Contact Details and Header

Essential Information

The resume header acts as the candidate's business card; its function is to facilitate immediate communication, not to clutter the resume with irrelevant biographical data.

It is imperative to include the full name and surname, a cell phone number with the international prefix if applying for offers abroad, and an email address that conveys professionalism.

A common mistake is to use email addresses created in adolescence with nicknames or random numbers; a sober combination of first and last name is ideal.

Also, avoid titling the document with obvious phrases such as "Curriculum Vitae" or "Resume"; this is redundant and wastes valuable visual space that should be devoted to the candidate's name or professional title.

In terms of privacy and relevance, data such as marital status, number of children, political or religious affiliation, and identity document number (ID card or passport) should be excluded, unless it is an explicit legal requirement in the destination country.

Including this information is not only unnecessary, but may trigger unconscious biases in the recruiter or take up space that would serve to highlight accomplishments.

Professional photography

The inclusion of photography is a cultural aspect that varies by geography, but if you choose to include it, it must meet high quality standards.

The image should be recent, passport style, with a neutral background (white or light gray) that does not distract attention from the face.

Cutting out group photos from social events, pixelated images or informal selfies should be avoided at all costs, as they denote a lack of care and professionalism.

Imagine the portrait of a contemporary architect: business casual attire, adequate lighting to avoid harsh shadows and a friendly but confident facial expression.

It is not necessary to dress in strict formal attire if the industry does not require it, but it is necessary to show a neat appearance.

A slight smile helps to project empathy and accessibility, breaking the barrier of paper coldness.

It is essential to insert the photo digitally into the document rather than attaching it with paper clips or staples, to avoid detachment or damage to the format.

Finally, always check the regulations of the destination country; in places such as the United Kingdom, United States, Europe, the photo is usually omitted to avoid discrimination.

Professional headline

Below the name, it is strategic to place a "professional headline" that defines who the candidate is in a few words.

Never use passive phrases such as "Unemployed" or "Actively seeking"; instead, state the profession being pursued or the position to which the candidate aspires.

This headline works as a personal brand slogan and helps the recruiter to catalog the profile in the first few seconds of reading.

For example, instead of putting "I'm looking for a job in finance," a strong candidate would write "Senior Financial Analyst | Mergers and Acquisitions Specialist."

This not only clarifies the role, but includes essential keywords for tracking systems.

If the profile is multi-purpose, the headline should be tailored to the specific offering being applied to, ensuring that the first impression is aligned with the company's need.

Summary

The headline should act as an effective business card, prioritizing the name, phone number and a professional email. Avoid cluttering this space with irrelevant personal data or obvious titles.

The photograph is a cultural element that, if included, should be of high quality and have a neutral background. It is essential to avoid cropped social images and ensure a neat appearance that projects empathy.

It is strategic to add a professional headline under the name that clearly defines who the candidate is. This brief tagline helps recruiters and systems catalog the profile immediately.