31+ Resume Headline Examples [You Can Use In 2023]
If we were to compare your resume to an online article, your name would be the author and the resume headline would be...
You guessed it: the article headline .
It’s what makes the reader click on the article in the first place because they want to know more about the issue.
If you want to make recruiters “click” on your resume, a concise and impactful resume headline is what you should aim for.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to achieve just that!
- What’s a resume headline & why it’s important
- How to write an effective resume headline
- 31+ resume headline examples to take inspiration from
What’s a Resume Headline & Why It’s Important?
Article comparisons aside, a resume headline is a catchy one-liner that highlights your experience and skills , briefly introducing you to the recruiter.
Why is it so important?
Well, typically recruiters skim over each resume for a brief 7 seconds only and then decide if it’s going to the “rejection” or “maybe” pile of resumes.
Your goal is to not only make it to the “maybe” pile but also to convince the recruiter you’re a top candidate.
Your resume headline basically dishes your skills out and shows the recruiter you’re relevant for the position right away.
If it’s written the right way, it will encourage them to read further.
That said, there’s also another awesome advantage of using a resume header:
It will help get your resume past an Applicant Tracking System.
An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS in short, is the recruiters’ best friend. It’s a type of software that scans the resumes of all applicants and sends the recruiter only the “matches”.
About 75% of applicants are rejected through this process alone!
So, how does the software work? Well, ATS scans your resume, looking for relevant keywords and experiences. If it doesn’t find them, the resume is automatically rejected.
Having a good resume headline, though, helps prevent this, as the software can immediately see your professional title and identify that you’re relevant for the job.
There’s a lot more to passing Applicant Tracking Systems than just a good resume headline. To learn more, check out our (free) resources:
- How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume
- How to Use Keywords to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems
Resume Headline VS Resume Title - What’s the Difference?
Before we teach you how to write a compelling resume headline, here’s a quick memo:
A resume headline is not the same thing as a resume title .
Both of them need to be carefully written and targeted to the job position, but they have their differences.
While a resume title simply states your professional title, a resume headline also mentions your skills and years of experience.
To make things clearer, let’s say you’re an HR specialist applying for an HR manager’s position. Your title would be:
- Human Resources Specialist
Whereas, your resume headline would be:
- HR specialist with 4+ years of experience in helping medium to large corporations hire IT professionals.
How to Write a Resume Headline
The fact that it’s so short makes writing a resume headline both easy and hard.
You only have to sit down and write a few words, BUT those few words have to be well-thought and spot-on.
Although there’s no set rule on how a headline should look, the structure below has become pretty standard:
Job Title + Years of Experience + Skill/Specific Task/Impressive Achievement
Get that right and you’re already halfway towards a perfect resume headline!
For that other 50%, keep in mind the following tips:
- Keep it short. The point of the header itself is to give a concise statement that can be read in a matter of seconds. If it’s longer than a catchy one sentence, it turns into a resume objective or resume summary .
- Place it right. Your resume headline should be the first thing to come right after your name and surname. It is an introduction to everything else on your resume, after all.
- Use title case and a slightly larger font than the rest of the text. Your resume headline should stand out. Make sure it’s not too exaggerated or flashy, though.
- Use action verbs and power words instead of overused terms like “motivated” or “team-player”. Stick to concrete skills that you can support with your experiences.
- Present over future. This is not the place to talk about your career goals , so focus on what you currently do and what you have achieved so far.
- 1-2 skills max. You should leave the rest for the skills section and only mention your top skill/s that also match what the job you’re applying for requires.
- If you’re a recent graduate with no work experience , focus on your top skills and proficiencies , as well as any impressive extracurricular experience .
- On the same note, if you only have around 1 or 2 years of experience, we’d recommend focusing more on your achievements and skills instead of experiences.
- New job, new headline. Since it’s the first thing the recruiter reads on your resume, make sure it’s targeted to the position you are applying for.
- Write many and pick one. For each application, write down a few versions of your headline, check how they look and sound, and pick the one that seems like the best way to describe yourself.
31+ Resume Headline Examples
Still not sure how to write an effective resume headline?
Don’t worry - we’ve got your back!
Get inspired from the resume headline examples below!
- Supply chain manager with 6+ years of experience in steering large-scale manufacturing environments.
- Engineer specialized in machine learning and data mining.
- History graduate with internship experience as art curator.
- Marketing executive that has helped generate $500k+ in revenue.
- Office assistant with years of experience in fast-paced work environments.
- Multilingual sales associate with 2+ years of experience in retail.
- Seasoned copywriter and google ads specialist.
- Experienced marketing director and mba candidate.
- E-commerce senior developer with 6+ years of experience in creating, managing, and maintaining databases.
- Experienced restaurant manager in overseeing operations of highly-frequented restaurants with a staff of 20+ people.
- Legal professional with 3+ years of experience in paralegal work.
- Business student and founder of x university's sustainability club.
- Pharmacist with 12+ years in the pharmaceutical service industry.
- Videographer and winner of Netflix short documentary competition fund.
- Recent engineering graduate with work experience as teaching assistant.
- Computer scientist with professional experience in cybersecurity.
- Seasoned chef with experience in two Michelin star restaurants.
- Dynamic barista with 4+ years of experience in customer service.
- Financial planner with deep understanding and experience in investment banking practices.
- Senior accountant providing cost reduction strategies for a diverse range of clientele.
- Data analyst with 4+ years of experience in the marketing analytics field.
- Business development manager with experience in managing projects with an annual budget of over $2-3.
- Experienced cashier providing efficient and accurate service in the food industry.
- Biology high school teacher with 10+ years of experience in teaching.
- Graphic designer with experience in designing over 30 different websites from start to finish.
- Project manager with a background in computer science and focus on software projects.
- Financial consultant with experience in mentoring and helping startups raise funding.
- Sales associate with a long track record of hitting & exceeding KPIs.
- Store manager experienced in supervising teams of 10+ associates.
- Library science graduate with internship experience as book acquisitor and organizer.
- Content writer with 5+ years of experience in creating high-quality SEO content.
- Honors graduate with experience in website development using java and python.
Key Takeaways
And that’s about it on resume headlines!
Once you’ve created several variations of your resume headline, you’ll discover that it’s actually pretty easy!
Before you start working on your headline, though, let’s go over the main points we covered in this article:
- A resume headline is a concise introduction to your work experience, skills, and professional background.
- Having a good headline will encourage recruiters to look deeply into your resume.
- A resume headline can also allow you to bypass applicant tracking systems & ensure that your CV gets read by a recruiter.
- When writing your headline use the following structure: Job Title + Work Experience + Skill/Achievement.
Now it’s time to get creative and write down some headlines!
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- Career Planning
- Finding a Job
How To Write a Resume Headline
Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.
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Tips for Writing a Resume Headline
Resume headline examples, resume headlines vs. resume profiles.
- Examples of Headlines With Profiles
Resume Example with a Headline
Frequently asked questions (faqs).
What's a resume headline, and how can it help you showcase your credentials? A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate.
Located at the top of your resume under your name and contact information, a headline allows a recruiter to see, quickly and concisely, what makes you the right person for the job.
Resume headlines are ideal for candidates with a lot of experience. A headline allows you to condense your skills and work experience into a brief phrase that will quickly impress the hiring manager. However, less experienced applicants can also use headlines to highlight personal attributes and skills.
Read below for tips on writing a resume headline, as well as resume headline examples.
Key Takeaways
- A resume headline is a way to show an employer why you're an excellent match for the job.
- Your resume headline should be a brief phrase that highlights your key skills, qualification, and attributes.
- It’s important to customize your headline for each job you apply for.
- You can also add a profile that includes a short paragraph or a series of bulleted points that summarizes your value as a candidate to your resume.
Katie Kerpel / The Balance
- Keep It Concise: A resume headline should be one brief phrase; it should not even be a complete sentence. The goal is to concisely state your value as a candidate. Anything longer than a phrase defeats the purpose of a headline.
- Capitalize Your Headline: Capitalize the words in your headline so that it looks like a title to your resume. This is a helpful way to make your headline stand out.
- Make a Match: After reading the job listing, make a list of the skills, experience, and attributes that make you a strong candidate. Then incorporate these into your headline. This will get the hiring manager's attention and show that you're a match for the job.
- Write a New Headline for Each Job: While it will be a little extra work, be sure to create a new headline for each job application. Again, this alerts hiring managers that you’ve taken the time and care to tailor your resume specifically to their job opening (as opposed to sending them a generic resume).
- Use Keywords: Use keywords that demonstrate your skills and/or experiences as related to the job listing. Using words directly from the job listing for which you are applying will demonstrate that you are a good fit for the job. If possible, use the job title in your headline.
- Avoid Clichés: Because you want your headline to make you stand out as a strong candidate, avoid clichés that employers probably see on every resume. Phrases like “hard worker” and “good communication skills” are common on resumes, and do not provide much information on what makes you unique.
By highlighting your experience and skills and using keywords, you will individualize your headline and impress the hiring manager.
Reviewing a few examples of good resume headlines will help you when coming up with your own. Notice how these are brief and attention-grabbing, much like a catchy title to an article that makes you want to read on.
- Goal-Oriented Senior Accountant with Five Years of Accounting Experience
- Successful Manager of Dozens of Online Marketing Campaigns
- Cook with Extensive Fine Dining Experience
- Award-Winning Editor Skilled in Web Design
- Detail-Oriented History Student with Curatorial Experience
- Army Veteran Awarded for Determination and Strong Work Ethic
- Bilingual Nursing Graduate with Experience in Rural Health Care
- Honor-Roll Student with Tutoring Experience in Numerous Subjects
Resume headlines are similar to resume profiles in that both provide a brief summary of an applicant’s qualifications. However, a resume headline is one brief phrase, whereas a resume profile is a small paragraph or series of bulleted points.
Remember that resume profiles are different from resume objectives . In an objective, you write about the position you are seeking, not your skills.
A profile is typically not capitalized like a headline is. For these reasons, headlines are even more eye-catching than profiles. Some applicants may include both a headline and a resume profile, using the headline to attract the reader, and then a profile to provide further information.
Examples of Resume Profiles with Headlines
Resume headline sample #1.
Detail-Oriented Worker with Years of Administrative Experience
- Successfully implemented an innovative scheduling system to efficiently organize meetings and travel schedules.
- Award-winning customer service skills.
- Fluent in Spanish.
Resume Headline Sample #2
IT Professional with 10 Years of Experience in Software Support
- Skilled at operating on a wide range of platforms.
- Experience training interns and new hires in various software.
- Capable of explaining complex software issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Resume Headline Sample #3
Sales Executive with Experience in Insurance and Healthcare Management
Created and implemented sales strategies to achieve 35% revenue growth per year. Highly effective management skills; able to motivate sales force and design incentive programs to achieve short- and long-term sales goals.
Resume Headline Example #4
Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 8 Years’ Success Supporting Students K-12
- Well-versed in tailoring IEPs to enhance students’ skill attainment and emotional development.
- Easily build collaborative rapport with students, parents, teachers, and other staff.
- Trained and certified in Crisis Prevention Institute protocols, first aid, and CPR.
Resume Headline Example #5
Detail-oriented Controller Providing Flawless Financial Reporting in Manufacturing Sector
Skillfully led accounting teams in uncompromised month-end close processes for corporate AP/AR, payroll, bank reconciliations, and journal adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP standards. Diligent in maintaining financial controls and performing internal audits.
Here's an example of a resume with a headline and a template to download (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
The Balance
Does a resume need an objective?
Resume objectives are considered to be outdated and don’t need to be included on a resume. Instead, you can include a profile or summary that showcases your most relevant qualifications for a job.
How many years of experience should you list on a resume?
Ten to fifteen years is the standard amount of work experience to include on a resume, but you may want to include more, depending on the employer's job requirements and how your experience fits those requirements. For example, if jobs you held earlier in your career are a match for the position for which you're applying, you may want to list them.
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How to Perfect Your Resume Headline (+Examples)
Published: June 27, 2023
Picture this: A busy hiring manager is sifting through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes. How can you make yours stand out in a sea of sameness? Enter the resume headline, your secret weapon to grab their attention and keep them hooked.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll share everything you need to know about resume headlines, from what they are to how to craft the perfect one. We’ll also discuss 25+ examples and dive into what makes each shine.
Whether you're a fresh-faced graduate or a seasoned expert, this step-by-step guide will help you create a winning headline that sets you apart from the competition. So, buckle up and get ready to elevate your job search with the best resume headlines.
Table of Contents
What are resume headlines?
Why resume headlines matter, how to write a resume headline, resume headline examples.
A resume headline, or a resume title or summary, is a brief, eye-catching phrase placed at the top of your resume, right below your name and contact information.
It serves as a powerful introduction to your resume, highlighting your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments concisely. Think of it as your personal tagline or an elevator pitch that quickly and effectively communicates your unique value proposition to potential employers.
Resume headlines play a crucial role in capturing the attention of hiring managers and setting the tone for the rest of your resume. A good resume headline entices the reader to learn more about you, ultimately increasing the chances of securing an interview.
In a competitive job market, having a strong and memorable one-liner as a resume headline can make all the difference in setting you apart from other candidates.
Not sure how to get started with crafting your resume? Check out our collection of resume templates .
In today's fast-paced job market, hiring managers often take only six to seven seconds to scan each resume before deciding whether to move forward with a candidate.
That's where resume headlines come in, making a powerful first impression and conveying your most valuable qualifications right off the bat.
They can even stand out from the pile of resumes within a company’s applicant tracking system, which about 75% of companies use.
After perfecting your headline, it’s time to write your full resume. Ready to get started? Check out our resume tips to help you land that job, with advice directly from experienced recruiters.
Benefits of Resume Headlines
Here are some key benefits of using a resume headline.
Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to showcase your familiarity with the industry and the specific role.
Edit and refine.
Once you've drafted your resume headline, take a step back and review it with a critical eye. Edit and refine your headline to ensure it's concise, clear, and free of any spelling or grammatical errors.
Ask for feedback from a trusted friend or colleague to ensure your headline effectively conveys your unique value proposition.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to write a resume headline, let's explore real-life examples that showcase the principles we've discussed.
These examples of resume headlines span industries and levels of experience, and they all do a great job of grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.
Note how each headline is tailored to the job and emphasizes the candidate's strengths, accomplishments, and work experience.
Entry-level Resume Headline Examples
1. Enthusiastic Marketing Graduate with a Strong Academic Background in Digital Advertising
Best for: Marketing graduates seeking entry-level roles
What we like: A few vivid adjectives ending with a focus on the applicant’s background make this headline upbeat.
2. Detail-Oriented Finance Major with Internship Experience at Top Investment Firm
Best for: Finance students pursuing roles in the financial sector
What we like: This headline captures a key characteristic of the applicant and highlights their most important experience to date.
3. Driven Sales Associate with Proven Track Record in Customer Satisfaction and Retention
Best for: Recent graduates pursuing sales roles
What we like: The claim to a “proven track record” directs hiring managers to scan the rest of the resume to find said track record.
Mid-level Professional Resume Headline Examples
4. Experienced Project Manager with a 90% On-Time Delivery Record
Best for: Professionals with project management experience seeking a leadership role
What we like: Including the record percentage provides a concrete metric for hiring managers to consider.
5 . Certified Software Engineer Specializing in Full Stack Development and Agile Methodologies
Best for: Software engineers looking to showcase their technical expertise
What we like: This headline names specific areas of specialization, highlighting exactly what this candidate offers.
6. Bilingual HR Specialist with Expertise in Recruitment and Talent Management
Best for: HR professionals targeting roles in multicultural organizations
What we like: Naming a special skill, like being bilingual, immediately sets this candidate apart.
Senior-level Professional Resume Headline Examples
7 . Visionary CMO with 10+ Years of Experience Driving Brand Growth and Revenue
Best for: Senior marketing professionals seeking executive roles
What we like: This headline specifies the number of years of experience, immediately giving the candidate credibility as a leader.
8. Award-Winning Sales Director with a History of Consistently Exceeding Sales Targets
Best for: Goal-oriented sales executives looking to showcase their achievements
What we like: These are big claims in the headline — and a great option if you can support them with evidence in the rest of your resume.
9. Innovative Product Manager with a Track Record of Successful Product Launches
Best for: Product managers with experience in bringing new products to the market
What we like: The adjective at the beginning, “innovative,” pairs nicely with the action of “successful product launches.”
Technology and Engineering Resume Headline Examples
10. Certified Data Analyst with Expertise in SQL, Python, and Tableau
Best for: Data analysts seeking roles in data-driven organizations
What we like: Naming the candidate’s specific expertise immediately lets recruiters know if the candidate is fit for the job.
11. Civil Engineer Specializing in Infrastructure Development and Sustainable Design
Best for: Civil engineers targeting roles in environmentally-conscious firms
What we like: Highlighting specific areas allows the recruiter to know whether they want to keep reading or not.
12. Cybersecurity Expert with 5+ Years of Experience Protecting Enterprise Networks
Best for: IT professionals focusing on cybersecurity
What we like: This headline emphasizes the candidate’s area of experience, likely because they’re looking for another job with an enterprise network.
Healthcare and Sciences Resume Headline Examples
13. Registered Nurse with 7 Years of Experience in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine
Best for: Experienced nurses targeting specialized healthcare roles
What we like: Putting the number of years in the headline saves the recruiter the time of calculating years of experience based on the dates listed in the resume.
14. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative with a Proven Record of Increasing Market Share
Best for: Sales professionals in the pharmaceutical industry
What we like: This headline is simple and direct.
15. Environmental Scientist Specializing in Climate Change Mitigation and Policy Development
Best for: Scientists pursuing roles in environmental research and policy
What we like: The word “specializing” can be used for candidates with experience in their area or those who are just starting out but focused their studies on that particular topic.
Education and Training Resume Headline Examples
16. Passionate Elementary School Teacher with 10 Years of Experience Fostering Student Success
Best for: Educators seeking roles in primary education
What we like: “Student success” is a great general phrase that captures what good teachers do best, which can be elaborated on in the resume below.
17. Corporate Trainer with a Focus on Leadership Development and Employee Engagement
Best for: Professionals in organizational development and training
What we like: Providing the focus gives the hiring agent a better idea of the candidate’s experience than simply the job title.
18. Instructional Designer with a Track Record of Creating Engaging eLearning Content
Best for: Instructional designers targeting roles in online learning
What we like: This headline focuses on the accomplishments of the candidate.
Creative and Media Resume Headline Examples
19. Art Director with a Portfolio of Award-Winning Campaigns for Global Brands
Best for: Creative professionals in advertising and design
What we like: “Award-winning” and “global brands” are attention-grabbing words that are sure to intrigue a hiring manager to read on.
20. Social Media Strategist with a History of Boosting Brand Awareness and Engagement
Best for: Social media specialists targeting roles in marketing
What we like: Modest and to the point, this headline simply states what the candidate has accomplished and implies what they can do in their next job.
21. Seasoned Journalist with a Passion for Investigative Reporting and Multimedia Storytelling
Best for: Journalists seeking roles in news organizations
What we like: “Seasoned” nicely implies experience without listing the number of years, while the two stated passions strongly describe this candidate.
Business and Finance Resume Headline Examples
22. Certified Public Accountant with a Strong Background in Financial Analysis and Reporting
Best for: Accounting professionals targeting roles in finance
What we like: This headline succinctly lists the candidate’s qualifications and background.
23. Operations Manager with 8 Years of Experience in Streamlining Processes and Reducing Costs
Best for: Professionals with operations management experience seeking leadership roles
What we like: Operations managers do lots of things, so emphasizing two key areas helps recruiters get to know this candidate better quickly.
24. Supply Chain Expert with a Track Record of Improving Efficiency and Reducing Lead Times
Best for: Professionals in logistics and supply chain management
What we like: Improving efficiency and reducing lead times are essential parts of this job, so listing them upfront is a good idea.
Customer Service and Retail Resume Headline Examples
25. Customer Service Manager Committed to Enhancing the Customer Experience and Building Loyalty
Best for: Customer service professionals targeting managerial roles
What we like: “Committed” is another flexible word that a seasoned or aspiring manager can use to share their values in their headline.
26. Retail Store Manager with a History of Increasing Sales and Reducing Employee Turnover
Best for: Retail professionals seeking store management positions
What we like: You’d expect a successful retail manager to increase sales, but this headline also shares another important achievement: reducing employee turnover. Be sure to highlight what you have done and what you can do in your next position.
27. Hospitality Professional with 5+ Years of Experience in Event Planning and Coordination
Best for: Professionals in the hospitality industry targeting event planning roles
What we like: Years of experience make this headline stand out.
Sealing the Deal With an Effective Resume Headline
In a competitive job market, the power of a captivating resume headline can't be overstated. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a headline that grabs attention and highlight your unique strengths.
Remember to tailor your headline to the specific job requirements, showcase your unique selling points, and maintain a concise, clear, and impactful style.
With a winning resume headline, you'll capture the interest of hiring managers and increase your chances of securing your dream job.
So, go ahead and perfect that headline — your future self will thank you!
Don't forget to share this post!
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How to Write a Headline for Your Resume – Resume Title Tips
For some, a resume can be a lot like a newspaper. The most important information is in the small print however, what really motivates people to continue reading are the headlines. Many hiring managers look at a resume the same way.
If you want to grab their attention and get them to continue reading you’ll need a resume headline that works .
With an innovative resume builder and our advice below, you’ll be able to quickly tailor your headline to the job you want and get a hiring manager interested in reading the rest of your resume.
What Is a Resume Headline?
If you’ve heard of headlines and titles on a resume you may be wondering if they are one and the same.
Yes, resume titles and resume headlines refer to the same thing – a short sentence that appears below your name on your resume.
Your headline has one mission. To get the employer to keep reading .
A well-written headline will highlight your experience and skills in a way that makes a good first impression and catch the attention of the hiring manager.
Novelist Stephen King said of his writings, “An opening line should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.”
Your resume headline must have the same effect.
Difference between resume headlines and resume profiles
It’s crucial to know the difference between a “Resume Headline” and a “Resume Profile”. Both serve unique functions and can be instrumental in making your application stand out.
Resume Headline
The resume headline is a brief and concise statement of your professional expertise and skills. Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s essentially the title of your professional narrative
- It’s placed at the top of your resume, following your contact information
- It’s a phrase that shows off your key skills and experiences
Resume Profile
Resume profiles on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive overview of your professional identity. It includes:
- A more detailed summary of your skills, experiences, and goals.
- Typically located under the headline or at the beginning of the resume.
- It covers your professional achievements and career aspirations.
To sum it up, the headline is a quick, attention-grabbing statement, while the profile offers a more detailed and comprehensive view of your professional persona. Both elements should be tailored to your application to highlight your most relevant qualifications.
Benefits of a well-written resume headline
You may be wondering is a creative resume headline worth the trouble. After all, it’s the job of the hiring manager to read each candidate’s resume, right?
Not so fast.
An employer should read each candidate’s application, however, it doesn’t mean that they’ll do it. That’s where your headline comes in.
It will offer you some direct advantages that can pack a powerful punch when it comes to capturing the attention of recruiters. Let’s dive into the specific benefits:
- Attracts Attention : A well-crafted headline draws the attention of recruiters and encourages them to further examine your resume.
- Shows Your Value Instantly : Headlines immediately communicate your potential value. It tells the employer why you’re the perfect fit for the role, without them having to dig through your entire resume.
- Helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) : Many employers use ATS to filter resumes. Including keywords from the job description in your headline can improve your chances of passing these initial screening tools.
- Highlights Your Specialization : If you have a particular area of expertise, your headline is the perfect place to showcase it. This can be particularly beneficial in niche industries or for specialized roles.
- Promotes Personal Branding : A headline summarizes your professional identity, contributing to your personal brand.
- Demonstrates Focus and Direction : A clear and targeted headline shows you’re focused and know exactly what you’re looking for in your career.
With the right keywords and length, you should be able to impress any employer and get your application to begin on the right foot.
When to Use a Resume Headline
Resume titles fit in well on virtually any resume. They can be especially useful when you are:
- Trying to highlight your skills and experience
- Changing careers
- Applying for competitive positions
A headline also plays a crucial role when navigating career transitions. Despite having a different career history, a well-crafted headline can stress your transferable skills and demonstrate your potential to succeed in a new role.
For competitive roles, it can also provide a significant edge. In crowded job markets, it sets you apart by quickly communicating what only you can offer to a position. It makes an immediate, positive impression, increasing your chances of standing out from the competition.
It can also be used in just about any circumstance. With the right headline you can add value by putting the spotlight on your relevant skills and/or experience right away.
Steps to Writing an Engaging Resume Headline
Crafting a compelling resume headline is an art. It’s your golden ticket to grabbing a recruiter’s attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a headline that’s sure to turn heads.
- Understand the job description : First off, get familiar with the job description. What skills, experience, and qualifications are they looking for? Your headline should echo these requirements.
- Highlight your key skills : Identify your key skills that align with the job. Are you a ‘data-driven marketing guru’ or an ‘accomplished project manager with Agile expertise’? Let your headline do the talking.
- Showcase your experience : Experience can be a game-changer. If you’ve got years under your belt in a specific role or industry, flaunt it in your headline. For example, ‘Veteran Graphic Designer with 10+ Years in the Gaming Industry’.
- Use relevant keywords : Add some SEO magic to your resume by using keywords from the job description. This not only shows you’re a perfect fit but also helps your resume get past any Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Keep it compact : Remember, a headline should be short and sweet. Aim for less than 10 words. The goal is to make a big impact with a brief statement.
- Proofread and edit : Even the smallest typo can be a deal-breaker. Proofread your headline and ask a friend or mentor to review it.
- Tailor it for each job : One size does not fit all when it comes to resume headlines. Customize your headline for each job application. What works for a software startup may not work for a corporate law firm.
Here’s an example of a solid student resume headline that should come out if you follow these steps correctly:
“Dean’s List Business Student with Strong Leadership Experience in Campus Organizations”
Remember, your headline is the first thing recruiters see. Make it count!
Tips for Writing a Great Resume Headline
Knowing the steps you have to take is essential, but if you can add in some solid strategies and ideas you’ll earn some extra points with employers. You can use the following “ingredients” to create a good resume headline.
- Use a positive adjective that describes your personality or work style.
- Name your position title.
- Cite an accomplishment, such as your years of experience, a statistic, or a special skill.
Just like the rest of your resume, don’t forget to use the job description as a reference to understand the keywords you should use and what skills and experience you should showcase.
Don’t stop with just one resume title. Write several, and choose the one with the most “punch.” You can also keep a few saved on your computer and switch them up, using the most relevant for each job you apply to.
How to write a headline for an entry-level position
Crafting a headline for a resume with no experience on it can seem tricky, but with the right approach, you can make a strong impression. Here are some key points to consider:
- Leverage Your Strengths : Highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or relevant coursework. Even without professional experience, you have accomplishments to display.
- Understand the Job Requirements : The same as a professional who has worked for some time, make sure to align your headline with the skills and qualifications specified in the job description.
- Stay relevant : You may feel a bit desperate when it comes to adding skills and anything to your experience section, but make sure it relates to the job you’re applying to.
Here’s an example of how you can write your headline if you’re lacking experience:
“Detail-Oriented Business Graduate with Strong Organizational Skills, Seeking Entry-Level Administrative Assistant Role”
This is great to draw inspiration from as it targets the position with an emphasis on relevant skills, and it states exactly what position they are looking for.
Resume Title Examples for Any Job
Below, you will find a list of resume title examples centered around different careers and experiences. Each resume headline example is fictional, but it represents what you could do when writing yours.
Pay special attention to the positive adjectives used at the beginning of each headline. Why not pick a headline example that you like and customize it to fit your unique situation?
- Hardworking administrative assistant with 3+ years of experience in the real estate market.
- Intuitive business analyst with 6 years of excellence in DevOps.
- Certified medical assistant with a strong background in emergency care.
- A cutting-edge digital marketer who landed $5 million in sales last year.
- Diplomatic law office receptionist with a diversified cultural understanding.
- Self-motivated office assistant with 5 years of experience in a busy shipping firm.
- Passionate high school teacher with experience in ESL and IEPS.
- Enthusiastic retail clerk with 4 years of experience in outdoor goods.
- Friendly cashier and 3-time recipient of Employee of the Month honors.
- Graphic designer with 7 years of experience working for national adverting agencies.
- Accomplished growth marketing manager with 10 years in sales.
- Hard-working CNA with 5+ years of experience and Nightingale Award recipient.
- Insightful IT manager with a history of beating deadlines and coming in under budget.
- Likable floor manager with 12 years of experience.
- Experienced mechanical engineer with a 7-year track record of boosting productivity.
- Multilingual licensed RN with 10+ years of experience in pediatrics.
- Personable sales representative who regularly exceeds sales targets by 20 percent.
- Resourceful project manager with 12 years of experience.
- Sociable sales associate who attained a 25 percent revenue increase.
- Skilled bartender with 6 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Taste of the Town’s server of the year, Springfield, TN 2019.
- Prize-winning videographer featured at Sundance Film Festival.
- Reliable freelance writer with more than 3,000 online publications.
- Certified PMP Project Manager with 7+ Years of Experience in the Tech Industry.
- Full-Stack Software Developer Specializing in Java and Python with 5 Years of Experience.
- Creative Graphic Designer Specializing in Digital Marketing with Proficiency in Adobe Suite.
- PhD-Certified Data Scientist with Expertise in Machine Learning and Big Data Analysis
Did you notice that all of these examples are just one sentence in length ? Some are a simple phrase rather than a complete sentence.
All are packed with information, and some are especially noticeable . Hiring managers might remember “that guy who won the award,” “the woman who made millions in sales,” or “that person with more than 15 years of experience” long after leafing through resumes.
Key Takeaways
Creating the right opening for your resume can be so impactful if you follow these strategies and tips. Just remember the following key details:
- Resume headlines are designed to grab the hiring manager’s attention , making them want to read more.
- Your resume headline should be short, one sentence or less.
- Include the most memorable accomplishments, skills, or experiences. These may be numerical statistics, required skills or licenses, or years of experience.
Along with this information, using tools like creative templates can also be a huge help when you’re trying to come up with something that will make your headline leap off the page.
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