How to write the Contact Details section of your resume (with examples)
The contact information section of your resume is the easiest to complete. There are slightly different expectations depending on the country you're applying for jobs in. However, the key details you need to include are:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Address (optional)
This allows recruiters or hiring managers to contact you to schedule interviews or request more information for your application.
Your contact section should sit at the very top of your resume, where it's easy to find and read.
1. Include your full name
Use your preferred professional name (the one you use on LinkedIn and in professional emails). Avoid nicknames unless they’re part of your personal brand.
2. Use a professional email address
Make sure the email address you use is professional e.g. firstname.lastname@gmail.com. Avoid using an email you created as a joke e.g. missy_superstar@hotmail.com.
3. Phone number
Include your mobile number in international format, such as +44 7XXX XXX XXX.
This means recruiters abroad can reach you easily. This is particularly useful for remote or international job applications.
It's worth double checking that your voicemail greeting sounds professional before sharing your resume. Recruiters often try to reach candidates with a phone call.
4. Adding a home address
Including an address can be helpful if you're applying for a job in your local area. However, you don't usually need to include your full address. Something like "London, UK" is generally enough to show the recruiter that you're a local candidate.
Avoid including your full home address unless the job description specifically asks for it.
Date of birth
Date of birth - UK, US, CA, AU, NZ
If you're applying for a job in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, do not include your date of birth. It increases the likelihood that HR managers will reject your resume because they don't want to be accused of unconscious bias. Age is protected characteristic, meaning companies can't discriminate against you in the hiring process based on how old you are.
Date of birth - India
It's more common to include your date of birth on resumes in India but it's still not strictly necessary. If you're unsure then it's probably still safer to include your date of birth.
Optional but helpful extras
Modern resumes often include more ways for recruiters to learn about you:
LinkedIn profile: Include a customised URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/johnsmith)
Portfolio or website: Great for designers, developers, or marketers
GitHub: If you're a developer and have public work to show off
Professional social profiles: Only if relevant to your work or industry e.g. if you're applying for a social media marketing role
If you include any of the above, make sure the links are clickable in your PDF document before sharing your resume.
What not to include in the contact info section of your resume
Some details that used to be common on resumes are no longer appropriate:
Marital status, religion, or gender: These are personal details, not relevant to hiring (unless you're applying for jobs in India)
Headshot: Unless explicitly requested or you’re applying in a country where it’s standard (e.g. Germany or France)
Unprofessional email or voicemail
Formatting tips for the contact details section of your resume
Keep it at the top of your resume, clearly separated from other sections
Use a readable font and size (12 pt)
Make sure URLs are clickable and open the right web page
Avoid placing contact details inside headers, footers, or images. Applicant Tracking Systems may not be able to read them
Example layout for your contact info section
Matthew Callery
London, UK | +44 7123456789 | mcallery@gmail.com
Common mistakes to avoid
Misspelling your email address
Forgetting to update your phone number
Using an email that you don't regularly check
Listing irrelevant or private social media profiles
Inconsistencies between your resume and LinkedIn profile
Build it instantly with CV Engineer
If you’re using the CV Engineer app, you can fill out your contact details in seconds. Our templates automatically format them, ensuring your resume looks polished and ATS-friendly.
Open the app and tap "Contact Info" on the main menu. Your changes update instantly across all our resume templates.
Next steps
Once your contact info section is complete, move on to your Personal Statement.
Download CV Engineer for FREE
Scan to download
