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We will now begin to walk through each part of a resume, so please be sure to have your
resume sample document handy, so that you can refer to it as we discuss each part of
the resume. In this section, I will be discussing the resume "Heading" so you understand how
to best structure the heading on your resume. You will learn what information should be
included, along with some important tips to keep in mind.
Your heading is a very important part of your resume -- it lets the reader know your name,
and most importantly, how to contact you to set up an interview!
Your heading should be listed at the very top of your resume and include such things
as your: Name, Address, Phone Number, and E-mail address
Your name should be bold and typically a little larger font size then the rest of the document,
so it stands out. The name listed on your resume should be your full or formal name.
Try to avoid using any nick names. However, if you never use your full name, but use the
shortened version, it is acceptable to list your formal name, followed by the shortened
name you use, in parenthesis, and then your last name. For example, if your name is Robert
Jones and you always go by Bob, you can list it as Robert (Bob) Jones, if you prefer. This
way when the employer contacts you, they know how to address you.
Your address should include your full address. If you are not comfortable listing your home
address on your resume, you may want to consider adding a PO Box number. You always want to
be sure to add your city and state on your resume. Because, keep in mind, although you
may only be applying to local jobs, often times your resume is being reviewed by a corporate
or regional recruiter, who is located in a different state, and it will be important
for them to know where all of the candidates are physically located for various reasons.
Your phone number is also a must have on your resume, as the first point of contact from
the employer, will typically come from a phone call. It is fine to list two phone numbers
on your resume, such as a home number and a cell phone number; however, if one of those
numbers is very easy to reach you at, and you have a voicemail system set up that you
retrieve daily, then you may want to consider only listing one number. Often times this
will make it easier on the employer. However, if you do use more than one number on your
resume, be sure to differentiate the numbers by listing "home" or "cell" in parenthesis
after the phone number. HERE'S A TIP: it is not only important to have voicemail set up
on the phone number that you listed, it is also very important to have a professional
sounding voicemail message attached to that phone. If your message is not professional,
courteous, or appropriate for a prospective employer to hear, then you must change your
voicemail message immediately, before the employers start calling you!
Your e-mail address is also an important piece of your resume header. Employers may decide
to reach you by e-mail, or at some point in the application and interviewing process will
most likely need to send you information electronically, so it's important that they have your e-mail
from the start. HERE'S ANOTHER TIP: just like your voicemail message, your e-mail address
needs to be professional and appropriate for a prospective employer to see. We have all
seen unprofessional or un-business like e-mail addresses before, such as pratyboy@yahoo.com.
If your e-mail address is not professional sounding, it may negatively impact you. You
never know who may read your resume, and the smallest thing may be a deciding factor as
to whether or not they call you for an interview. If your e-mail address is not professional,
or appropriate for a prospective employer to see, then you must create a new address
immediately. E-mail addresses are easy to create, and they are free! Using something
like your name or initials is appropriate. Also, you do not need to delete your old address.
You can still keep it for personal use, if you wish, but use your new, professional e-mail
address for your resume and anything else related to your job search.
A couple of optional items that can be used in your resume header, include your LinkedIn
web address or a web address to your online portfolio, if you have one. LinkedIn is a
professional networking site. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you may want to include
your URL in the header section, be sure that your profile is 100% completed and that you
have recommendations and endorsed skills on your profile, so the prospective employers
can see this information. If you are in the field of visual communication
& graphic design or any of the creative arts, it is recommended to have an online portfolio
for prospective employers and clients to view your work. Including the web address of your
online portfolio will be important for the employers to see, and may even give you the
leading edge against other candidates who do not include this information on their resume.
You now have the information you need to create an effective resume header!