URLs | Truncate or use a URL shortener. | Use linkedin.com/in/janesmith. |
6. Real‑World Example: Before & After
Before (problematic)
Jane Smith
📞 +1 (555) 123‑4567 | ✉️ jane.smith@email.com | 📍 123 Main St, San Francisco, CA 94105
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-smith-12345/
Portfolio: https://janesmith.design
Issues: emojis, full street address, extra spaces, non‑custom LinkedIn URL.
After (ATS‑friendly)
Jane Smith
+1‑555‑123‑4567 · jane.smith@email.com · San Francisco, CA · linkedin.com/in/janesmith · janesmith.dev
The after version parses cleanly, stays under 2 lines, and highlights the most important contact points.
7. Integrating the Header with the Rest of Your Resume
Once the header is set, the rest of the document should follow a logical, keyword‑rich structure:
- Professional Summary – 2‑3 sentences with target job titles and key achievements.
- Core Competencies – Bullet list of hard and soft skills (use Resumly’s Buzzword Detector to avoid overused terms).
- Work Experience – Reverse‑chronological, with quantifiable results.
- Education & Certifications – Include dates and institutions.
- Additional Sections – Projects, publications, volunteer work.
Each section should be separated by a clear heading (e.g., ## Work Experience). Avoid using custom styles that could confuse the ATS.
8. Leveraging Resumly’s Free Tools for a Polished Header
- ATS Resume Checker – Upload your draft and see a live parsing report.
- Resume Readability Test – Ensure your header (and whole resume) scores high on clarity.
- Career Personality Test – Align your summary with the personality traits employers seek.
- Job Search Keywords – Pull industry‑specific terms to sprinkle in your summary and experience sections.
By combining these tools, you can iterate quickly and keep the header ATS‑friendly while still standing out to human readers.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I include my personal website in the header? A: Yes, if it showcases relevant work (e.g., a design portfolio). Keep the URL short and professional.
Q2: Should I list my full address? A: No. ATS only needs city and state; full street addresses can cause parsing errors and raise privacy concerns.
Q3: Is it okay to use a different font for my name? A: Slightly larger font is fine, but stick to standard typefaces. Fancy fonts may not render in the ATS.
Q4: How many contact lines are optimal? A: One to two lines. Anything beyond that risks being truncated in ATS previews.
Q5: Do ATS systems read LinkedIn URLs? A: Most modern ATS can capture URLs, but ensure the link is clickable and not broken.
Q6: What if the ATS still can’t read my header? A: Run the file through Resumly’s ATS Resume Checker and follow the error suggestions.
Q7: Should I include a professional title (e.g., “Software Engineer”) in the header? A: It’s optional. If you add it, place it after your name on the same line, separated by a pipe.
Q8: How often should I update my contact details? A: Every time any detail changes—phone, email, or location. An outdated header can lead to missed interview calls.
10. Mini‑Conclusion: The Power of a Clean Header
Designing an ATS‑friendly resume header that includes essential contact details is the first gatekeeper in your job‑search journey. By following the formatting rules, using the checklist, and leveraging Resumly’s AI‑driven tools, you ensure that both machines and humans see a professional, reachable candidate.
Ready to put your new header to the test? Try Resumly’s AI Resume Builder today and let the platform auto‑format your contact section while you focus on showcasing your achievements.
11. Next Steps: From Header to Full Application
- Run the ATS Resume Checker – Confirm parsing.
- Optimize keywords – Use the Job Search Keywords tool.
- Craft a compelling summary – Highlight your value proposition.
- Apply with Resumly’s Auto‑Apply – Streamline submissions to multiple job boards.
- Track applications – Use the Application Tracker to stay organized.
By treating the header as the foundation and building a data‑rich, ATS‑compatible resume on top, you dramatically increase the odds of landing that interview.
If you found this guide helpful, explore more career resources on the Resumly Blog and start building your future today.
