what is a good headline summary for a resume

31+ Resume Headline Examples [You Can Use In 2024]

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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What Is a Good Headline for a Resume? With Examples, Tips, and Guide

What Is a Resume Headline?

Why use a headline on your resume, characteristics of a good resume headline, how to write an effective resume headline, best resume headline examples, how to use a headline to complement other resume sections, effective resume headline tips, additional resources, frequently asked questions about resume headlines.

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted introduction can make a powerful first impression. With recruiters often skimming through stacks of resumes, your headline can grab attention, set the tone, and make your application stand out immediately.

We’ll explore how to effectively write a powerful resume headline and why it’s essential. Our resume headline examples for different career levels and industries will show you how to create one that showcases your strengths.

A resume headline is a concise phrase located at the top of your resume and serves as a quick summary of your professional strengths or career goals. Positioned just below your name and contact information, it highlights the most relevant aspects of your profile. Unlike a summary, which delves deeper into your experience and skills, this brief statement focuses on making an immediate impact in just one line.

While a summary provides more detail, a headline delivers a sharp, impactful snapshot of your qualifications or career focus. It’s designed to grab attention quickly, encouraging the recruiter to explore your resume further.

A resume headline’s primary function is to draw attention and establish a tone for the rest of your resume. Summarizing your key qualifications or professional objectives in a single line piques the reader’s interest, encouraging them to continue reviewing your application.

Additionally, the headline provides a quick insight into your capabilities, making it easier for recruiters to determine if your background aligns with the job requirements. It allows you to present your most relevant skills upfront and communicate your career goals succinctly.

A resume headline can make a strong first impression, highlight your unique value proposition, and enhance applicant tracking system (ATS) compatibility.

A compelling headline significantly impacts how recruiters view your resume during their initial glance. Since most recruiters spend only a few seconds skimming resumes, capturing their interest immediately is critical. A strong, well-thought-out introduction helps your resume not get lost in the shuffle, making it stand out and securing further attention.

With only a brief window of time to make an impression, your headline becomes a crucial element in conveying your relevance and potential fit for the job.

This element of your resume also serves as a platform to showcase what makes you stand out from the competition. Whether it’s specific technical expertise, leadership experience, or a unique skill set, the headline can communicate your core strengths and make you more memorable to recruiters.

Focusing on what differentiates you conveys the aspects of your background that best align with the job description and set you apart in a crowded field of candidates.

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach a recruiter. Incorporating relevant keywords into your headline increases the chances of passing through these automated systems. It helps ensure your resume is seen by human eyes by aligning with the job description and key skills the ATS is scanning for.

When optimized with relevant keywords, your headline not only appeals to recruiters but also increases the likelihood of passing the initial electronic screening process.

A good resume headline should be clear and concise, offer relevant and specific information, and have a professional tone and language.

Simplicity is key. Keeping your headline short and to the point conveys your message quickly without overwhelming the reader. Ideally, the length should be limited to one line, around 10 to 15 words, focusing only on the most critical aspects of your qualifications or goals.

A concise headline is easy to read and digest, making sure your key message doesn’t get lost in unnecessary detail.

Customizing your headline for each job application is essential to maximizing its effectiveness. Tailor the content to the specific role and industry, incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. This helps your message resonate with both ATS and human recruiters alike.

The more closely your introduction aligns with the job requirements, the more effective it will be at attracting attention and positioning you as a top candidate.

While it’s important to craft an engaging statement, maintaining professionalism is crucial. Avoid overly casual language or jargon that could detract from your credibility. Your tone should reflect your career level and the type of position you’re applying for, helping it resonate appropriately within your industry.

By keeping the language professional and clear, your headline helps establish the right tone for the rest of your resume.

To create a strong resume headline that resonates, follow these steps:

• Identify your key strengths and skills: Start by pinpointing what makes you stand out — these could be technical skills, leadership experience, or unique qualifications.
• Use job descriptions to find relevant keywords: Review the job posting to identify important skills and qualifications and integrate those into your headline.
• Align with the job you are applying for: Make sure the language reflects both your strengths and the specific needs of the role, helping you establish a clear connection between your background and the job.

Customization is key when crafting a headline for different applications. Take time to research the company and the role, and adjust your headline to emphasize the most relevant qualifications. Tailoring your introduction shows recruiters you understand the role and have the specific skills they are seeking.

This extra step can significantly improve the reception of your resume, increasing your chances of making it to the next round.

Common mistakes to avoid

To ensure your headline is effective, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Being too vague or generic: Statements like “Experienced Professional” are too broad and don’t offer enough information to make an impact.
• Overloading with too much information: A cluttered headline is difficult to read, so focus on the most relevant details and keep it concise.
• Using buzzwords or clichés: Terms like “team player” or “hard worker” are overused and add little value to your resume.

Entry-level roles

“Recent Marketing Graduate With Expertise in Social Media and Digital Strategy”

“Entry-Level Software Engineer Proficient in Python, JavaScript, and Machine Learning”

Mid-level professionals

“Sales Manager With a Proven Record of Exceeding Revenue Targets”

“Project Manager Specializing in Agile Methodologies and Cross-Functional Team Leadership”

Senior-level and executive roles

“Chief Financial Officer With Over 15 Years of Expertise in Financial Strategy and Risk Management”

“Senior Director with Expertise in Global Information Technology Operations and Digital Transformation”

Career changers

“Former Educator Transitioning to Corporate Training With Strong Curriculum Development Skills”

“Marketing Professional Pivoting to Data Analytics With Proven Analytical and Technical Skills”

Creative roles

“Graphic Designer Specializing in Branding and User Experience/User Interface Design”

“Copywriter With a Focus on Content Creation for Tech Startups and Innovative Brands”

You can use a headline to complement other resume sections, aligning it with your resume summary, integrating keywords across your resume, and enhancing your cover letter with the headline.

Your headline and resume summary should work together to present a cohesive narrative. To maintain consistency between both sections, reinforce the strengths and qualifications mentioned in your headline. The summary can expand on these points, providing additional context and detail.

Keywords from your headline should appear throughout the rest of your resume. By reinforcing these terms in your experience, skills, and accomplishments, you can improve your ATS score and create a unified message for recruiters.

Consider using your headline as a theme for your cover letter, expanding on the strengths or goals mentioned at the top of your resume. By referencing your introduction in the cover letter, you can strengthen the connection between the two documents and provide a more compelling narrative.

• Test your headline: Before submitting your resume, get feedback from mentors, peers, or career advisors. Testing how others respond to your headline can help you refine it and ensure it resonates with your target audience.
• Keeping your headline updated: Your career is constantly evolving, so regularly updating your headline guarantees it reflects your latest achievements and skills. Revising your headline for each new job application is also important to demonstrate relevance.
• Leveraging online tools and resources: There are several online resources available to help you craft the perfect headline. Tools like resume builders or keyword optimization platforms can provide valuable guidance in refining your introduction.
• Headline examples
• ResumeTemplates builder
• Columbia University Center for Career Education: How to Write a Resume Profile or Summary Statement
• University of Arizona Student Engagement & Career Development: Writing a Resume Summary Statement
• U.S. Department of State: Sample Resume and Action Verbs for Resumes
• New York State Department of Labor: Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications

A resume headline should be a brief, impactful statement that highlights your key strengths, qualifications, or career objectives relevant to the job you are applying for.

The headline of a resume is crucial because it grabs attention quickly and helps differentiate you from other candidates. It serves as the first impression, providing a concise summary of your most relevant qualifications and career objectives.

A resume headline should ideally be approximately 10 words long. This concise length ensures that it is impactful and easy to read while conveying your key qualifications or professional identity.

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 27 Great Resume Headline...

27 Great Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out

10 min read · Updated on November 26, 2024

An effective resume title headline can increase your chance of getting noticed

If you think you've finished writing your resume, think again. There's probably something you've missed or at least didn't put enough effort into. Take a step back from your computer and look at your resume. You should be able to instantly identify the type of position you're seeking. 

Does your resume title announce that desired position? 

Do you even have a resume headline to announce that title?

The headline on your resume can be one of the simplest ways to immediately capture a hiring manager's attention. Unfortunately, many job seekers neglect this important tool. We want to help you avoid that trap so that your resume doesn't get lost in the crowd. Seems easy enough, right? Well, getting it right can be harder than you think. That's okay, though, because we've got you covered! 

What is a resume headline or title?

A headline for your resume is a single line that sums up your relevant skills and professional experiences. It's located beneath your name and personal information and serves as a summarization of your resume summary . 

Resume title

It's different from a simple resume title, which is nothing more than the job title that you're seeking. Resume titles do not include mention of skills or achievements or anything else of value. If you're applying for a Human Resources Specialist role, the title of your resume would simply be “Human Resources Specialist.” Obviously, that simple approach is pretty dull – and does nothing to help you stand out from the crowd. 

Resume headline

On the other hand, an effective resume headline can capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers as they're quickly skimming a stack of resumes. A well-written headline can also provide you with another opportunity to inject relevant keywords and phrases into your resume, which can help your submission to get past the ATS . 

27+ resume headline examples by industry

The best way to understand great resume titles and headlines is to review some resume headline examples. Feel free to steal one of these for yourself or use them as inspiration in crafting your own stand-out resume headline.

Resume headline examples for accounting 

Meticulous CPA with Over 8 Years of Experience in Corporate Taxes 

Staff Accountant with Expertise in Account Reconciliation and General Ledger

Resume headline examples for customer service 

Bilingual Customer Service Representative with High Customer Satisfaction Rate

Enthusiastic Customer Service Representative Specializing in Retail

Resume headline examples for engineering 

Committed Environmental Engineer with 6 Years in Wastewater Treatment

Analytical Civil Engineer Specializing in Electrical Power Lines

Resume headline examples for finance

Investment Specialist Passionate about Securing Clients' Financial Futures

Diligent Financial Controller with 4+ Years of Successful Error Mitigation 

Resume headline examples for hospitality

Resort Manager with 10-Year Track Record of Increasing Profits by $4 Million 

Director of Catering Events Specializing in Quality Foods for Refined Palates

Resume headline examples for human resources

Executive Recruiter and Headhunter with Expertise in Identifying Top Talent

Leadership Development Specialist with a Flair for Managing Employee Relations

Resume headline examples for manufacturing 

Plant and Production Manager with Extensive Experience in Using Agile Methodologies

Process Technician with Record of Reducing Costs by $300,000 Annually

Resume headline examples for marketing

Proven Social Media Marketer with Expertise in Managing $2 Million in Annual Advertising Spend

Quick-Witted Copywriter with 3+ Years Working with Restaurants in 50+ Markets

Resume headline examples for nursing 

Compassionate RN Registered in Florida With a Strong Emphasis on Pediatrics

California-Licensed Registered Nurse with 5+ Years of Emergency Room Experience

Resume headline examples for project management

IT Project Manager with 6+ Years Overseeing Website with 5 Million Monthly Views

Senior Project Manager Focused on Construction Scheduling

Resume headline examples for real estate

New Home Sales Consultant with 5+ Years of Experience in Development

Senior Leasing Officer and Real Estate Broker Specializing in Commercial Real Estate

Resume headline examples for sales

Personable Sales Representative who Consistently Exceeds Target Goals

Senior Sales Executive with Experience in Auto and Home Insurance

Resume headline examples for technology

Innovative IT Manager with a Proven Track Record of Hitting Deadlines

Reliable IT Support Analyst with 3+ Years of Experience in Troubleshooting within KPIs

Resume headline example for a student with no experience 

Driven Journalism Student with a Passion for Telling Stories

Why does having a headline for your resume matter?

Of course, the main goal of a resume headline is to help your resume stand out from your rivals, but having a compelling resume headline can also ensure that you make a lasting first impression. Taking the time to write something more than a simple title shows that you pay attention to the details.

When you set yourself apart from the competition, employers will have a reason to read further into your resume. They will instantly recognize that your application demands attention. 

Spending a few extra minutes on your headline strengthens your personal brand and showcases the things that make you the best candidate for the job. Ultimately, the time spent creating your resume could be just what you need to help your resume grow legs, stand up on the hiring manager's desk, and shout, “Hey, look at me, I'm the one!”

How to write a resume headline

Now that you have some resume headline examples, it's time to write your own creative resume title. Keep these tips in mind as you craft the perfect one-liner for your resume:

1. Use specific keywords and phrases

Your resume headline is a great opportunity to include specific keywords relevant to the job posting. This not only helps you stand out, but it can also help your resume to rank higher in companies' applicant tracking systems.

To determine the best keywords to include in a good headline for your resume, study the job listing. 

Which words are used to describe the ideal candidate? 

Are specific certifications or experiences required? 

If so, consider including those in your resume headline.

2. Customize it for each job application

Because each job is different, it's important to carefully consider your resume headline when applying to different positions. Look through each job opening and consider the required skills, experiences, certifications, and soft skills. Once you have an idea of what the company needs for a new staff member to do in the role, use those keywords in your headline. This is called tailoring .

3. Use the right adjectives

Using an adjective in your resume headline can help you stand out, but you should avoid overused words like hard-working, detail-oriented, innovative, and creative. Instead, use attention-grabbing adjectives like instrumental, energetic, imaginative, driven, or responsive. 

If you need inspiration, check out our great post, 100 Powerful Resume Adjectives that Can Help Make Your Resume More Compelling .

4. Show – don't tell

Are you a doer or an achiever? Instead of using your resume headline to “tell” the reader you're an effective employee, show it with awards, numbers, or certifications.

Here are some resume headline examples that show how achievements can make an impact:

Personable Sales Representative who Consistently Exceeds Target Goals by 30%

Seasoned Facebook Ad Copywriter with Average Click-Through Rate of 2%+

• Certified Professional Scrum Master III with 98% Customer Satisfaction Rate

5. Make your headline stand out

Finally, it's important to make sure your strong resume headline stands out – literally. Leverage your resume's design to highlight your headline or title. It shouldn't be as big or as bold as your name at the top of the page, but it should be one of the first things the hiring manager sees before scanning down to your resume summary.

Pro Tip : Stuck and in need of a prompt to create your perfect headline? Why not try an AI- powered creativity boost? While you should never allow artificial intelligence to create your entire resume, that technology can sometimes help you to break free from a case of writer's block. For example, you can get some great headline ideas by turning to a tool like ChatGPT. In this instance, you can simply write a prompt for ChatGPT that asks it to draft possible resume headlines:

“Craft several resume headlines for me. I'm a [job title] with [number of years in job role] years of experience, with a specialty in [area of expertise or core skills].”

Key takeaways on how to write your headline:

Write it directly beneath your contact information

Keep it on one line

Include the title of the role you want with some keywords from the job description

Use title case

Tailor it to every job you apply to

Mention certifications if you have them

Include an achievement

Common mistakes to avoid when writing your resume headline

We've already established that using a title rather than a headline is boring and won't serve you very well when you're trying to stand out from the crowd. There are other mistakes you'll also want to avoid, though. We've highlighted a few below.

Don't be too generic

The concept of targeting and tailoring your resume is critical. Fail to do so at your peril. When you lack specificity in your resume, including your headline, you do nothing to set yourself apart from others. 

Many people think that if they have a general resume, they can use the same one for every job they seek. That simply will not work, and the main reason has to do with modern applicant tracking systems.

These applicant tracking systems search all incoming resumes against the keywords and phrases they're programmed to look for. If the ATS doesn't find the requisite keywords, your resume is sent to the bottom of the pile.

Avoid jargon, buzzwords, and superlatives

Even if you think that industry-specific terminology will help demonstrate your familiarity within your field, it's important to recognize that excessive use of jargon could be a turnoff for hiring managers and recruiters. Considering that they're spending just seconds skimming through your resume, you don't want to include any words that might cause confusion. 

PRO TIP: The fact that you're applying for a tech role, for example, doesn't necessarily mean that a tech person will be the only person reviewing your resume.

While we're on the subject, you should also give buzzwords the boot. Instead, use action words that show how your past achievements will resonate with future employers.

With that said, they don't want to see a bunch of superlatives. You know, those words that end with "-est" or "-ly" like "best-in-class," "highest revenue generator," or “expertly.” If you're going to write something on your resume about generating the highest revenue, prove it by using numbers. 

Wrong: Sales Representative Acknowledged as Highest Revenue Generator

Right: Sales Representative Acknowledged for Generating $27M in Revenue

Remember: Substance matters!

When your headline sings, you'll get more interviews

It's not good enough to treat the headline of your resume as one more box to check off on your resume-writing to-do list. You should spend a fair amount of time on it to ensure that it's properly tailored to the job you want in a way that will sing your praises to a hiring manager and help you to stand out from the crowd. 

Check your headline to ensure that it:

Will leave a lasting impression

Has the right keywords

Doesn't have buzzwords and jargon

Includes an achievement 

Is an authentic representation of your skills and experience

When you hit all of these notes, you'll have a killer headline that's sure to wow the hiring manager and win a coveted spot at the interview table. 

Want help crafting an impressive resume headline? A professional resume review is a good start.

This article was originally written by Carlson Kohler and has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended Reading:

The Benefits of Proactively Updating Your Resume

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

How to Target a Specific Job Description With Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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by recruiters

How to Write a Resume Headline? 20+ Resume Headline Examples & Tips

Updated: Jan 31

The beginning of a resume sets up a tone for what comes next. When recruiters and hiring managers read resumes, they're scanning applications to find those candidates who match the job requirements.

And here's the thing: If you start by writing an attention-grabbing, job-tailored resume headline, you'll increase your chances of your resume being noticed and actually read.

Because the headline is what first gets your resume past those 5 or 7 seconds of recruiters' and hiring managers’ scrutiny.

Despite being the shortest element of a resume, many job seekers struggle with and fail to write an effective headline that grabs the hiring manager's attention. But not you -- not anymore.

Read on to learn:

What is a resume headline

Why is a resume headline important

How can a good headline level up your job search

Is it mandatory to have a headline on a resume

What should a resume headline entail

How to write a strong resume headline

You'll also get 10 additional resume headline examples to help you impress potential employers with your job application right from the start.

Alright, let's get into it!

Get ahead in your career with a professional resume and cover letter template ! ➝

Disclaimer: This article includes relevant affiliate links to services, resources, and tools I wholeheartedly recommend. If you buy something through these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchase helps me share more helpful content. Thanks if you choose to support me this way!

What Is a Resume Headline?

A resume headline (or resume title) is a summary of your career, stated in a few job-related statements or phrases.

Also known as a resume title or tagline, it's most commonly a short one-line sentence that summarizes your skills and experience and lets the reader know you're qualified for their job opening.

The purpose of this short yet valuable sentence is to help both the recruiter and hiring manager quickly understand what makes you a good candidate for the job -- and to grab their attention and motivate them to continue reading your resume.

Since the headline is the first thing they'll see (right after your name), it's your chance to show them that you can, in fact, fulfill the requirements they're looking for and make a difference as an employee.

Just like how an attention-grabbing title of a book or article can generate interest, intrigue and compel the reader to keep on reading to get more information, your headline should make employers curious and eager enough to find out more about you.

So, think of it as an attention-grabbing opener that must quickly let a recruiter or hiring manager know exactly why they should hire you.

To achieve this goal, this part of a resume should put forward the most relevant parts of your work experience and career in a concise and compelling way.

Why Is Resume Headline Important?

With all of the competition out there, you've got to get noticed. And you only have a few seconds to grab the attention of a potential employer and convince them to read your application.

Otherwise, they'll move on to the next resume in their pile of submitted applications, and you might never get a chance to prove your worth.

Hence, a headline can be a turning point on a resume.

If you want to put your best foot forward, a good resume headline is essential because it:

Grabs the reader's attention and increases the chances of having your resume read and selected for the next hiring stage.

Provides you an opportunity to point out why you're a good fit for the job by displaying your skills and accomplishments.

Gives you a chance to brand yourself as a field expert right from the start

Emphasizes the unique selling points that make you stand out from the crowd and give employers a reason to hire you over others.

Allows you to easily tailor your resume to each job by customizing this concise description and writing a new headline for each application.

A well-written resume headline combined with a job-tailored personal statement will put your resume in the top 1% of applicants every time you apply for a job.

You deserve a resume you're proud to apply with.

How Can a Resume Headline Level up Your Job Search?

A headline can play a vital role in the success of a resume. With this in mind, it's also safe to say that it can be a game-changer in your job-searching journey.

Positions you as an expert in the field

A headline allows you to build your personal brand within a few words.

If you write a headline that shows your expertise, employers will instantly perceive you as an industry expert based on the very first impression of your resume.

Grabs employer's attention

Whenever they publish a job posting, employers are swamped with information.

In a pile of hundred job applications, a great headline can help you grab the much-wanted employer's attention.

Simplifies tailoring a resume

If you are applying to several different jobs, it can be difficult to write a resume for each one.

Due to its length, a headline allows you to quickly and easily write new job-specific content on each version of your resume without rewriting it from scratch.

Directs the reader's attention

Having a title on a resume is perfect for job seekers with a long work history or diverse career backgrounds.

By putting forward the most relevant pieces of your career, a headline can direct the reader's attention and focus it on the most relevant and transferable experiences.

Improves compatibility with ATS systems

Since a good headline should entail keywords relevant to the job description, having more of these job-related words improves the compatibility with applicant tracking systems - software used by companies to receive, scan and organize job applications.

Read the complete guide on ATS (applicant tracking systems). ➝

Is It Mandatory to Have a Headline on a Resume?

The answer to this question is short and simple.

No, a resume headline is not mandatory.

However, if you want to stand out among other applicants and ensure your resume's effectiveness in the job hunt - having an eye-catching title can give it a big boost.

What Should a Resume Headline Entail?

The content of a headline may vary depending on the work experience and career path of each resume owner.

Read on to learn what to include in your resume headline, depending on your previous experience.

Candidates With Relevant Experience

Experienced applicants, especially the ones with work experience closely related to the job description, are in a favorable position. For them, writing a resume title should be fairly simple.

It should be focused on their biggest asset - the relevant work experience that makes them uniquely qualified for the job.

Let's imagine that you're a marketing manager applying for a marketing director position. The job listing stated that the company is looking for a person with at least 3 years of experience in developing marketing strategy, managing marketing campaigns, and running a marketing team.

Current Job Title

Following the simplest approach, you can write a headline that features your current job title.

Marketing Manager

Relevant experience

Alternatively, add more details to give your resume a boost with a tailored headline that will show your expertise in this field and help you stand out from other applicants. Here are a few examples.

Strategic Marketing Manager with 5+ Years’ Experience

Marketing Manager | Experienced and Engaging Leader

Marketing Manager Experienced in Leading High-Performing Teams

Fitting achievements

If you have stellar achievements related to the target job, highlight them in your headline to impress any hiring manager right from the start.

Digital Marketing Manager | Managed Award-Winning Marketing Campaigns

Marketing Manager | Developed $100MM Marketing Strategy

Marketing Manager | Winner of Best Marketing Campaign Award

Candidates With a Few or Non-Related Experience

Even if your experience doesn't match the job description, you can still write an attention-grabbing headline.

Less experienced applicants should write about relevant skills, personal attributes, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or internship experience.

Let's see this in another example of a candidate applying for a sales manager position.

Imagine if you want to apply for a sales manager position, but your work experience is limited to working as a sales associate in a clothing store.

An approach would be focusing on sales as the overlapping field. Instead of writing down your job title as in the previous example, you should emphasize the sales experience.

Sales Professional with 3+ years’ experience

Experienced Sales Professional

Educational background

Alternatively, if you want to apply for the same position without any experience in sales but with relevant educational background, you should point out your education.

Experienced professional with BA in Sales Management

Abilities and motivation

Finally, if you have neither relevant work experience nor education, but based on your skills you're sure you can succeed in the role, you should highlight your abilities and motivation.

Target-driven college graduate with strong interest in sales management

Action-oriented professional with high focus on results

Motivated self-starter with passion for sales

Highly-motivated professional with a track record in achieving challenging goals

How to Write an Effective Resume Headline?

Writing a resume headline doesn't have to be an agonizing experience.

Here's a quick step-by-step process for writing good resume headlines with ease -- each time you need to tailor your resume:

Step 1. Start with the job description. Job descriptions entail the job requirements, so use them to identify exactly what employers look for in candidates.

Step 2. Review your skills and experience. Compare them with the job requirements and find the overlapping areas.

Step 3. List relevant information. Write down all the commonalities using only keywords and short phrases.

Step 4. Handpick your unique selling points. Carefully select two to three items from the list focusing on your strongest assets in the context of a specific application.

Step 5. Combine phrases. Create a catchy resume title by combining the phrases from the list.

Step 6. Proofread. Proofread, write, and re-write the headline until you're satisfied with the results.

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Practical Tips for Writing a Perfect Resume Headline

Follow these five tips to make sure that your headline puts you at the top of the candidate list.

Keep it short.

Write a resume headline that does not have more than ten words. Use short phrases and sentence fragments rather than complete sentences.

Focus on your skills, not on your job search.

A resume headline should reflect your work experience or skills.

If you write a general headline like "Experienced programmer looking for a job," employers may think that you are just another person who has no idea about what they're applying for.

Use relevant keywords.

Using job-specific keywords in your resume headline is a great way to capture the attention of employers and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) .

If an employer uses this system to find candidates, then they may scan through thousands of resumes. By writing a headline that includes the keywords from the job description, it's more likely your application will get found and selected for an interview.

Avoid clichés.

To make a good impression, avoid using resume clichés , such as 'highly motivated', 'proven track record', 'goal-getter', 'detail oriented', or 'team player'.

These overused words undermine your credibility and make hiring managers more skeptical as to whether or not you are actually able to meet the job's requirements.

Be Aware of Grammatical Mistakes.

One of the resumes we have received kicked off with "specialist in creating a goof customer experience." Considering the application came from a banking professional for a senior position, the unfortunate (yet amusing) typo was a costly mistake.

Proofread your resume multiple times to avoid grammatical errors and other common resume mistakes , especially in the headline and personal statement at the top of your resume.

10 Resume Headline Examples

Here are effective, real-life resume headline examples you can use as inspiration.

Headline Example #1

Award-winning Lead Generation Copywriter with SEO Expertise

Headline Example #2

Full-Stack Web Developer | PHP, CSS and Bootstrap With 5+ Years of Experience

Headline Example #3

Marketing Manager Experienced in Delivering High-Conversion Campaigns

Headline Example #4

Prince2 and PMP-Certified Project Manager

Headline Example #5

ACCA-Certified Accountant Specializing in Mid-Size Businesses

Headline Example #6

Methodical Project Manager and Part-Time MBA Student

Headline Example #7

Top-ranked Sales Manager | 5+ years of Experience in Retail Sales Management

Headline Example #8

Skilled Web Designer with Master's Degree in Information Technology

Headline Example #9

Talented Copywriter Specialized in B2B Content Marketing

Headline Example #10

Personable Sales Representative with 98% Customer Satisfaction Rate

Use these resume headlines for your next application. Simply customize the content to fit your experience.

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A headline is the first thing that a reader sees on your resume. As such, this short sentence is also the first opportunity to present your skills, accomplishments, and value as a job candidate.

Follow these tips to write an effective resume title to get the readers hooked from the start of their read:

Compare a job posting with your skills and experience and list the overlapping areas.

Carefully select two to three items from the list focusing on your strongest assets in the context of a specific application.

Combine your key selling points in a concise and compelling tagline to grab the reader's attention.

Remember -- you only get one shot at impressing readers with your resume.

If you want to speed up the process and land your dream job fast, use our resume cheat sheet or jumpstart your job search with a professionally designed resume template and impress prospective employers right from the start.

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What's Next?

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Ana Colak-Fustin

Ana is a former recruiter, HR consultant, and founder of ByRecruiters.com . Her career advice and job search tools have been featured in Yahoo Finance, Jobscan, A Better HR Business, Starter Story, Best Colleges, and other global media. Since 2018, over 8,000 professionals worldwide have used her resume templates to land new jobs. She's on a mission to help 80,000 more.

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