How to Write Contact Information That Gets Your Resume Noticed

By Indeed Editorial Team

February 22, 2021

Your resume is one of the most important tools you'll use to communicate your skills, qualities and qualifications when applying for jobs. Employers typically skim resumes at first, so it is important to understand how to effectively write and format your resume to get their attention right away.

One important element that should appear near the top of your resume is your contact information. A well-organized contact information section should be complete and easy to find so a potential employer can reach you easily and efficiently. In this article, we will explain the best ways to include your contact information on your resume.

What is contact information?

Your contact information is used to contact you, and can include information such as your name, phone number and email. It could also include your professional profile, if you have one and if necessary or relevant for the jobs you're applying for.

During the hiring process, employers use the contact information listed on your resume to provide updates about your job application, including getting in touch to schedule initial interviews and filling out paperwork regarding your pending employment.

Which contact information to include on your resume

Here are five essential pieces of information you should include on your resume for it to be complete:

Name

You should include your full name (first and last) at the top of your resume. A resume is not a legal document, so it is acceptable to use your preferred name on your resume. You will use your legal name for other official documents during the hiring process, such as background checks and insurance forms. There are many formatting options for writing your name, depending on your goal—here are just a few examples:

Samuel Wu
Sam Wu
Sam "Taylor" Wu
Taylor Wu
S. Taylor Wu
Sam T. Wu

Remember, your resume is usually an employer's first encounter with you, so you should represent yourself the way you want to be seen.

Email

Most job postings are now online, so it is advisable to include your email address as part of your contact information. You should use an email that appears professional and clean. If you are unsure whether your current email is professional, it may be a good idea to create a new one to include on resumes.

For example, instead of using, "bballguy88@email.com," use something like "henry.ramirez@email.com." The simpler your email address is, the better. Using some form of your name also makes it easier for employers, hiring managers and recruiters to locate your correspondence in their inbox.

Physical mailing address

Because much of the hiring processes now conducted online, including your physical address on your resume is no longer as necessary as it used to be. It might also be a valid safety concern for you, as you send your resume out to several employers online.

Your physical address could include your street address, house number, block number, city, state or zip code. If you do decide to include your address, you might simply include your city and state, or maybe even just your state. If your employer needs more information, you can provide it upon request.

Phone number

Your current phone number is another important part of your contact information because as allows your employer to talk to you directly. Sometimes employers want to contact a potential candidate through the phone to conduct a phone interview or to clarify some information throughout the hiring process, so having your phone number on your resume makes it easy for them to call you.

It is advisable to turn your voicemail services on and to create a personalized and professional voicemail. This tells the employer they have reached the right person and makes it easier for you to respond to any missed calls.

Link(s) to professional portfolios or profiles

Including a link to an online professional profile or portfolio gives your potential employer more information about you and is a good addition to your contact information if this is common or required in your industry or role. Reread the job posting to understand whether the employer requires proof of your work in this way.

How to format contact information on your resume

You can format your contact information so it is left-justified or centered. Here are the steps you can follow for either format:

Write your full name in a bold and slightly larger font at the top of your resume. Make sure it is legible with a simple, professional font.
Write your email address under your name.
After the email address, add your phone number.
Include physical mailing address next (optional).
Finally, include your professional profile link, if you have one.
When you finish writing your contact information, proofread to ensure it is error-free with clean, easy-to-read formatting.

Contact information example

Left-justified

Asaf Samara
asafsamaradesign.com
a.samara@email.com | 555.610.6155 | Phoenix, AZ

Centered