Your name is the centerpiece of your resume, the first thing recruiters see and remember. But what you place directly under your name can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived.
This small section sets the tone for the rest of your resume, giving hiring managers a quick snapshot of who you are professionally and how you want to present yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a recent graduate, or someone changing careers, knowing what to include under your name helps you highlight your value and stand out in a competitive job market.
Many candidates overlook this area or clutter it with unnecessary details. However, when crafted thoughtfully, the content under your name can communicate your expertise, your personal brand, and your fit for the role—all within seconds.
I’ve seen resumes where a simple addition under the name unlocked doors to interviews and others where a lack of clarity led to missed opportunities. Let’s explore what you should consider placing under your name, why it matters, and how to optimize that space for maximum impact.
Professional Title or Job Role
One of the most common and effective elements to place under your name is a professional title or specific job role. This immediately tells recruiters what you do or what position you’re targeting.
By including a clear, concise professional title, you reinforce your career focus and make it easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to classify your resume. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, listing “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Content Strategist” helps emphasize your relevance.
Choosing the right professional title requires reflecting on the job description and industry standards. Avoid vague labels like “Professional” or “Experienced Worker” and instead opt for specific titles that align with your expertise and the role you want.
Benefits of a Professional Title
- Clarifies your career goals to hiring managers at a glance
- Improves keyword optimization for ATS scanning
- Conveys confidence and professionalism
“A well-chosen professional title can be your first step in making a strong impression.” – Career Coach Insight
Contact Information
Directly beneath your name, including your contact information is essential. This ensures that recruiters can easily reach you without hunting through the resume.
Your contact section typically features your phone number, email address, and sometimes your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Each piece of information should be current, professional, and appropriate for job hunting.
While it might seem obvious, many applicants either forget to update their contact details or use unprofessional email addresses. Make sure your email sounds professional, ideally a variation of your name.
Key Contact Details to Include
- Phone number: Preferably a mobile number where you can be reached anytime
- Email address: Use a professional format like [email protected]
- LinkedIn URL: Customize your profile link to look neat and professional
- Portfolio or website: If relevant to your field, include a link to showcase your work
| Contact Detail | Example | Tip |
| Email Address | [email protected] | Use a personal email, avoid nicknames or unnecessary numbers |
| Phone Number | (123) 456-7890 | Include area code, ensure voicemail greeting is professional |
| linkedin.com/in/janedoe | Keep your profile up to date and consistent with your resume |
Professional Summary or Tagline
Sometimes a brief professional summary or tagline is placed beneath your name to provide a snapshot of your experience and skills. This is especially useful if you want to quickly communicate your unique value proposition.
A well-crafted tagline or summary can highlight your strengths and set you apart from other candidates. For instance, phrases like “Creative Graphic Designer Specializing in Brand Identity” or “Results-Driven Sales Manager with 10+ Years Experience” encapsulate your professional identity.
Keep this section concise, ideally one sentence or a short phrase. Avoid generic buzzwords like “hardworking” without backing them up.
Tips for Writing an Effective Tagline
- Make it role-specific: Tailor the summary to the job you’re applying for
- Use action words: Words like “leading,” “specializing,” or “delivering” add energy
- Keep it brief: Aim for no more than 10 words for maximum impact
“Your tagline is your elevator pitch on paper. Make every word count.” – Hiring Manager Advice
Certifications and Licenses
If you hold certifications or licenses that are crucial to your industry, placing them directly under your name can immediately communicate your qualifications. This is particularly important in fields like healthcare, IT, or finance.
Certifications like “CPA,” “PMP,” “Certified Scrum Master,” or “Registered Nurse” give recruiters confidence in your expertise before they even read your experience.
Display only relevant and current certifications, avoiding overcrowding this space with less important credentials.
How to Present Certifications
- Place acronyms next to your name: Example: Jane Doe, CPA
- List certifications in a separate line: If you have multiple, stack them for clarity
- Use official abbreviations: Stick to recognized forms to avoid confusion
| Field | Certification Example | Placement Style |
| Accounting | CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | After name, e.g., John Smith, CPA |
| Project Management | PMP (Project Management Professional) | Separate line beneath name |
| Healthcare | RN (Registered Nurse) | Next to name or below |
Location or Address
Including your location under your name helps employers understand your geographical context. This can be especially important for roles requiring local candidates or when relocation is a consideration.
You don’t need to provide your full street address—listing your city and state is usually sufficient and respects your privacy.
If you’re open to relocation or remote work, you can mention that to give employers additional context.
Best Practices for Location on Resume
- Use city and state: For example, “Seattle, WA” or “Austin, TX”
- Mention remote availability: Add “Open to Remote Work” if applicable
- Avoid full addresses: Protect your privacy and keep the resume clean
“Location signals can either open doors or close them; be strategic with what you share.” – Recruitment Expert
Social Media and Online Profiles
In today’s digital world, adding links to your professional online presence below your name can provide recruiters a way to explore your work, personality, and endorsements.
Common inclusions are LinkedIn, personal websites, portfolios, or GitHub for developers. Make sure these profiles are up to date and reflect your professional brand.
Only include social media channels that add value to your application. Avoid personal or unrelated social media links.
Which Online Profiles to Include
- LinkedIn: The most widely accepted professional network
- Portfolio or personal website: Great for creatives, writers, designers
- GitHub or Stack Overflow: Essential for software engineers and developers
| Profile Type | When to Include | Example URL |
| Always, if professional and complete | linkedin.com/in/johndoe | |
| Portfolio | For creative and design roles | johndoeportfolio.com |
| GitHub | Software development and programming jobs | github.com/johndoe |
Additional Tips for Customizing Your Header
The space under your name is precious real estate on your resume. Customizing it thoughtfully can improve your chances of catching a recruiter’s eye.
Consider your industry, your career stage, and the specific job you want when deciding what to include. Consistency in formatting and clear presentation are vital to maintaining professionalism.
Always tailor your header for each application. Small changes can align your resume better with the targeted role and company culture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading with information: Keep it simple and relevant
- Using outdated or unprofessional contact details
- Ignoring ATS optimization: Use keywords and titles recruiters seek
- Including unnecessary personal details: Birthdate, marital status, etc., are usually irrelevant
“Your resume header is your handshake on paper—make it firm, friendly, and memorable.” – HR Specialist
For further insights on how names and identity impact first impressions, explore Does Name Matter? How Your Name Shapes First Impressions.
You might also find it interesting to read about Can You Change Your Middle Name Legally? Find Out How for those curious about name adjustments and their professional implications.
Lastly, understanding Does Kofi Show Your Real Name? What You Need to Know can help if you promote your work or portfolio online.
Ultimately, what you put under your name on your resume is a strategic decision that balances professionalism, clarity, and personal branding. By thoughtfully selecting elements such as your professional title, contact information, certifications, and online profiles, you create a powerful first impression that opens doors.
Staying concise and relevant while tailoring these details to each opportunity ensures your resume stands out in a crowded job market. Remember, the small details can have a big impact—your name and what follows it can be the key to landing that next great role.
