Resume Headline: How to Write a Headline For a Resume (w/ Examples)

A resume headline is a brief sentence or phrase that appears at the top of a resume, immediately below the contact details. It is a brief introduction or summary of abilities, training, and credentials.

The main difference between a resume headline and a resume title lies in its purpose and placement within the resume. A headline should ideally be around 6 to 12 words in length. The length of a headline is a vital aspect to consider, as it directly impacts its effectiveness in capturing the reader's attention.

To write a resume headline, determine essential skills, experiences, or achievements, tailor it to the job, keep it concise and impactful, highlight accomplishments, emphasize your professional brand, use action verbs, experiment with formatting, and continuously refine and adapt it for each application.

What is a headline on a resume?

A resume headline is a brief sentence or phrase that appears at the top of a resume, immediately below the contact details. It is a brief introduction or summary of abilities, training, and credentials. A headline, or a resume title or profile, is frequently the first element of a resume that hiring managers and recruiters glance at.

An effective resume headline goes beyond listing contact information to convey a candidate's professional identity. It is a chance to make an excellent first impression and quickly grab the reader's attention. A well-written headline conveys a value proposition and sets the applicant apart from the competition by emphasizing the most relevant skills, accomplishments, or career goals.

The depth of the response depends on the particular field or audience being addressed. Here are some extras that may apply to various career fields.

For Sales Professionals: The focus of a resume headline must be on measurable accomplishments and outcomes. Mention specific sales figures, revenue growth rates, or successful client acquisitions to demonstrate a successful track record. Such a statement might read, "Highly Successful Sales Executive | Consistently Exceeding Revenue Targets and Building Profitable Client Relationships."

For Financial Services Professionals: Ensure that knowledge, credentials, and relevant experience are emphasized in the financial services sector. Highlight proficiency in financial analysis, risk management, or investment strategies. For instance, "Certified Financial Planner | Strategic Wealth Management and Risk Mitigation Expert."

For IT Professionals: Highlight technical skills, certifications, and specific areas of expertise in the IT field. Mention any programming languages, software expertise, or project management experience. For example, "Senior Software Engineer | Full Stack Developer with Expertise in Python, JavaScript, and Agile Methodologies."

Make sure the headline is tailored to the specific job being applied for. Examine the job description and include relevant keywords corresponding to the position's requirements. It helps ensure the headline catches the recruiters' attention and demonstrates suitability for the role.

Resume headline vs. resume title: What's the difference?

The main difference between a resume headline and a resume title lies in its purpose and placement within the resume.

The goal of a resume headline is to grab the hiring manager's attention immediately. It draws attention to unique selling points and immediately conveys the candidate's value proposition. An intriguing headline piques a hiring manager's interest and persuades them to learn more about credentials.

The purpose of a resume title is to identify the position being sought. A resume title allows the hiring manager to comprehend the career objective quickly and ensures that the resume is relevant to the job opening. A resume with a clear and specific title demonstrates focus and relevance, increasing the applicant's chances of being considered for the position.

Headlines are typically placed just below the contact information at the top of a resume. The prominent placement guarantees that it is one of the first things the hiring manager sees when reviewing the application. The headline makes an immediate impression and highlights the most impressive qualifications when placed prominently.

Resume titles are placed below the contact information but above the resume's main body. Resume titles provide context and structure to the application, enabling the hiring manager to identify the position for which the candidate is applying. The positioning facilitates navigation and ensures that the resume is reviewed in the appropriate context.

How long should a headline be?

A headline should ideally be around 6 to 12 words in length. The length of a headline is a vital aspect to consider, as it directly impacts its effectiveness in capturing the reader's attention. Research and industry standards suggest a headline should ideally be concise, ranging from 6 to 12 words. The length allows maximum impact and ensures the headline is easily scannable and memorable.

A shorter headline is more effective because it quickly conveys the main idea or benefit without overwhelming the reader. The shorter headline grabs attention and entices the reader to continue reading the content. On the other hand, a headline that is too long may become convoluted, lose its focus, and fail to engage the audience.

Keeping the length of a headline within the recommended range produces a concise and persuasive message that piques the reader's interest. Remember to prioritize clarity, relevancy, and the overall impact of the headline to ensure that it effectively conveys the essence of the content or proposition.

How to write a resume headline

The resume headline is the first thing employers see and substantially affects how they perceive qualifications. Crafting a captivating resume heading is essential to attract attention and stand out from other applicants. Listed below are the guidelines for how to write a resume headline.

1. Determine the Essential Skills, Experiences, or Achievements. Determine the critical abilities, experiences, or accomplishments that make a strong candidate for the desired position. Take into account unique talents and credentials that fit the job specifications.
2. Change the headline to fit the job. Change the headline to fit the job that was applied for. Analyze the job description to find keywords and phrases relevant to the role. Include these crucial words in the headline to show the qualifications for the job.
3. Keep it Concise and Impactful. The headline of a resume must be short, usually just a few words or a short phrase. Make use of strong language that succinctly communicates knowledge and value. Avoid generic statements.
4. Highlight Achievements. Use the headline to highlight noteworthy accomplishments or quantifiable results. Mention any honors, credentials, or accomplishments that establish qualifications.
5. Emphasize Professional Brand. The headline must emphasize the professional brand and the unique value the candidate brings to prospective employers. Consider incorporating a specialty, industry expertise, or unique selling point to differentiate.
6. Utilize Action Verbs. Use action verbs that convey enthusiasm and energy in headlines. Strong verbs such as "accomplished," "innovative," and "driven" instantly enhance the impact of a headline.
7. Experiment with Formatting. Use a subheading, slogan, or visual representation to make the headline visually appealing and memorable.
8. Continuously Refine and Adapt. Review and update resume headlines as the career progresses or job opportunities change. Customize it for each application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Resume headline examples

Professionally presenting headlines demonstrates competence and professionalism. Below are a few examples of impactful resume headlines highlighting specific skills, achievements, or expertise.

• This headline highlights the applicant's expertise in marketing and emphasizes their ability to generate tangible results and increase revenue.

• This headline showcases the applicant's project management experience and track record of delivering successful projects while adhering to timelines and budgets.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's sales executive achievements and consistent ability to surpass sales targets.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's commitment to outstanding customer service and high customer satisfaction.

• This headline highlights the applicant's specialization in IT, specifically in network security and optimizing infrastructure for maximum efficiency.

• This headline showcases the applicant's passion for education and ability to create engaging learning environments that promote student success.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's analytical skills and ability to provide valuable insights through financial analysis to support strategic decision-making processes.

• This headline highlights the applicant's creativity as a graphic designer and their ability to translate concepts into visually captivating designs.

Make a resume headline tailored to the skills, employment history, and position being applied for. Use these examples as models to ensure the headline effectively conveys the candidate's distinctive value proposition.

Resume headline examples for entry-level

A compelling resume headline significantly influences a recent graduate or someone looking for an entry-level position. Let's dive into some practical examples.

• This headline showcases the applicant's enthusiasm and ambition as a recent graduate seeking to enter a specific industry.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's motivation and highlights their relevant skills or qualifications while expressing a desire for professional growth.

• This headline highlights the applicant's attention to detail as a recent graduate and emphasizes their readiness to apply their knowledge and willingness to learn in the industry.

• This headline showcases the applicant's drive and passion for the industry or field they're entering, demonstrating their dedication and commitment.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's goal-oriented mindset and expresses their eagerness to translate theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom into practical experience.

• This headline highlights the applicant's resourcefulness, problem-solving abilities, and determination to succeed in their chosen field.

• This headline showcases the applicant's enthusiasm as a recent graduate and emphasizes their openness to new perspectives and continuous learning.

Personalize resume headings according to specific skills, qualifications, and career objectives. Use these illustrations as a starting point to create a headline that effectively communicates the advantages and goals of an entry-level candidate.

Resume headline examples for students

The headline acts as a solid introduction to the resume by putting a strong emphasis on professionalism and emphasizing key strengths. It serves as a bridge, leading the reader to the examples of accomplishments and skills presented in the following resume sections. Academic success, applicable skills, internships or part-time employment, and career aspirations can all be included in a headline. A resume's headline makes a good first impression and persuades employers to learn more about qualifications by carefully selecting the right words and highlighting the applicant's distinctive value proposition. Listed below are some examples of effective student resume headlines.

• The headline emphasizes the student's motivation and passion for their chosen field of study, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm.

• This headline highlights the student's attention to detail, academic achievements, and ability to take on leadership roles.

• This headline showcases the student's drive to gain practical experience and highlights their desire to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.

• This headline emphasizes the student's resourcefulness, ability to solve problems effectively, and strong communication skills.

• This headline showcases the student's organizational skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm to contribute to their desired industry or field.

• This headline highlights the student's ambition and focus on securing internships or entry-level positions to gain valuable hands-on experience.

• This headline emphasizes the student's passion for learning and personal growth, showcasing their dedication to continuous improvement.

Being creative while maintaining a professional demeanor is beneficial in headlines.

Resume headline examples for a career change

A resume headline plays a crucial role in attracting the attention of prospective employers, whether you are pursuing a passion or utilizing a diverse skill set. Creating a headline that effectively communicates a career change and emphasizes one's unique strengths is a crucial step in landing one's dream job. Find effective resume headlines for career changers, illustrating how a strategic and professional approach can bridge the gap between experience and future goals.

• This headline emphasizes results-oriented concentration and transition to a new industry or field.

• This headline highlights adaptability and transferable skills applicable to the desired industry or field.

• This headline emphasizes industry experience and the desire to pursue a rewarding career in a new industry or field.

• This headline emphasizes commitment, passion for the desired industry or field, and success in a previous career.

• This headline emphasizes a diverse skill set and a desire to apply it to a new industry or field.

• This headline demonstrates adaptability and emphasizes the drive to make a significant impact in the industry or field of choice.

• This headline emphasizes expertise in the applicant's current industry and their desire for new challenges and professional development in a different industry.

During a career transition, a well-written resume headline can be the key to unlocking new opportunities.

Customer service

For an experienced customer service representative or someone just beginning a career in this field, these headline examples will inspire the creation of a resume that stands out and opens the door to exciting opportunities. The headline is the first thing employers will notice, so make it count!

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's commitment to outstanding customer service and high customer satisfaction.

• This headline highlights the applicant's experience in customer service and ability to establish and maintain positive customer relationships.

• This headline showcases the applicant's passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and their positive attitude towards problem-solving.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's ability to handle difficult situations and track record of achieving service-related goals.

• This headline highlights the applicant's energy, empathy, and willingness to exceed customer expectations by providing exceptional support.

• This headline showcases the applicant's attention to detail, practical communication skills, and customer-centric approach.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's bilingual skills, highlighting their ability to communicate with and assist a diverse range of customers effectively.

By incorporating essential keywords, emphasizing one's strengths, and demonstrating a commitment to providing exceptional service, one can significantly increase his or her chances of landing a dream customer service job.

Operations Manager

As the backbone of any organization, Operations Managers are pivotal in overseeing day-to-day business activities, streamlining processes, and optimizing overall efficiency. In this informative series, we will delve into the essential aspects of being an Operations Manager, from the skills and qualities required to succeed in the position to effective strategies for enhancing productivity and maintaining seamless operations. Let's explore some compelling resume headline examples that will capture the attention of hiring managers and showcase the expertise of Operations Managers in diverse industries.

• This headline highlights the applicant's focus on achieving results and their ability to optimize operational processes to drive efficiency and increase profitability.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's experience as an Operations Manager and their history of successfully implementing strategies to achieve operational excellence.

• This headline showcases the applicant's strategic approach to operations management, emphasizing their ability to optimize processes and develop high-performing teams to support business growth.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's focus on increasing efficiency and productivity while reducing costs by implementing effective operations management strategies.

• This headline highlights the applicant's dedication to customer satisfaction and ability to implement quality assurance measures to deliver exceptional service.

• This headline showcases the applicant's collaborative leadership style and ability to foster cross-functional collaboration to drive process improvement initiatives.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's supply chain optimization expertise and ability to manage inventory to ensure smooth operations and minimize costs effectively.

Tailor each headline to unique skills and accomplishments, and watch how it opens doors to exciting new opportunities in operations management.

Business analyst

In the competitive world of business analysis, a well-written resume headline significantly increases one's odds of being hired.

• This headline highlights candidates' focus on delivering results, showcasing their data analysis and process improvement skills.

• This headline emphasizes the candidate's experience in gathering requirements and effectively managing stakeholders, showcasing their ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.

• This headline showcases the candidate's analytical abilities and success in solving complex problems to drive operational efficiency.

• This headline highlights the candidate's specialization in market research and ability to develop effective business strategies based on insightful analysis.

• This headline emphasizes the candidate's data visualization skills and ability to transform complex data into meaningful insights using reporting tools.

• This headline showcases the candidate's attention to detail and proficiency in creating accurate business process models and documenting requirements.

• This headline highlights the candidate's focus on understanding and improving the customer experience, showcasing their expertise in conducting user experience analysis.

By integrating the provided examples and suggestions into a resume, individuals can enhance their prospects of securing the desired business analyst position and commencing a prosperous professional path in the ever-changing realm of business analysis.

Sales

The headline on a resume provides an initial insight into one's abilities and professional goals. An excellently crafted headline has the potential to attract hiring managers and distinguish the candidate from others immediately. Now, let's explore compelling examples of resume headlines that effectively highlight sales expertise and experience.

• This headline emphasizes a track record of achieving and surpassing sales targets, showcasing an ability to drive results.

• This headline emphasizes solid interpersonal skills, highlighting the ability to build relationships and close deals effectively.

• This headline displays the motivation of a sales executive, emphasizing their achievements in revenue generation and the cultivation of profitable client relationships.

• This headline highlights the skills of a strategic sales manager, demonstrating their capacity to enter markets effectively and propel business expansion.

• This headline highlights a customer-centric approach, emphasizing the capability to offer customized solutions and deliver exceptional client service.

• This headline showcases the expertise of a sales specialist, demonstrating the ability to negotiate deals that benefit both parties involved.

• This headline highlights a strong focus on energy and passion for sales, demonstrating dedication to boosting sales growth and cultivating lasting partnerships.

Mastering crafting a solid resume headline can be the key to unlocking exciting opportunities in the competitive sales landscape.

Administrative assistant

Administrative assistants play a crucial role in maintaining efficient operations and supporting the success of the entire team, making them indispensable to any organization. To distinguish from competitors and enhance prospects of securing the coveted administrative assistant position, consider these compelling resume headline examples.

• This headline highlights the applicant's efficiency, organizational abilities, and proficiency in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's attention to detail and ability to provide outstanding administrative support, resulting in improved operational efficiency.

• This headline showcases the applicant's versatility in handling various administrative tasks and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

• This headline highlights the applicant's proactive approach to administrative tasks, with specific expertise in calendar management and office coordination.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's resourcefulness in handling various administrative challenges, resulting in a seamless workflow and efficient office administration.

• This headline showcases the applicant's experience meeting deadlines and ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality.

• This headline highlights the applicant's exceptional organizational skills and ability to provide administrative support that enhances overall productivity and efficiency.

By providing a distinct and succinct overview of qualifications, individuals can captivate the attention of hiring managers and guarantee their resume gains the deserved recognition.

Restaurant manager

As a pivotal member of the culinary world, restaurant managers bear the responsibility of overseeing operations, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, and driving the success of the establishment. Let's explore some exemplary phrases and templates.

• This headline emphasizes the candidate's restaurant management experience and ability to deliver outstanding service and operational efficiency.

• This headline showcases the candidate's ability to drive financial success by increasing revenue and ensuring high customer satisfaction.

• This headline highlights the candidate's focus on achieving results and their expertise in leading and motivating teams to deliver exceptional performance.

• This headline emphasizes the candidate's proficiency in effectively managing costs, maximizing profits, and implementing strategies for financial success.

• This headline showcases the candidate's passion for the hospitality industry and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.

• This headline highlights the candidate's innovative problem-solving approach and ability to drive business growth through creative strategies.

• This headline emphasizes the candidate's dedication to providing exceptional service and their focus on ensuring high levels of guest satisfaction.

In a world where initial impressions hold immense significance, a captivating resume headline is critical to securing interviews and propelling one's career as a restaurant manager.

Software Developer

As a software developer, the resume headline presents the initial opportunity to create a lasting impact, showcasing expertise, skills, and distinct attributes. Below, we explore exceptional instances of software developer resume headlines, exemplifying the skill of presenting qualifications concisely and engagingly.

• This headline highlights the applicant's experience as a software developer and their expertise in full-stack development, indicating their proficiency in front-end and back-end technologies.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's innovative approach to software development and ability to create efficient and scalable solutions.

• This headline showcases the applicant's results-oriented mindset, proficiency in Java programming language, and experience working in Agile methodologies.

• This headline highlights the applicant's passion for software development and commitment to creating applications prioritizing user experience and satisfaction.

• This headline emphasizes the applicant's versatility as a software developer, showcasing their proficiency in multiple programming languages and frameworks and adaptability to different project requirements.

• This headline showcases the applicant's attention to detail and experience in quality assurance and testing, indicating their commitment to delivering high-quality software products.

• This headline highlights the applicant's creativity as a software developer and focuses on developing innovative solutions, with expertise in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

The headline of a resume must highlight the candidate's core strengths, experiences, and technical expertise. Consequently, take the time to customize it for each job application and observe how it enhances the resume, leaving a lasting impression on recruiters and potential employers.