How Do You Write a Phone Number on a Resume?

Introduction

Your phone number is one of the most essential elements on your resume, yet it’s also one of the most overlooked when it comes to proper formatting. This simple string of digits serves as a primary point of contact for employers who want to schedule interviews, discuss opportunities, or make job offers. When formatted incorrectly, your phone number becomes difficult to read, easy to misdial, or even suspicious-looking to hiring managers scanning your application.

The way you present your phone number also contributes to the overall professional impression your resume makes. Inconsistent formatting, unnecessary characters, or outdated conventions can subtly suggest inattention to detail. In a competitive job market where small factors differentiate candidates, even contact information formatting matters.

This guide covers everything you need to know about writing your phone number on a resume. You’ll learn the standard formats accepted in different regions, when to include country codes, how to handle multiple phone numbers, and what common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re applying for jobs domestically or internationally, you’ll have the knowledge to present your contact information professionally and clearly.

Standard Phone Number Formats

Different formatting conventions exist depending on your location and the norms of your target job market. Understanding these standards helps you present your number in the format employers expect.

United States Format

The most common format for US phone numbers on resumes uses parentheses around the area code followed by a hyphen separating the next three digits:

(555) 123-4567

This format is widely recognized, easy to read, and clearly indicates an American phone number. Alternative acceptable formats include:

555-123-4567
555.123.4567

All three formats are professionally acceptable in the US job market. Choose whichever matches the overall aesthetic of your resume and maintain consistency throughout your document.

International Format for US Numbers

When applying for international positions or including your US number on a resume that might be viewed globally, add the country code:

+1 (555) 123-4567

+1 555-123-4567

The plus sign (+) before the country code indicates that this is an international dialing format. This convention is universally understood and allows recipients in any country to dial your number correctly.

United Kingdom Format

UK phone numbers on resumes typically appear in these formats:

020 1234 5678 (London landline) 07123 456789 (Mobile) +44 20 1234 5678 (International format)

When applying internationally, use the format with the country code (+44) and drop the leading zero from the local number.

Canadian Format

Canadian phone numbers follow the same format as US numbers, as both countries share the +1 country code:

(555) 123-4567 +1 (555) 123-4567

Include the country code when applying internationally to distinguish from other countries’ numbering systems.

Australian Format

Australian phone numbers appear in various formats:

02 1234 5678 (Landline) 0412 345 678 (Mobile) +61 2 1234 5678 (International format)

For international applications, include the +61 country code and drop the leading zero.

European Formats

European countries have varying conventions. Generally, include the country code for international applications:

Germany: +49 30 12345678
France: +33 1 23 45 67 89
Spain: +34 912 345 678

Research the specific conventions for your country and target job market to ensure appropriate formatting.

Choosing Which Number to Include

Most job seekers have multiple phone numbers available. Choosing the right one—or the right combination—requires considering accessibility, professionalism, and privacy.

Mobile Phone (Recommended)

For most job seekers, a mobile phone number is the best choice for your resume. Mobile numbers offer several advantages:

Direct accessibility: You control when and where you answer, ensuring you never miss important calls.

Voicemail control: You can set up a professional voicemail greeting that represents you well.

Text communication: Some recruiters use text messages for initial contact or scheduling.

Portability: Mobile numbers stay with you regardless of moves or job changes.

Unless you have specific reasons to include other numbers, a single mobile number typically serves job seekers best.

Landline Considerations

Landline numbers can appear on resumes but present some challenges:

Shared access: Others may answer calls, potentially creating unprofessional first impressions.

Limited availability: You can only receive calls when physically present.

Dated perception: Some employers associate landlines with older technology preferences.

If you include a landline, ensure anyone who might answer knows to handle calls professionally, and consider whether limited availability could cause you to miss opportunities.

Work Phone Concerns

Including your current work phone number on a resume is generally inadvisable:

Privacy issues: Taking job search calls at work creates awkward situations and potential consequences.

Professionalism concerns: Using employer resources for personal job searching reflects poorly on your judgment.

Confidentiality risks: Calls to your work number could expose your job search to current colleagues.

Conduct your job search through personal contact information only.

Multiple Phone Numbers

In most cases, include just one phone number to keep your contact section clean and simple. However, multiple numbers might be appropriate when:

You’re relocating and want to show both current and future area codes
You have separate numbers for calls and texts
International applications where providing both local and mobile numbers helps

If including multiple numbers, label them clearly (Mobile: xxx, Home: xxx) and indicate which is preferred.

Phone Number Placement on Your Resume

Your phone number appears in your resume header alongside other contact information. Strategic placement ensures easy access for employers.

Standard Header Placement

The most common approach places contact information centered or left-aligned at the top of your resume:

John Smith [email protected] | (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn.com/in/johnsmith

This format puts all contact information on one or two lines, making it easy for employers to find your phone number quickly.

Single Line Format

Many modern resumes use a single line for all contact information, separated by vertical bars or bullet points:

(555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | City, State

This format works well for clean, minimalist resume designs and saves vertical space.

Stacked Format

Traditional resumes may stack contact information vertically:

John Smith 123 Main Street, City, State 12345 (555) 123-4567 [email protected]

While this format uses more space, it can be easier to read, particularly for more traditional industries.

Mobile Indicators

Some candidates include a label before their phone number:

Mobile: (555) 123-4567 Cell: (555) 123-4567 Phone: (555) 123-4567

These labels are optional. In contemporary resumes, the number alone is typically sufficient, as mobile phones have become the default. However, labels can be helpful when including multiple numbers or when you want to explicitly indicate the number type.

International Job Applications

Applying for positions in other countries requires attention to phone number formatting that ensures international accessibility.

Always Include Country Code

When applying internationally, always include your country code with the plus sign prefix. This formatting tells recipients exactly how to reach you regardless of their location. At 0portfolio.com, professionals targeting international opportunities learn to optimize all contact details for global accessibility.

Correct: +1 (555) 123-4567 Incorrect: (555) 123-4567 (for international applications)

Consider Time Zones

When applying to positions in significantly different time zones, briefly noting your time zone can be helpful:

+1 (555) 123-4567 (EST)

This information helps international recruiters plan appropriate times to call.

International Calling Options

For extensive international job searching, consider:

WhatsApp number: Widely used internationally for professional communication Google Voice: Provides a free US number accessible from anywhere Local numbers: If relocating, obtaining a local number demonstrates commitment

Include any alternative contact methods that might make international communication easier.

Formatting for Specific Regions

Research the phone number conventions in your target country:

Some regions expect spaces between digit groups
Others prefer hyphens or periods
Some use parentheses for area codes, others don’t

While your number should be accurate regardless of formatting, matching local conventions demonstrates cultural awareness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several phone number errors frequently appear on resumes. Avoiding these mistakes ensures your contact information serves you well.

Using Work or Inappropriate Numbers

Never list your current employer’s phone number for job search communications. Similarly, avoid numbers belonging to others (parents, friends) unless absolutely necessary and clearly labeled.

Inconsistent Formatting

If your resume includes multiple numbers or uses a particular formatting style, maintain consistency throughout. Mixing formats (555-123-4567 in one place, (555) 123.4567 in another) appears careless.

Missing or Incorrect Area Codes

Always include your area code, even for local applications. Omitting it forces employers to guess or look up the information. Double-check that your area code is correct—transposition errors in phone numbers are common.

Outdated or Disconnected Numbers

Before submitting any application, verify that the phone number on your resume is current and functional. Call it from another phone to confirm it connects correctly and your voicemail works properly.

Unnecessary Additions

Avoid including elements that don’t add value:

“Phone:” labels when only one number is listed
Multiple numbers when one suffices
Fax numbers (rarely relevant today)
Pager numbers (obsolete)

Keep your contact section clean and essential.

Hard-to-Read Formatting

Some formatting choices make phone numbers difficult to scan:

All digits run together: 5551234567
Excessive separators: 5.5.5.1.2.3.4.5.6.7
Unconventional groupings: 55-5123-4567

Stick to standard, recognizable formats that employers can quickly read and dial.

Non-Professional Voicemail

Your phone number is only as useful as your ability to receive calls effectively. Ensure your voicemail:

Uses a professional greeting with your name
Avoids music, jokes, or unprofessional content
Has adequate space for messages
Is checked and returned promptly

A great phone number loses value if calls go to an unprofessional or full voicemail.

Special Situations

Certain circumstances require modified approaches to phone numbers on resumes.

Relocation Applications

When applying to positions in a different area, your out-of-area phone number might raise questions about your availability or commitment. Options include:

Get a local number: Google Voice or similar services can provide a local area code number.

Address it directly: Note your relocation plans in your cover letter or summary.

Keep your current number: A non-local area code rarely disqualifies candidates, especially in an era of mobile phones and remote work.

Privacy Concerns

If you’re concerned about privacy during your job search:

Use Google Voice: Provides a separate number that forwards to your real phone.

Create a job search-specific line: Some services allow multiple numbers on one phone.

Be selective: Only include your phone number on applications to legitimate employers.

Temporary or Changing Numbers

If your phone number might change during your job search:

Include the most stable number: Choose the number least likely to change.

Update promptly: When your number changes, update all active applications immediately.

Note changes: If following up on applications, mention any contact information changes.

International Moves

If you’re relocating internationally:

Include both numbers: Your current country’s number and, if available, a number in your destination country.

Specify time zones: Help recruiters in both countries understand when to reach you.

Consider messaging apps: WhatsApp, Signal, or similar apps enable international communication without phone bills.

Best Practices for Phone Availability

Having the right phone number on your resume is just the beginning. Being available and responsive when employers call matters equally.

Professional Voicemail Setup

Record a clear, professional voicemail greeting:

“Hello, you’ve reached John Smith. I’m unable to take your call right now, but please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.”

Avoid cutesy greetings, loud music, or anything that might seem unprofessional to a recruiter or hiring manager.

Call Screening Strategy

During active job searching, develop a strategy for answering calls:

Answer calls from unknown numbers professionally
Have pen and paper ready to take notes
Step away from noisy environments before answering
If you can’t talk, let it go to voicemail and return the call promptly

Response Time Expectations

In the job search world, speed matters. Return missed calls from potential employers within a few hours when possible, and certainly within 24 hours. Slow response times can cost you opportunities as employers move forward with more responsive candidates.

Managing Multiple Time Zones

If applying to positions in different time zones, consider when your phone might ring:

Be prepared for early morning or late evening calls
Include time zone information when appropriate
Specify preferred call times in communications

Conclusion

Your phone number may seem like a minor resume detail, but proper formatting and presentation contribute to the professional image your application conveys. The standard formats covered in this guide ensure employers can easily read, dial, and reach you. International formats enable global job searching. Avoiding common mistakes prevents unnecessary barriers between you and potential employers.

Remember that the phone number on your resume represents a promise of accessibility. When employers see your number, they expect to reach a professional who’s responsive and ready to discuss opportunities. Ensure your voicemail, availability, and response habits support this expectation.

Take a moment to review the phone number currently on your resume. Is it formatted correctly for your target job market? Does it use the appropriate country code for international applications? Is the number current and connected to a professional voicemail? These simple checks can prevent missed opportunities and ensure that when employers want to talk to you, nothing stands in the way.

Your contact information exists to enable opportunity. With proper phone number formatting and professional phone habits, you ensure that promising connections can happen whenever employers decide to call.

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