You wouldn’t think that something as simple as the heading on your resume would be a big deal, but it really is important. The heading of your resume is the first thing that a potential employer sees and even though it won’t get you the job, it can cause a less than favorable impression. I have seen a lot of really bad resume headings and so I believe that this part of your resume warrants some time and consideration.
Here are a few things to remember when creating your resume heading:
Catch Attention
Your resume heading goes at the top of the page (of course), so it should be eye catching. Make sure that you choose a font size that is big enough to grab attention. I usually recommend to my students that they choose size 14 or 16. Whatever size you choose, it should be one or two steps up from the font you use on the rest of your resume.
Include These
Make sure that your heading includes your full name, your address, your phone number and your email address. A lot of people forget the email address, but it is very important. Besides the fact that this is a very convenient way to contact you, an email address also implies that you can use email and the internet – both important skills in the mind of most employers.
Style
Choose a font size and style that is easy to read and looks professional. This is not the time to play with flowery fonts or crazy styles. Stick with clean, crisp and businesslike.
Overall, it is important to make sure that your heading stands out and that it gives a professional image. Play around on your word processor for a while and make sure that you project the kind of image that employers want.