Are you including a header & footer in your resume? Well, don’t. I don’t know how or why this became a thing, but it’s not only pointless, but dangerous. I’m not aware of any ATS software that can read headers and footers, but since that’s where you’re putting your name and contact information, you’re basically making your resume anonymous. Counterproductive, to put it politely. You have no idea how many people write to me complaining that they’ve sent out countless resumes but never got one response. When I asked them if they use a header, they’re shocked to learn that it wasn’t their candidacy that was rejected, but the nameless, phone number-less, email-less resume that did it.

Headers and footers have a limited purpose. Typically these areas are used for inserting document information, such as the name of the document, the chapter heading, page numbers, and so on. If you’re writing a term paper, or a corporate memo, then sure, go ahead and use the header for the subject and the footer for footnotes. But if you’re writing a resume, don’t even think about it. I posted a short comment on LinkedIn warning job candidates not to use headers and footers, and hiring managers, career coaches and other resume writers left comments that they agree with me, 100%.

Do you need help writing a resume that will get noticed? Let’s talk.

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