A well-crafted resume header might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most important parts of your healthcare resume. As the first section hiring managers see, the header provides key contact details and sets the tone for the rest of your application. In competitive fields like nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy, even a simple header can make or break your chances of landing an interview.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about resume headers—from what they are, to how to write one, and what great examples look like.
What is a Resume Header?
A resume header is the topmost section of your resume, typically placed at the top of the page, and contains your contact information and personal branding details. This section is the first thing hiring managers see and plays a vital role in making a strong first impression.
While brief, a header provides critical information: who you are, how to contact you, and what online profiles showcase your work experience. In today’s digital job market, especially in healthcare, recruiters often skim resumes quickly—so a clear, professional header ensures you’re easy to identify and reach.
Essential Elements for Your Resume Header
Your resume header should include all essential contact details in a clean, easy-to-read format. Here’s what every job seeker should include:
Full Name
Use your full professional name, such as “Sarah L. Thompson,” to convey credibility and consistency. Avoid using nicknames or informal variations that could appear unprofessional. This helps hiring managers match your documents with your LinkedIn profile and other application materials.
Phone Number and Email Address
Provide a current phone number where employers can easily reach you. Choose a professional email address in the format firstname.lastname@email.com to establish a serious tone. Stay away from outdated or informal options like nursequeen88@gmail.com, which can hurt your first impression.
LinkedIn Profile
Add a link to your LinkedIn profile, especially if you’re applying for roles like physician assistant, healthcare administrator, or physical therapist. This gives hiring managers more insight into your work experience and professional background. Always ensure the information aligns with what’s listed on your resume.
City and State (Optional)
While your street address is no longer necessary, including your city and state (e.g., “Seattle, WA”) helps employers quickly identify local candidates. This is especially useful if the job posting prioritizes proximity. If you’re open to relocation, you can note that to widen your opportunities.
Professional Title or Branding Statement (Optional)
Consider adding a professional title or brief branding line like “Registered Nurse | Patient-Focused | BLS Certified” to highlight key credentials. This strengthens your identity as a qualified healthcare candidate. Keep it short and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Avoid These Mistakes:
- Don’t use outdated email providers like AOL or Hotmail—they can make your resume seem outdated.
- Avoid including your full home address unless the employer specifically asks for it.
- Refrain from listing multiple phone numbers or linking to irrelevant sites that distract from your core qualifications.
How to Write a Resume Header
Follow this step-by-step guide to craft a resume header that looks modern, professional, and applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly:
1. Start at the Top
Always place your resume header at the very top of the page, directly above your resume summary or objective. This ensures it’s the first detail a hiring manager sees when reviewing your application. Positioning your contact information here helps create a strong first impression and improves visibility.
2. Use Clear Formatting
Highlight your full name in bold, followed by your phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile, and city in a single line or stacked format. Use dividers like | or • to separate information cleanly and make it easier to scan. Well-formatted headers not only boost readability but are also ATS-friendly and more likely to pass through screening systems.
Example:
Sarah L. Thompson | (555) 123-4567 | sarah.thompson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahthompson | Seattle, WA
3. Tailor Your Details
When applying for a job, customize your resume header based on the location and job posting requirements. If the employer prefers local candidates, include your city and state to align with expectations. If you’re open to relocation, adding that phrase can broaden your opportunities without raising red flags.
4. Maintain Consistency
Use the same resume header format across all your application materials, including your cover letter. Consistency in contact details, formatting, and style helps reinforce your professional image. This also ensures that job seekers present a unified and polished profile to potential employers.
5. Keep ATS in Mind
Avoid using graphics, images, or text boxes in your header, as these can interfere with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Instead, use plain text to ensure your contact information is fully searchable and correctly parsed by the software. A clean, ATS-compliant resume header improves your chances of getting through automated filters and into the hands of a recruiter.
Examples of Resume Headers
Here are a few sample headers tailored for healthcare professionals at different levels:
Nurse Practitioner (With Location and Branding Line)
Jessica Meyers, DNP, FNP-C
(312) 555-8910 | jessica.meyers@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/jmeyers | Chicago, IL
Family Nurse Practitioner | Dedicated to Community Health
Physical Therapist (Without Street Address)
Daniel Kim
(213) 555-7890 | daniel.kim.pt@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/dkimpt
Licensed Physical Therapist | Open to Relocation
Pharmacist (Entry-Level with Portfolio)
Alisha Ray
(917) 555-2233 | alisha.ray@outlook.com | linkedin.com/in/arxray | alisharayportfolio.com | New York, NY
Bad Example (Avoid This Style)
nursequeen88@aol.com | (000) 000-0000 | 456 Fake St., Nowhere, USA | linktree.com/nurseresources
Using a modern resume template can help structure your header cleanly. Templates also help with spacing and font selection, ensuring your document looks polished.
Impress Employers from the First Line of Your Resume
In the competitive healthcare industry, your resume header is your first chance to stand out. A clean, professional, and informative header makes it easier for recruiters to contact you—and more likely that they’ll keep reading your resume.
Whether you’re applying for a nursing role, a pharmacy position, or a healthcare administration job, start strong with a well-crafted resume header that reflects your professionalism and intent.
Let ResuMeds craft a professional healthcare resume that puts your best foot forward—from the first line. Contact us today to get started on your job-winning resume.
