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Resume and Cover Letter
Career Goals: Why You Need...

Career Goals: Why You Need Them with Examples

10 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

Career goals are your roadmap to a fulfilling career and life.

Many don't consider that they began thinking about their career options as early as elementary or middle school. During these years, we're introduced to career paths and begin to consider what we might want to be when we grow up. Then, we enter high school and college , where we solidify our choices to adventure out into the working world. To do this effectively, we must develop career goals along the way.

What are career goals?

Though some may not consciously think about their career goals, they still have them. After all, anyone who wants to land a job and make money has at least three career goals:

Keep the job

Make money through that job

Career goals support us in advancing our careers and achieving our career aspirations. They can be short or long-term and help us get to where we want to be in the future, whether that's landing a promotion, earning more money, or branching out on our own in business.

Why are career goals important?

Imagine that you decide to go on a road trip, yet you have no idea of your destination and still haven't decided by the time you're in your vehicle and on the road. Not knowing where you are going makes deciding how to get there very difficult.

In this instance, you have two options:

Keep driving, and hope you land somewhere you like

Determine where you want to end up and then create a map, or goals, to help you get there

The notion of not knowing where you're going when taking a road trip could be fun to some. However, in terms of navigating your career, not having a destination could leave you highly frustrated and all over the map regarding career choices. Without a sense of career direction, you could end up with unfilling work, lower pay than you'd like, and a lack of professional identity.

Career goals are the roadmap to help you get to where you want to go in your career. Not only that, they also help you get to where you want to go in your personal life. Increasing your pay or making more money, for example, is not only a professional goal but is also a personal goal that affords you the ability to do more things that you enjoy or want to do personally, like buy a home, raise a family, or travel more.

Once you know what your long-term career goals are, you can work backward by creating smaller goals – your map – to meet them.

11 examples of career goals

There are dozens of career goals you could choose to set for yourself. The career goals you select should be based on and align with your professional and personal aspirations. Below, we look at 11 common career goals of today's workforce.

1. Earn promotions

Many hope to earn promotions during their careers. Promotions allow us to advance to higher-level positions, which typically means a salary increase and additional responsibilities.

2. Advance to a leadership position

Advancing from an individual contributor into a leadership position is a common career goal for many. Some, indeed, prefer to stay on the technical track and have no desire to become a supervisor or manager. However, for those that do, they appreciate the opportunity to support and shape an organization's strategy, goals, and more. They also have the ability to lead and motivate the teams they manage.

3. Start your own business

Working as an employee for a company isn't for everyone. Owning your own business provides autonomy and flexibility that's important to some. Many also love the ability to build and grow a business over time.

4. Expand your professional network

Expanding your professional network can help you land future jobs, receive referrals for your team, reach a greater audience with your expertise, and more. These are just a few of the reasons why people choose expanding their professional network as a career goal.

5. Build a professional brand

Those with a solid professional brand and identity tend to attract more job offers, have more people who want to work for them, and have a leg up when it comes to advancing their careers. Many work towards building their professional brand online. However, building a professional presence offline through avenues like in-person networking events and professional organizations is also possible.

6. Become a thought leader

Thought leaders are those who have acquired a level of expertise and authority in their field, making them a trusted name that other professionals and organizations turn to for guidance and insights. Thought leaders share their knowledge to motivate and inspire others. They can be found at various levels within and outside of organizations. Coaches, businesses, authors, executives, consultants, and individual contributors at the top of their game can all be thought leaders in their fields or areas of expertise.

7. Advance your training and education

The desire to get a degree or a certification is a career goal many aspire to. Some do so right out of high school. In contrast, others choose to go back for additional training at different points throughout their careers.

And though it's a career goal in and of itself, professional development is an excellent way to advance your career and meet other career goals, like promotions and landing a leadership position. It's also an excellent way to help you acquire the skills necessary when changing careers.

8. Retire successfully

A typical career goal is to retire comfortably at the end of one's career. Successful retirement is different for everyone, though it often includes holding the jobs one desires through career advancement, having a salary that's continued to increase over time, and working for an organization that offers a retirement savings plan of some sort, like a 401(k).

9. Attain work-life balance

Work-life balance is a common term used by employers and professionals. Many desire to work to live rather than live to work and want plenty of time to enjoy life outside of work.

As a career goal, achieving work-life balance can look different for everyone since we all have different priorities and definitions of what balance looks like. Having a flexible schedule or remote work are a couple of ways some might achieve work-life balance.

10. Enhance work relationships

Having healthy and productive relationships with coworkers, clients, leaders, and team members makes work more enjoyable. It also helps us do our jobs effectively, making it a valuable career goal.

There are several ways to enhance work relationships to meet career goals. Some might want to improve their communication skills to enhance work relationships, whereas others might want to become better team players to support project goals.

11. Change career paths

It's more common than ever for people to change careers in today's world. Some find that they don't love their work as much as they thought they would, whereas others simply want a change or to do what they consider to be more meaningful work. Regardless of the reason, changing careers is a career goal that requires thoughtfulness and a path to make the change successful.

How to meet your career goals

Here are some tips to think about when it comes to setting and meeting your career goals:

Set aligned short and long-term goals . Setting short-term goals that align with your long-term goals will help you more easily meet those long-term goals.
Use the SMART method. The SMART method is a great tool to help you set goals that you can achieve. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. By creating specific goals that are measurable, attainable, relevant, and timebound, you're setting yourself up for success. In terms of measuring your goals, develop a set of metrics that allows you to know when you've achieved them. When it comes to the timeframe in which you plan to achieve career goals, make it a timeframe that you believe is doable.
Communicate your goals with others. If you don't communicate your career goals with others, achieving them will be more difficult. After all, if your employer doesn't know you'd like a promotion or to land a leadership role one day, how can they help you get there? Share your career goals with your coworkers, supervisors, clients, and network. You never know who might be able to help open up doors down the road.
Ask for help. One of the best ways to attain career goals is to ask for help. Seek out a mentor who can help guide you when you have questions, for example, or reach out to your network for a referral to a new job.

Tips to discuss career goals during an interview

If you've ever sat through a job interview , you're likely familiar with questions that focus on your career goals. An interviewer might ask questions like:

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What are your career goals?

What is your five-year career goal?

What is your long-term career goal?

What are your long-term career goals?

The interviewer wants to know if you've thought about the direction you'd like to see your career go, as well as how you might get there. The question also provides insights into your level of self-awareness, ability to communicate your thoughts, and more.

Here are some tips to help you answer questions about your career goals to leave the right impression:

Focus on long-term goals. Employers often want to know your longer-term 5- or 10-year focus when they ask questions about your career goals. Therefore, emphasize those unless you're asked specifically about shorter-term goals.

Connect your goals to the company or position you're applying to. During an interview, your responses should all be relevant to the open position you're interviewing for, and your career goals are no exception. How do your long-term career goals relate to the position you're interviewing for and support the employer or company?

Provide information on what you've done so far or plan to do to achieve your goal. As you share your career goals, you always want to follow them up with what you've done so far to achieve those goals, as well as your plans moving forward to reach them. This is where you can emphasize some of your shorter-term goals that align with achieving your longer-term goals.

These tips also align with discussing your career goals with your current employer during performance reviews and other professional development conversations with a couple of nuances. You'll, of course, want to connect your goals with your current position and company vs. your prospective position and employer. It's also appropriate to focus on both short and long-term goals equally vs. emphasizing long-term goals over short-term goals.

Career goals = your roadmap to success

To reiterate, career goals are essential to help you get to where you want to go in your career and personal life. Use the tips above to help you set, achieve, and discuss your career goals. And, if your career goals change over time, that's okay! Just be sure to update your short-term goals to continue meeting any long-term goals you set for yourself.

Is your current resume written in a way that will help you reach your career goals? Consider submitting it for a free resume review , and let our experts provide you with specific tips to help you reach the goal of landing your next interview!

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Functional Resume: Writing...

Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template

11 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

What is a functional resume, and is it suitable for your job search?

Submitting the best resume possible is essential regardless of the job you're applying to. Selecting the proper format for your unique circumstances is one aspect of ensuring that's the case. Many turn to the common chronological resume format. But what happens if your work history and skills don't fall neatly within that format? Then, a functional resume might be an option.

Below, we answer, “What is a functional resume?” and share tips with a template, as well.

What is a functional resume?

The functional resume format emphasizes your skills over your work history. The goal of a functional resume is to craft your carer history in such a way that proves how the skills you've acquired align with the job you want. It's these skills that will stand out first and foremost to the hiring team.

You still include your work history in a functional resume, though you don't go into detail about your accomplishments for each specific position. Instead, you include your accomplishments within each skill category.

FORESHADOWING: We have a functional resume example at the end of this post you can refer to and see how this works.

A functional resume tends to be a last-resort format for a couple of reasons:

Applicant tracking systems sometimes have a difficult time reading a functional resume format.

Since the functional format is not that common, it can be more difficult for recruiters and hiring managers to find the information they're seeking quickly.

Still, if you don't have a traditional work history but have many skills relevant to the job you're applying for, a functional resume could be the best choice for you.

What is a functional resume vs. a chronological resume?

The chronological resume, also referred to as a reverse chronological resume, is the most commonly used resume format. This format focuses on your work history instead of skills like the functional format.

In the chronological format, you will include your most recent job first, with the rest of your experience in reverse chronological order. Each position will have a set of bullets that flesh out your achievements in that role.

A chronological resume is an ATS-friendly format when it's written correctly. It also tends to be the most popular among hiring teams since they're familiar with the format and can easily locate the information that matters to them.

Related reading: How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

What is a functional resume vs. a hybrid resume?

A hybrid resume, also called a combination resume, blends aspects of the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal of a hybrid resume is to equally emphasize your skills and work history.

The hybrid resume has become a popular format choice for candidates since it gives the opportunity to emphasize the skills you have in combination with your work history. It's also a format that tends to be easily read by ATS and human readers.

Related reading: The Best Resume Format to Get You Hired

When should you use a functional resume?

Now that we've answered “What is a functional resume?” let's discuss when you should and shouldn't use this format option.

A functional resume might work well for you if:

You have been out of the workforce for a while. Suppose you're reentering the workforce after some time. In that case, you might not want that fact to be the first thing prospective employers notice about your resume. Instead, you'd prefer they see your impressive categories of skills.

You have a large gap in your employment history. Similar to being out of the workforce for a while, a functional resume helps to emphasize your relevant skills first to give a positive spin on your resume, helping to take the emphasis off of your employment gap(s).

You have held jobs that span a lot of different types and industries . If your employment record is all over the place regarding the industries and types of jobs you've held, it might not be easy for a hiring team to connect your experience to the job you're applying for. A functional resume will allow you to emphasize that you have the skills necessary for the job first, so your diverse employment record isn't called into question (hopefully) as much.

You have little to no work experience. You might not have much work experience if you're right out of college. You do likely, however, have a lot of skills you've acquired through school activities, sports, part-time work, or school clubs. A functional resume allows you to be creative in the skills you represent first, helping to grab the attention of hiring teams with what's most relevant.

Your skills have been acquired through means other than traditional work experience. Suppose you have relevant skills acquired through things like hobbies, interests, or volunteer experience over conventional work experience. In that case, a functional resume will allow you to emphasize these skills so they stand out better than they would in a chronological format.

When should you not use a functional resume?

If any of the following pertain to you, then it's likely in your best interest to choose a hybrid or chronological resume format:

You have a traditional employment career trajectory. If you have plenty of work experience related to the job with a typical career growth path, then a chronological or hybrid resume is the way to go.

You're changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills. If you've gained a lot of transferable skills and are making a career shift, a hybrid resume is an excellent way to highlight your transferable skills first, with your work experience coming in second.

Your most recent employment history is relevant. If your most recent employment is relevant to the job, even if some of the rest of your work history isn't, you'll likely do better with a hybrid or chronological format over a functional one.

What to include in a functional resume

Here are the sections to include in a functional resume:

Start with your contact information

Regardless of the format you select, you'll start it off with your contact information. This includes your name, cell phone number, email address, and location (city, state, zip code). You can also include your LinkedIn or professional website URL.

Kick it off with a resume summary

Another common element across all resume formats is starting it off with a resume summary . Your summary should encapsulate what your resume is about. You want to grab the reader's attention enough for them to want to learn more. Include three to five essential skills and one to two accomplishments, with some powerful adjectives to describe you.

Categorize your skills

The bulk of your resume for a functional format will be your Professional Skills section. Here's where you'll categorize your skills and include key accomplishments from your experience to showcase how you applied those skills successfully in the past.

Incorporate your work history

Following your Professional Skills section, include your work history. Here, include the name of the employer, your position, and the dates you were employed. Where you would include bullet points of your accomplishments below each position for a chronological and hybrid format, you will leave those off in the functional format. You've already covered key accomplishments within your categories of skills.

Close it off with education

Like other resume formats, your functional resume will end with your Education section . An exception to this is if you are a new hire with little to no work experience and a few skills to highlight. In that case, you'll emphasize your education by listing it first, followed by your Skills section and then your work history.

Your Education section should include your degree and where you obtained it. You can also include any honors you might've achieved.

Many also choose to include any relevant certifications in their Education section. Or, you can opt to include a separate Certifications section if you have more than one to highlight.

Include additional sections as appropriate

You may include additional sections on your resume depending on your unique circumstances. Additional sections could include Volunteer Experience, Hobbies and Interests, Certifications, Special Projects, and Technical Skills.

Tips for writing your functional resume

Here are a few additional tips to help you craft a job-winning resume:

Tailor your resume to each job. Refer to the job description and tailor your resume to include keywords and information that aligns with your skills and experience.

Use power verbs. Begin each work accomplishment bullet point with a power verb .

Include as much quantifiable information as possible. When describing your accomplishments, include results and use data to quantify those results as much as possible.

Example of a functional resume

Here is an example of a functional resume for someone pursuing an HR-related job. You'll see this individual has a brief employment gap and a bit of an unconventional career path, making a functional resume a suitable option.

Kendra Smith

555.555.5555 | [email protected] | Morgantown, WV 26250

Intuitive professional with multi-dimensional expertise in Human Resources for diverse group of industries, including oil & gas, finance, Internet marketing, and real estate. Timely and efficient with the ability to work with all levels of staff within an organization. Influential in working with leadership teams to support the best interests and wellbeing of employees. Expertise includes recruiting, employee relations, training and development, and performance management.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Staffing & Recruiting

Partnered with recruiters to rebuild workforce after a 40% reduction due to Hurricane Katrina relocation
Counseled management while going through a reduction in force for 150+ positions
Recruited for over 500 positions in multi-faceted environments
Utilized applicant tracking system (ATS) software, including Taleo, JobVite, and SAP, to monitor resume submissions and data
Designed a one-stop shop website to assist new hires in assimilating to the community and company

Employee Relations & Performance Management

Managed employee relations for global and domestic client groups totaling 500-700 employees for multi-million dollar companies
Designed and implemented new company-wide Service Award Program
Developed new Performance Management process resulting in more effective employee development, documentation, and communication
Directed relocation project and successfully transferred 300+ positions from Austin to Houston, TX

Communications & Policy Design

Prepared and administered 40+ HR-focused policies, including performance management, non-solicitation, harassment, education reimbursement, annual MVR reviews, and discipline for $4.5B start-up company
Partnered with HR & Legal departments to develop and present materials for pertinent employee communications, including Austin relocation, benefits open enrollment, and policy updates
Presented HR updates, including goals and projects, for monthly Leadership staff meetings
Drafted and wrote 200+ employee, HR, and CEO communications

Training & Development

Developed 30+ training modules focused on HR Foundational skills for supervisors and managers, including union avoidance, effective communication, performance management, employment law, recruiting, and employee development
Spearheaded culturally sensitive technical and professional career development plans for 100 international and domestic employees
Trained HR colleagues on I-9 government compliance

WORK EXPERIENCE

HR SME Copywriter: IESquared, LLC, Houston, TX, 6/2020 - Present

Public Relations Specialist: PrimeWay Credit Union, Houston, TX. 4/2017 - 6/2020

HR Recruiter: HighMount E & P, Oklahoma City, OK, 11/2012 - 5/2013

HR Operations Manager: Dominion E & P, Houston, TX, 9/2010 - 10/2012

EDUCATION

West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV

Master of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Is a functional resume right for you?

Now that you know the answer to “What is a functional resume?” it's time to decide if it's the right option for you. If you have a traditional work history, recent relevant work, or are applying for a job where your work history is necessary to include in detail, then you should forgo the functional resume format. If you fall into any of the other categories above where a functional resume could be of value, then go for it. And, when in doubt, you can always hire a resume writer to help. Good luck!

Are you using the right format for your resume? Find out by submitting it for a free resume review . Our experts will review it and provide specific tips to help improve it and get past an ATS!

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18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

By Allison Pohle

Updated May 11, 2021 2:15 pm ET

A résumé isn’t just a list of every job you’ve ever had. It should demonstrate your accomplishments.
Mirror language used in the job posting so your résumé isn’t discarded by an applicant tracking system.
Use a clean and simple format.

Companies increasingly rely on software to sort through applicants, which is why it is essential to tailor your résumé to ensure it makes the cut. Applicant tracking systems sort, scan and rank applicants by looking for keywords in applications. Although these programs can save time and money for employers, about 60% said such tools cause them to miss some qualified candidates, according to a 2016 survey of 1,200 job seekers and managers by CareerArc, a human-resources technology company, and Future Workplace, a research firm. Here’s how to make your résumé stand out to robots and humans alike.

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé.

A common mistake job seekers make is believing a résumé is a recap of your career, when in reality, it should convey what you have accomplished, says Christy Noel, a career expert and author of “Your Personal Career Coach.”

“I always say, spend less of your real estate describing your job, and more time describing your results,” says Ms. Noel.

2. Customize your résumé.

Read over the job posting, and think about the work experience you have had that is most directly relevant to the position you are pursuing. You can leave out some past jobs and internships if the experience you had wasn’t related. Whatever you do: Don’t submit a generic résumé to dozens of postings. “Even if you have the best experience, if your résumé isn’t speaking directly to the position in which you are applying, there is a strong chance you’ll never even get an interview,” says Demisha Jennings, a certified professional résumé writer and founder and owner of She Assists LLC.

The same applies to your cover letter. It is your chance to provide more detail on how your experience will help you succeed in the job. Read our cover letter guide for how to write one that makes you stand out.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

Most of the time, a chronological résumé will work well for communicating your past experience. But, in some cases, a functional or hybrid résumé might be more appropriate. Read more about résumé formats here.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

Include your name, phone number, email address, city and state. It may also be appropriate to include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You want it to be easy for hiring managers to reach out.

In addition to making it easy to connect with you, it is important to your job search that you grow your network. Read our networking guide for tips on how to do so.

5. Consider adding a summary.

Many résumé templates leave space for an objective statement, outlining career goals, but that approach is outdated, says Ms. Jennings. Instead, consider a carefully worded summary. The summary is often the first place a hiring manager will look, and gives you an opportunity to introduce your skills high up on the page. You can also work in relevant keywords from the job description. “Recruiters are looking for what you can bring to the table and what you’ve done, rather than you saying, ‘I’m seeking a position,’” Ms. Jennings says.

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

Most recruiters spend just a few seconds skimming through a résumé—with an average in one study of 7.4 seconds.

To have the best chance of making an impression, ensure your job titles, company names and dates of employment are easy to read. The sections of your résumé should be adequately spaced, too, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder and director of Brooklyn Resume Studio.

For additional ways to make a good impression on recruiters and headhunters, read our guide on how to work with headhunters .

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly.

Structure your résumé to meet the requirements of an applicant tracking system to give yourself the best chance of having it reach an actual human. Ms. Leavy-Detrick suggests the following:

Optimize keywords. Use the same words and language that are in the job description. For example, three different companies might describe the same role as “programmer,” “developer” or “software engineer.”
Use a straightforward format. Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
Think about order. When formatting each line item of work experience, list the company name first, followed by the job location (city, state), your job title, and your start and end dates. Some résumés can get lost if the dates are listed before the job title.

8. Prioritize relevant keywords.

Tailoring your skills to include language from the job posting is an important way to let both the applicant tracking system and, eventually, a hiring manager, see how your prior qualifications tie into the job requirements. But just because you have a résumé full of keywords doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview. “The ATS isn’t there to help the job seeker, it is there to help the employer review your skills against their most important qualifications,” says Ashley Watkins, a career coach and résumé writer with Write Step Résumés LLC.

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

The goal of a résumé is to list your accomplishments, rather than every duty you performed in the role. Résumé-writing experts recommend including no more than five bullet points per prior job listed.

Don’t focus on tasks. Many job seekers describe what they did every day, such as answering phones or creating marketing materials, Ms. Watkins says. “Simply copying and pasting the job description doesn’t account for the things you did great, that you did above and beyond your peers,” she says.
Instead, explain what those tasks achieved. Emphasize your results. Ms. Watkins suggests asking yourself “Did I save [the employer] money? Did I save time? Did I improve a process? Did I build a relationship?” These will help you format your bullet points.
Use metrics. Say what you achieved, then contextualize it—with figures if possible. You might not be able to put a monetary value on every accomplishment, but you can frame it by sharing details like the time it took or how many people were involved. “If you raised sales 50% in two months, that means a whole lot more than ‘I’m in charge of sales,’” Ms. Watkins says.
Don’t omit accomplishments that aren’t quantifiable. Not every achievement will have metrics to show success. If there are figures, you might not always have access to them. But that shouldn’t stop you from including them, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. Perhaps you had a positive impact on the culture of an organization, or improved a struggling relationship with a client. These efforts could help to demonstrate your soft skills.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

If you are applying for a job in a new field or you are an entry-level applicant and don’t have much direct experience, don’t worry. Highlight transferable skills you have developed in the past that will serve you well in the position, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick. For example, you could play up leadership skills you developed participating in an extracurricular activity or time-management skills you learned in a prior job.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

If you are new to the workforce, or are job-hunting after being laid off, you could also include related experience that was outside of a traditional full-time job, says Ms. Watkins. For example, you can highlight volunteer work, consulting projects or educational training, all as part of making the case for your unique value, she says.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

The Covid-19 pandemic economy resulted in many people being laid off or furloughed. Ms. Watkins says the 2020 job market reminds her of 2008, when she worked as a recruiter. The expectation at that time, she says, was that candidates would have gaps on their résumés or list more short-term positions. While it isn’t necessary to directly address the gaps in your résumé, you should be prepared to talk about them in an interview . “The focus should not be centered on the fact that you were furloughed or laid off, it should be focused on you and your skills and what you do that impacts the company’s bottom line in a positive way,” Ms. Watkins says.

While it is common to list the months and years you started and ended positions in the job history section, you could just use years. This will draw less attention to a six- or eight-month gap, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick.

13. Highlight relevant skills.

It is common to add a skills section to your résumé , outlining expertise relevant to the position. You can include languages you speak, technical skills or courses you have done. If you lack experience, you can also complete some trainings, which you can find on LinkedIn and elsewhere, related to the job you are applying for and add the courses in this section, says Ms. Jennings.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

The professional experience you have had is often more relevant to the position than your education history, which is why the work experience should be listed first. In the “Education” section, you should list where you attended college, if applicable, or the highest level of education you have attained. If you graduated with honors, you can flag that, but it isn’t necessary to list your GPA.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page.

If you are early on in your career, you should limit your résumé to one page. It is OK to start spilling onto a second page after you have eight to 10 years of experience, says Ms. Leavy-Detrick.

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart.

Your résumé should look clean and professional and you should keep applicant tracking systems in mind when formatting the document. But, if it is appropriate, you can add subtle accents of color in the section headings or in bars that separate sections as a way to differentiate your résumé. Ms. Leavy-Detrick doesn’t overstress the need for good design with her clients. “But it can definitely help,” she says. “When I say design, I don’t mean crazy graphic design. I mean having a polished application,” she says. “Think of it the same way you would coming dressed to an interview, it is part of your presentation, and so many people overlook this on the résumé.”

It may be appropriate to incorporate a more creative and graphic-based layout depending on the field in which you work and where you are applying. If you are applying for a position in a creative field, and you are emailing your résumé directly to a hiring manager, then it can be appropriate to use more designs, says Ms. Jennings. But if you are applying to a large company that uses an applicant tracking system or job portal, she says it is best to avoid using graphics unless you are working with a résumé writer who can help you get your resume through the system.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

You may be eager to send your résumé or submit your application, but you should take the time to first check for typos and grammatical errors. You could also have a friend or family member look over it. When you are checking for errors, be sure to double-check the formatting. Sometimes the spacing can get thrown off when you save the file, so check how it looks as a saved document and, if you can, save it as a PDF before sending.

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name.

Make less work for the hiring manager by including your full name in the file name of the résumé document.

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Business leaders discussing new business ideas in the office at a skills-based organization

In skills-based organizations, effective communication is the meta-skill.

Communication skills have always been vital to the success of high-performing organizations. That’s why learning and development leaders in such companies ensure that programs on, for example, active listening, feedback, and clear, concise communication are among the essential offerings for their employees’ personal and professional growth.

Recent data from top-tier research firms, such as Deloitte and Bain & Company , indicate a significant shift towards skills-based organizational models. This requires an equally important shift towards a learning mindset. According to Deloitte's research , a substantial majority of corporate leaders recognize the importance of skills in defining work and managing talent. Specifically, around 90% of executives are actively experimenting with or moving towards a skills-based approach, indicating a strong belief in its potential to improve organizational outcomes.

This development has raised the bar on communication skills.

Especially in a skills-based organization, where the focus shifts from rigidly defined job descriptions and roles to the specific skills and competencies of individuals, high levels of coordination and collaboration among team members with diverse skill sets makes effective communication the critical differentiator for leadership roles in a company.

Reasons abound why a focus on communication skills is crucial in such a model:

Coordination and Flexibility : Skills-based organizations often involve dynamic team structures where individuals are brought together based on their skills to work on specific projects or tasks. Effective communication is necessary to coordinate these efforts, ensure that everyone understands their roles, and adapt quickly to changes.

Cross-functional Collaboration : In this model, communication across different functions and departments is vital to leveraging diverse skills and knowledge. This cross-functional communication fosters innovation and problem-solving by breaking down silos and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

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Transparency and Trust : As roles and tasks are not strictly defined by job titles, clear and transparent communication helps build trust among team members. It ensures that everyone is aware of the organization's goals, the purpose of their tasks, and how their contributions fit into the larger picture.

Continuous Learning and Development : Skills-based organizations emphasize continuous learning and development. Effective communication is crucial for providing feedback, sharing knowledge, and identifying skill gaps that need to be addressed through training and development initiatives.

Empowerment and Engagement : By focusing on skills, organizations aim to empower employees to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully. Strong communication skills help articulate expectations, provide recognition, and engage employees in decision-making processes, leading to higher motivation and job satisfaction.

So, where should skills-based organizations focus the attention of their future leaders so they can elevate their communications skills?

I recommend three foundational focus areas:

Clarifying Expectations

This relatively unassuming concept doesn’t have the cachet of, say, strategic storytelling—the domain of visionary leaders—or negotiation skills. But it is increasingly important in everyday workplace communication. It is hard to overstate its value in organizations transitioning to skills-based frameworks that prioritize adaptability, continuous learning, and talent agility.

As these models gain momentum, leaders must learn and leverage requisite communication skills, to effectively navigate and manage this new environment, to enable alignment, engagement, and innovation within their teams.

Even Gallup has emphasized the significance of clarifying expectations as a key driver of employee engagement and inspiration. When managers clearly define and communicate expectations, employees understand their roles better and align their efforts with organizational goals.

This clarity enables employees to perform effectively and reduces confusion that can lead to disengagement, especially in organizations where predefined jobs with specific roles and responsibilities are a thing of the past. Employees who know what is expected of them are more likely to be engaged, which Gallup has linked to better business outcomes, such as increased productivity and profitability.

The process of clarifying expectations involves ongoing communication, alignment on outcomes, and frequent feedback. This helps employees prioritize their tasks, calibrate their approach, and measure their contributions, ultimately inspiring them to perform at their best.

Communicating Across Cultural Barriers

Cultural differences can significantly impact communication in skills-based organizations, often leading to misunderstandings and barriers to collaboration and innovation.

Leaders and their teams should take note of different cultures’ distinct communication styles, which can affect how messages are conveyed and interpreted. For example, some cultures may prefer direct communication, while others rely on indirect or nuanced expressions. Miscommunication and emotional friction can result if team members are not sensitive to these often-subtle differences.

Other cultural norms, such as attitudes towards hierarchy, authority, and teamwork, can also influence how communication is perceived and conducted. In some cultures, for instance, it is considered inappropriate to openly challenge a manager, which can stifle open dialogue and feedback in a North American environment.

Team members from such cultures sometimes don’t find it psychologically safe to challenge their more senior colleagues in meetings and in innovation discussions . In such cases, leaders and peers need to adapt their communication styles to more effectively engage those whose ingrained behaviors default to humility and conformity. This enables them to contribute fully to the organization’s success and makes having a diverse and culturally mixed team a strength rather than a potential vulnerability.

Influencing Up and Across

A critical differentiator for emerging leaders when engaging senior executives is the ability to simplify complexity, especially in skills-based organizations. They distill complex strategies into clear, understandable choice points and goals that align with the organization's skills-centric approach. In this way, leaders demonstrate their next-level potential and effectively communicate their outcome-focused strategies to both superiors and peers.

Trust is another foundational element for influencing others, especially in skills-based organizations where stakeholders and team members can change from one project to the next. Networks are in constant flux, so self-awareness is key in understanding the impact we have on those we’re partnered with. Emerging leaders should engage in self-reflection to understand their strengths and weaknesses and make the adjustments needed to foster trust and respect among peers and superiors. This is crucial for influencing decisions and driving change.

Building a strong network will become even more important to building influence in skills-based models. Leaders should cultivate relationships across the organization and leverage these connections to gather support for initiatives. In a skills-based organization, where cross-functional collaboration is key, having a robust network goes a long way in facilitating the sharing of skills and resources.

By leveraging organizational intelligence and understanding both the formal and informal structures of the skills-based organization, emerging leaders can better navigate organizational politics. Thus, they can position themselves strategically to influence decisions and initiatives.

Finally, future leaders of a skills-based organization can increase their positive impact on the business by actively fostering a skills-centric culture. By embracing skill development initiatives and promoting a culture that values continuous learning and skill enhancement, they can influence the organization's strategic direction and ability to meet new challenges.

Bottom Line

There are innumerable aspects to effective communication, each one subject to the complexity of human perception and behavior. Nonetheless, in today’s rapidly evolving business environment clear and effective communication is becoming increasingly important for employees to build followership and move up to higher levels, especially in skills-based organizations.

As companies continue to pivot from traditional job roles to skill-centric models, the leaders who will make the biggest impact are those who can master the art of clear, cross-functional, and culturally aware communication. By honing these critical communication skills, they not only ensure alignment and collaboration but also drive innovation and agility.

In doing so, emerging leaders position their teams—and themselves—for long-term success in a future that rewards agility and expertise.

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Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one

In an era when people trust news less than ever , how can journalists break through and attract the attention of average people to provide information about their communities, the nation and the world?

By not complicating things.

Our research, published in Science Advances, shows that simple headlines significantly increase article engagement and clicks compared with headlines that use complex language.

In our research, typical news readers preferred simple headlines over complex ones. But importantly, we found that those who actually write headlines — journalists themselves — did not.

We first used data from The Washington Post and Upworthy to see how language features, such as word length and how common a word is, changed how many people clicked on an article’s headline. These datasets included over 31,000 randomized experiments — also known as A/B tests — that compared two or more headline versions of the same underlying article to determine which one generated the most clicks.

Headlines with more common words — simple words like “job” instead of “occupation” — shorter headlines, and those communicated in a narrative style, with more pronouns compared with prepositions, received more clicks. For example, The Washington Post headline, “Meghan and Harry are talking to Oprah. Here’s why they shouldn’t say too much” outperformed the alternative headline, “Are Meghan and Harry spilling royal tea to Oprah? Don’t bet on it.” This example illustrates how sometimes a more straightforward headline can generate more interest.

In follow-up laboratory experiments, we found that typical news readers focused more on simple rather than complex headlines because the writing was easier to understand. When journalists participated in the same experiments, they didn’t show any preference for simple headlines over complex ones. Put differently: Those who write the news appear to be less responsive to simple writing than regular audiences.

Generations of communication consultants have advised that communicators follow the rather crass acronym KISS: Keep it Simple, Stupid . We suggest a modified version applied for journalists. Since KISJ isn’t all that simple , we propose: Keep It Simple, Staffers. Simplicity increases the number of people who click on a news story headline and improves reader recall of the material in the article. Most importantly, simplicity boosts reader engagement, such as how much attention they pay to the information.

Why it matters

News outlets that appear ahead of the curve have already implemented KISS strategies. For example, Ezra Klein, a journalist who founded the explanation-focused news site Vox, recommends journalists avoid writing for their editors .

As our work finds, writers and editors respond differently to complexity than people who consume the news. Therefore, one way for journalists to avoid the writing-for-editors problem is to simplify the writing with readers in mind: Use shorter words, write shorter sentences, and use more everyday words instead of complex alternatives. Work that is more approachable will reach the widest audience and garner the most engagement.

Writing simply could have additional effects beyond engagement, too. Information has never been more abundant, and yet readers are consistently in search of credible news providers. One potential pathway to improve how people think and feel about news is through simplicity. Since simple writing has been linked to increased perceptions of trust and warmth over complex writing, news providers may want to think deeply about word choice when creating their next article or broadcast.

Simplicity in headline writing matters both because the news market is extremely competitive and because it reduces a barrier between the public and important information. Our research does not suggest traditional news sites should become “ clickbait .” Rather, it suggests that if headlines become more accessible to average news readers, they will be more effective for engagement and, hopefully, a more informed public.

Illustration via MIdjourney.

Cite this article Hide citations

Markowitz, David. "Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one." Nieman Journalism Lab . Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, 26 Aug. 2024. Web. 26 Aug. 2024.

Markowitz, D. (2024, Aug. 26). Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one. Nieman Journalism Lab . Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/08/readers-prefer-to-click-on-a-clear-simple-headline-like-this-one/

Markowitz, David. "Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one." Nieman Journalism Lab . Last modified August 26, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/08/readers-prefer-to-click-on-a-clear-simple-headline-like-this-one/.

{{cite web | url = https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/08/readers-prefer-to-click-on-a-clear-simple-headline-like-this-one/ | title = Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one | last = Markowitz | first = David | work = [[Nieman Journalism Lab]] | date = 26 August 2024 | accessdate = 26 August 2024 | ref = {{harvid|Markowitz|2024}} }}

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30 Strong Resume Headline Examples to Use in 2023

What makes you click an article when you’re scrolling on your phone? If you think about it, it’s usually the headline. Out of the hundreds of stories we scan in a day, we're most likely to click and read something when the headline feels urgent, relevant, or clever.

The same principles apply when it comes to your resume: A strong headline will draw recruiters into the story of you— and entice them to keep reading.

As a certified professional resume writer who has written hundreds (and I mean hundreds ) of resumes, I strongly recommend using a headline. Whether you’re fresh out of college and looking for your first “real” job, or you're 20+ years into your career and eyeing the C-suite, a brilliant headline can make all the difference in landing a job interview.

Here’s everything you need to know about what resume headlines are, why they work, and how to add one to the resume you’ll use to land your next job.

What is a resume headline or resume title?

A resume headline is a concise description of your work experience, placed right at the top of your resume. It goes below your name and contact information, and above your summary or opening resume section . Your resume headline usually pairs a job title with a brief phrase or two that relates to the job you’re pursuing. It’s where you tell a decision maker—who is most likely skimming dozens of applications at a time—that you’re a great fit for the job.

Why should I use a resume headline?

Resume headlines work because they allow you to frame who you are and your core value proposition to the recruiter or hiring manager right away. This is your chance to say that you’re exactly what they’re looking for and prompt them to keep reading.

A headline also gives you a better shot at getting noticed because you can weave relevant keywords into this part of your resume. Keywords (job titles, skills, educational credentials, etc.) that align with the job description can increase the odds of your resume passing through an applicant tracking system (ATS) and landing in front of human reviewers who will ultimately make the hiring decisions.

Best resume headline templates for 2023

So, what does a resume headline look like? Here are three different templates you can use to write your own.

When writing resumes for my clients, I typically use this formula:

1-3 Commonly Used Job Titles That Describe You (In Plain English)

Keyword-Rich Supporting Statement Showcasing Something That Makes You a Standout for That Role

You might also consider a single-line headline that combines your title with an attention-grabbing phrase, something like this:

Job Title with X Years’ Experience Doing This Directly Relevant Thing

Job Title Who Achieved This Very Impressive Result

Certainly, you could go with one to three titles without the descriptive subhead or phrase. This is sometimes called a resume title, and it’s better than having no headline at all. But I’d argue it’s a missed opportunity to share something specific that ties your capabilities to the requirements of a job.

Whether you choose to use a resume title in your headline or keep it to just one line is really a matter of personal preference. What’s important is that you have one in the first place—and use it to your advantage.

6 ways to write a great resume headline

A compelling headline will be both keyword-rich and provide a short and snappy elevator pitch—something that summarizes what you’re all about in relation to the job or jobs you’re pursuing. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Position yourself for the job you want (but don’t lie)

Again, your goal is to set the stage with recruiters and hiring managers that you’re exactly what they’re looking for. Given this, the more closely you can align your resume to the job or jobs you want next—without making stuff up, of course—the better.

For instance, if you’re a marketing manager who’s built a successful e-commerce platform for your current employer and you’re applying for jobs at companies looking for a marketing leader with e-commerce experience, you’d be wise to announce that you’re a marketing leader with that specific experience in your headline.

2. Tailor your headline for each role you pursue

Building on tip number one, keep in mind that your resume headline is not a tattoo. You can, and should, modify your headline as needed if you’re applying for jobs with varying requirements.

So if you’re that same marketing manager and you’re applying for another job that emphasizes social media marketing—and you also have experience doing that—you shouldn’t hesitate to swap out the e-commerce mention for something more specific to social media.

https://www.themuse.com/advice/what-it-really-means-to-tailor-your-resume

3. Keep it concise

Brevity and strategy are key with your headline. If you’re using a job title and a phrase on the next line—like my team typically does—your whole headline should take up two lines max.

Otherwise, your headline should be a succinct one-liner combining title(s) with a powerful phrase about your fitness for this job.

4. Avoid clichés

Don’t waste valuable real estate with vague terms like “results oriented” or clichés such as "thinks outside the box.” Recruiters see these lines so often that their eyes will likely skip over ’em, and that’s the opposite of your goal here. Instead, show your impact with a data point: X Job Title Who Increased Revenue by 150%, or similar.

5. Use common job titles

If you’re looking for a job as a chief of staff and are basically working as one now, but have an oddball title that doesn’t immediately or clearly convey what you do, introduce yourself as a chief of staff in your headline. It all comes back to the keywords both the ATS and the people reading your resume are looking for. You don’t want to miss the chance to be considered for a full-stack engineering role because your current company uses the title “full-stack magician,” or be overlooked for a customer support role because your last company insisted on the title “weekend happiness concierge” (btw, those are real examples ).

6. Highlight accomplishments

Again, if you’re a top performer with impressive, quantifiable results to share, this is a great opportunity for you to show off. Take a look at the examples below to see what this could look like in action.

Best resume headline examples for 2023

What does a resume headline actually look like? Let’s run through a few examples.

A general resume headline, and why it works

Say you’re a project and program manager who just earned your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. You’ve selected a few project and program management jobs that you want to apply for and notice that this certification is consistently listed as a preferred qualification. (Hooray, you have it!) You’re also seeing a common theme among the job descriptions that got you excited: They all call for someone who has worked with SaaS (or software as a service) companies. Hooray again, you have.

Your headline, then, may look like this:

PMP-Certified Project Manager | Senior Program Manager

Delivering Complex Projects—On Time & Within Budget—for Global SaaS Providers

This keyword-rich title immediately tells the reviewer that you’re a project manager and a program manager and that you have the valuable PMP certification. The rest of the headline makes it clear that you have experience in a SaaS environment and know how to successfully deliver projects on deadline and within budget. You’ll also notice that every word in the headline and subhead earns its spot on the page. There is no fluff. There are no clichés.

Everything works together to bring the reader into your story and make them eager to continue into your summary section.

A recent graduate resume headline, and why it works

Next up, how about a mechanical engineering graduate who is looking for engineering jobs in the robotics industry? This time, we’ll go with a headline that combines title and power phrase in a single line:

Purdue University BSME Honors Graduate With Robot Programming Experience

This one capitalizes on the prestige of a Purdue University engineering degree and showcases the candidate’s experience with a specific requirement of many robotics engineering jobs: the ability to program a robot.

One- and two-line resume headline examples

Here are a few more headline examples, for a variety of industries and roles:

Nonprofit Leader | Executive Director | Director of Development

Driving Transformative Performance on Behalf of Global Humanitarian Agencies

Supply Chain Manager | Logistics Team Lead

Optimizing Operational Performance in Global Manufacturing Environments

Executive Assistant | Office Manager

Enabling Business Leaders to Thrive by Delivering World-Class Administrative Support

Technical Writer | Trainer & Instructor

Transforming Complex Technical Information Into Compelling and Actionable Content, Lessons, & Documentation

We could take those same four people and create one-line headlines for them:

Nonprofit Director Who Has Successfully Raised $5M for Children’s Charities

Supply Chain Leader With 15 Years’ Experience Managing End-to-End Global Supply Chains

Executive Assistant—an Indispensable Partner to Senior Business Leaders

Technical Writer Specializing in Transforming Complex Information Into Compelling & Actionable Content

Lastly, some bonus resume headline examples

If you want even more ideas, consider these:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) With 8 Years Auditing Experience
SaaS Account Executive Who’s Closed Over $10 Million in Sales
Content Writer and Editor Who Has Increased SEO Traffic by Over 200%
Award Winning UX-Designer Specializing in Accessibility
Account Manager Responsible for Upsells Totalling $500K+ in 6 Months
Back-End Developer Fluent in JavaScript, SQL, Ruby, and Python
Advertising Executive Responsible for the GEICO Gecko
Social Media Marketing Specialist who Launched and Grew 100K Follower TikTok Account
Recruiter Who’s Sourced, Interviewed, and Overseen Hiring Process for 200+ Hired Candidates
Very Good Dog Who Doesn’t Bark at UPS Guy
Comp Sci Grad with Past Internships at Google and Facebook
Project Manager Specializing in Completing Over-Budget Initiatives Cheap
HR Professional with 18 Years in Benefits Management
Certified Special Education Teacher With 5 Years Experience in Multi-Grade Classroom
Data Analyst With 4 Years Experience in Financial Modeling
Data Scientist Specializing in Machine Learning
IT Professional Who Set Up Hillary Clinton’s Server—Which Is Still Unhacked
Engineer Who Actually Founded Tesla

Bottom line: No one—not even the ATS—can see and feel and touch your years of experience and understand why you should be hired. It’s on you to frame the “you on paper” as the very best candidate to the decision makers, whether they’re a technology or a group of humans. And it all starts with your headline.

Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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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100 Examples: How to Write a Strong Resume Headline

Understanding the Resume Headline Part 1
Why a Resume Headline is Essential Part 2
How to Write a Powerful Resume Headline Part 3
3 Types of Effective Headline Structure with Examples Part 4
100 Examples of Effective Resume Headlines Part 5

Crafting a strong resume headline can make a world of difference when it comes to standing out in a pool of job applicants. A powerful headline serves as a quick snapshot of your expertise, capturing the attention of hiring managers and enticing them to delve deeper into your resume. If you’re looking to make a lasting impression and secure that all-important interview, here are some tips and examples to help you create a winning resume headline.

Related: Get More Interviews: Follow Up on Job Applications (Templates)

Part 1 Understanding the Resume Headline

A resume headline, also known as a resume title, is a phrase that highlights your key qualifications and skills, making it easy for employers to identify your strengths quickly. It typically appears at the top of your resume, right after your contact information, and serves as a snapshot of what you bring to the table.

To create a strong resume headline, you should focus on summarizing your most relevant and impressive achievements or attributes. It is crucial to customize the headline for each job application, tailoring it to match the specific requirements and keywords of the job posting.

For example, if you are applying for a marketing manager role, your resume headline might be: “Results-Driven Marketing Manager with 7 Years of Experience Boosting Sales by 40%”. This highlights your relevant experience while emphasizing your success in driving sales growth.

Consider using action-oriented language and quantifiable results in your resume headline, as this demonstrates your ability to make a positive impact. Also, try to keep the headline short and to the point, ideally within one line of text, to make it easy for employers to understand your value.

Here are some more examples of effective resume headlines:

“Award-Winning Graphic Designer Specializing in Branding and Social Media Content”
“Certified Project Manager with a Track Record of Completing Projects On-Time and On-Budget”
“Bilingual Customer Service Rep Providing Top-Notch Support in English and Spanish”
“Highly Skilled Java Developer with a Passion for Developing Cutting-Edge Applications”

Related: Best LinkedIn Headlines for Job Seekers [Examples]

Part 2 Why a Resume Headline is Essential

A well-crafted resume headline is essential for catching the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. With just one short, impactful statement at the top of your resume, you can make a strong first impression that encourages them to read further.

Think of your resume headline like a newspaper headline. Its main goal is to pique the reader’s interest and make them want to learn more. It should be concise, yet packed with relevant information to give your potential employer a taste of what you bring to the table.

A resume headline acts as a sales pitch, showcasing your most marketable skills, qualifications, and experiences while providing a quick snapshot of your professional identity. It helps you stand out from the crowd of applicants, especially when you’re competing for sought-after positions.

Moreover, a strategically crafted resume headline is essential for optimizing your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). By incorporating relevant keywords and phrases from the job description, you can improve your resume’s visibility and ranking in the computerized filtering process, enhancing your chances of being noticed.

Part 3 How to Write a Powerful Resume Headline

Be specific, yet concise: Your headline should communicate your value in a short and impactful statement. Avoid generic phrases and focus on your unique qualifications.
Highlight your strengths: Showcase your skills, experience, and successes in a way that communicates the value you bring to a potential employer.
Tailor it to the job: When possible, use keywords from the job description to tailor your headline to the specific position. This will increase the chances of your resume being noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters.
Keep it up-to-date: As your career progresses, remember to update your resume headline. It should always be a true reflection of your present capabilities and strengths.
Avoid Unnecessary Formatting: ATS systems may have trouble parsing complex formatting or special characters in your headline. Stick to standard text without excessive formatting elements.

Relevance to Job Description

To create a powerful resume headline, start by analyzing the job description. Focus on what the employer is looking for and tailor your headline to reflect those requirements. For example, if the job posting emphasizes a need for a sales professional with a proven track record, your headline could read, “Top-performing Sales Professional with 5+ Years of Experience Generating High Revenue.”

Incorporating Skills

Your resume headline should showcase your most relevant skills. This helps hiring managers instantly recognize your expertise and makes your application stand out. Identify your unique skills related to the job you’re applying for, such as language proficiency, software proficiency, or a specific certification. For instance, a software developer might have a headline like, “Full Stack Developer Skilled in Python, Django, and React Native.”

Highlighting Experience

Experience is often a significant factor in hiring decisions. By emphasizing your experience in your resume headline, you demonstrate to employers that you’re a seasoned professional. You can include the years of experience or mention the industries you’ve worked in. An example could be, “Experienced Project Manager with 7 Years in Tech and Lifestyle Industries.”

Usage of Keywords

Incorporating relevant keywords into your resume headline helps your application stand out, especially when applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used. These systems often look for specific keywords that match the job posting. By using such keywords in your headline, you increase the chances of your resume being spotted. For example, a graphic designer might use the headline, “Creative Graphic Designer Specializing in Branding, Logo Design, and UX/UI Design.”

Part 4 3 Types of Effective Headline Structure with Examples

Writing a strong resume headline can make a significant difference in helping you land your desired job. Let’s explore some successful resume headline examples and tips to help you create your attention-grabbing headline.

Type 1: Example: “ Customer Service Expert with 10+ Years of Experience” In this example, the headline focuses on two key elements: the area of expertise and years of experience. By mentioning these upfront, you showcase your value to potential employers and make it easier for them to identify you as a top candidate.

Type 2: Example: “Award-Winning Graphic Designer Skilled in Adobe Suite” This headline combines recognition and specific skills, emphasizing relevant achievements and technical expertise. Use this format to demonstrate your unique qualifications and what makes you stand out from other candidates.

Type 3: Example: “Bi-Lingual HR Manager Specializing in Employee Relations” Language skills and specialization are highlighted in this example, creating a distinct impression that helps differentiate you from others with similar experience. This type of headline emphasizes your unique abilities to enhance the headline.

Industry-specific keywords are important: Research common keywords and phrases specific to your field and incorporate them into your headline.

When applying, try to tailor your headline for each job application by adjusting the keywords and phrases to match the specific job posting.

Initial Screening Process: Many employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to manage the overwhelming volume of resumes they receive for job openings. ATS software scans and filters resumes based on specific criteria, including keywords and phrases found in the resume. If your resume doesn’t pass the ATS screening, it may never be seen by human eyes.
Keyword Relevance: ATS systems often prioritize resumes that contain keywords and phrases directly related to the job opening. When you include industry-specific keywords and skills in your resume headline, you increase the likelihood that the ATS will recognize your qualifications as a match for the position.
Ranking and Scoring: ATS software may assign a score to each resume based on its relevance to the job description. Resumes with higher scores are more likely to be considered by recruiters. A well-crafted resume headline with the right keywords can boost your score and move your resume higher in the applicant pool.

Part 5 100 Examples of Effective Resume Headlines

1. “Results-Driven Marketing Manager with a Proven Track Record” 2. “Experienced Software Developer Specializing in Front-End Technologies” 3. “Detail-Oriented Financial Analyst with Expertise in Forecasting” 4. “Dedicated Nurse Practitioner Improving Patient Care” 5. “Creative Graphic Designer Transforming Ideas into Visuals” 6. “Seasoned Project Manager Delivering On-Time and On-Budget” 7. “Customer Service Guru Enhancing Client Satisfaction” 8. “Passionate Elementary School Teacher Inspiring Young Minds” 9. “Strategic Sales Executive Driving Revenue Growth” 10. “Analytical Data Scientist Leveraging Big Data for Insights” 11. “Experienced Human Resources Manager Fostering a Positive Work Culture” 12. “Senior Accountant with Expertise in Financial Reporting” 13. “Digital Marketing Specialist Boosting Online Presence” 14. “Skilled Web Developer Creating User-Friendly Websites” 15. “Dynamic Event Planner Orchestrating Memorable Experiences” 16. “Charismatic Sales Representative Building Strong Client Relationships” 17. “Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) Leading Complex Projects” 18. “Detail-Oriented Quality Assurance Analyst Ensuring Product Excellence” 19. “Innovative Product Manager Driving Product Development” 20. “Customer-Centric Retail Manager Maximizing Store Performance” 21. “Results-Driven Sales Manager with a Focus on Team Success” 22. “Experienced Registered Nurse Providing Compassionate Care” 23. “Creative Copywriter Crafting Engaging Content” 24. “Strategic Business Analyst Identifying Growth Opportunities” 25. “Efficient Administrative Assistant Streamlining Office Operations” 26. “Passionate Social Worker Making a Difference in Communities” 27. “Technical Support Specialist Resolving IT Challenges” 28. “Motivated Marketing Coordinator Implementing Winning Campaigns” 29. “Experienced Account Executive Nurturing Client Relationships” 30. “Detail-Oriented Legal Assistant Supporting Legal Professionals” 31. “Innovative Product Designer Bringing Ideas to Life” 32. “Data-Driven Market Research Analyst Informing Business Strategies” 33. “Effective Public Relations Specialist Building Brand Reputation” 34. “Adaptable Project Coordinator Managing Cross-Functional Teams” 35. “Customer-Focused Retail Sales Associate Driving Sales Growth” 36. “Proven Sales Leader Achieving Targets Consistently” 37. “Experienced Registered Dietitian Promoting Healthy Lifestyles” 38. “Creative Video Producer Bringing Stories to Screen” 39. “Strategic Supply Chain Manager Optimizing Logistics” 40. “Results-Oriented IT Manager Ensuring Network Reliability” 41. “Passionate Nonprofit Director Advancing Social Causes” 42. “Analytical Financial Planner Securing Financial Futures” 43. “Experienced Operations Manager Streamlining Processes” 44. “Detail-Oriented Legal Secretary Supporting Legal Practices” 45. “Innovative UX Designer Creating Intuitive User Experiences” 46. “Data-Driven Marketing Analyst Optimizing Campaigns” 47. “Dynamic Customer Support Specialist Resolving Issues Swiftly” 48. “Motivated Event Coordinator Executing Flawless Events” 49. “Experienced Accountant Managing Financial Accuracy” 50. “Results-Driven Sales Director Expanding Market Share” 51. “Experienced Registered Pharmacist Ensuring Medication Safety” 52. “Creative Art Director Visualizing Brand Identities” 53. “Strategic HR Manager Cultivating Talent and Culture” 54. “Efficient Office Manager Enhancing Workplace Efficiency” 55. “Passionate Environmental Scientist Protecting Ecosystems” 56. “Customer-Centric Retail Store Manager Driving Profitability” 57. “Innovative UX/UI Designer Crafting User-Centered Designs” 58. “Detail-Oriented Research Analyst Gathering Critical Insights” 59. “Technical Support Engineer Resolving Complex IT Issues” 60. “Motivated Marketing Specialist Implementing ROI-Driven Strategies” 61. “Experienced Account Manager Building Strong Client Partnerships” 62. “Results-Oriented Sales Executive Exceeding Targets Consistently” 63. “Experienced Registered Physical Therapist Improving Mobility” 64. “Creative Content Strategist Driving Engagement” 65. “Strategic Operations Director Optimizing Efficiency” 66. “Detail-Oriented Legal Counsel Delivering Legal Excellence” 67. “Innovative Industrial Designer Creating Innovative Products” 68. “Data-Driven SEO Specialist Boosting Online Visibility” 69. “Dynamic Customer Success Manager Ensuring Client Satisfaction” 70. “Motivated Event Planner Orchestrating Memorable Experiences” 71. “Experienced Financial Advisor Providing Sound Financial Guidance” 72. “Results-Driven Marketing Coordinator Executing Winning Campaigns” 73. “Experienced Accountant Managing Complex Financial Transactions” 74. “Detail-Oriented Research Scientist Conducting Groundbreaking Studies” 75. “Efficient Office Administrator Streamlining Administrative Processes” 76. “Passionate Wildlife Biologist Studying and Protecting Ecosystems” 77. “Customer-Centric Retail Sales Manager Maximizing Store Performance” 78. “Innovative UI Designer Creating Intuitive User Interfaces” 79. “Strategic HR Generalist Nurturing Organizational Culture” 80. “Motivated IT Support Specialist Resolving Technical Challenges” 81. “Experienced Account Executive Growing Client Relationships” 82. “Results-Oriented Sales Manager Leading High-Performing Teams” 83. “Experienced Registered Nurse Practitioner Improving Patient Care” 84. “Creative Graphic Artist Transforming Concepts into Visuals” 85. “Detail-Oriented Financial Planner Ensuring Financial Security” 86. “Innovative Product Developer Bringing Ideas to Market” 87. “Data-Driven Market Analyst Informing Strategic Decisions” 88. “Dynamic Public Relations Manager Building Brand Visibility” 89. “Passionate Event Coordinator Executing Successful Gatherings” 90. “Experienced HR Specialist Fostering Employee Engagement” 91. “Results-Oriented Retail Store Manager Increasing Profitability” 92. “Experienced Legal Assistant Providing Comprehensive Support” 93. “Efficient Office Coordinator Enhancing Workplace Productivity” 94. “Strategic Project Manager Delivering Complex Initiatives” 95. “Motivated Social Worker Making a Positive Impact” 96. “Customer-Centric Sales Associate Building Client Relationships” 97. “Innovative Product Designer Creating Innovative Solutions” 98. “Detail-Oriented Data Analyst Transforming Data into Insights” 99. “Experienced IT Consultant Solving Complex Technical Challenges” 100. “Results-Driven Marketing Director Driving Business Growth”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some eye-catching resume headlines for managers.

For a manager, creating an eye-catching resume headline is crucial to grabbing the attention of potential employers. Here are some examples:

Results-driven operations manager with 10+ years of experience
Award-winning marketing manager with a record of success
Innovative project manager excelling in IT management

How can I create an effective resume headline in customer service?

To create an effective resume headline in customer service, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Some examples include:

Customer service pro with top-notch problem-solving skills
Bilingual customer service expert with 5+ years of experience
Dedicated customer support specialist consistently rated 5-stars

Can you provide examples of great professional headlines for resumes?

Let’s look at some examples of strong professional headlines for different fields:

Software engineer: Skilled Full-Stack Developer with a passion for creating seamless user experiences
Graphic designer: Creative and versatile designer with a keen eye for detail
Data analyst: Experienced data analyst adept at transforming data into actionable insights

What are common headline examples for freshers on Indeed?

For freshers seeking jobs on Indeed, a strong resume headline should emphasize their relevant skills and education. A few examples include:

Recent graduate with honors in computer science seeking entry-level role
Ambitious marketing degree holder eager to apply skills in a professional setting
Certified financial analyst ready to contribute to company growth

What type of headline works best for a sales resume?

For sales professionals, an effective resume headline should focus on your abilities to generate revenue and forge strong client relationships. Consider these examples:

Dynamic territory sales manager with proven track record of exceeding targets
Consultative sales professional skilled in building long-term relationships
Sales leader with expertise in driving revenue growth and market expansion
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How to write a resume headline with 25+ examples

It’s short and snappy

It grabs serious attention , it accentuates your value, examples of resume headlines for different careers, 1. consider your top skills , 2. tailor your resume headline, 3. keep it concise yet impactful, 4. quantify your experiences , 5. use action verbs , 6. proofread and edit.

Do you really need to dedicate space to a resume headline? Should you cut out a precious work responsibility to make room for this seemingly repetitive phrase? The quick answer is yes.

Resume headlines give you a chance to stand out in a few pithy words. If you understand how to write a great resume header, that one line of type will be worth the cost of the real estate.

In the following guide, we take a look at what a resume heading is, some of the best resume headline examples, and expert-backed tips on how you can write yours.

What is a resume headline?

A headline is a phrase that gets to the heart of your message. A resume headline serves the same function: It advertises your experience and skills to the hiring manager or recruiter. Here are the main things you need to know about your resume header before you get started:

Spoiler: your resume headline is not long. Much like a headline in a newspaper, it’s just a handful of words long. You can think of it as the title of your elevator pitch or, if you prefer, the slogan that leads off the marketing campaign for your next great job.

The remainder of your resume will consist of section titles and text that get deeper into your career, so a headline gives you the best chance to quickly raise an eyebrow.

Any opportunity to differentiate yourself at a glance is one you should not pass up. The headline for your resume is also a grabber—the aha! That makes recruiters smile and read on because they may have found who they are looking for.

A good headline for a resume sums up not your career, but the job you want to do by signaling that you already do it and do it very well. Despite this, keep in mind that your focus is the present—what you do now or have done. This is not a career objective statement , which tells hiring managers what you would like to do in the future.

How to write a resume: Expert guide & examples (2024)

Learning how to write a resume takes a certain finesse. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Read our complete guide and take a look at our examples now.

Below, you will find resume headline examples for different careers. Use these for some ideas, then check out our tips and takeaways at the end of the article.

For more specific ideas, check out Resume.io’s more than 500 resume examples and guides for more inspiration.

Accounting and finance

Mid-career financial analyst and expert auto industry market forecaster
Financial advisor with 10+ years of helping clientele grow their nest eggs
Auditing clerk with expertise in QuickBooks and record compliance
Loan officer specializing in attracting small business accounts

Business and management

Project manager who kept 10 projects on schedule and under budget this year
Business development manager with high level of customer retention and expansion
Business analyst with expertise in fashion and beauty trends and markets
Newly minted MBA with concentration in entrepreneurship

Hospitality and catering

Deliciously creative chef with 5+ years cooking at Michelin star restaurant
Restaurant manager focused on limiting waste and retaining staff
Concierge and lifelong city resident; winner of US Hotel Employee of the Year, 2018
Unflappable line cook known for perfectly seasoned burgers every time

Resume header: Examples, instructions and tips to getting the top of your resume right

The header is the crucial section at the top of your resume that contains your name, occupation and contact info. How you format the header can make or break your application.

Maintenance and repair

Carpenter/craftsman who designs and builds custom furniture
Master electrician with 6 years of experience in household rewiring
Plumbing contractor with 5 years of new construction expertise
Industrial repairman with 10+ years of experience in heavy machinery
Dedicated marketing associate with 2 years focusing on digital campaigns
Content writer with specialty in B2B client services and 5+ year track record
Marketing consultant with 15+ years of high-profile client satisfaction
Creative director overseeing complete redesign of $5M+ food product line
Attentive registered nurse with 7 years experience in cardiac units
Licensed pharmacist with 8-year error-free record in lab work
Soothing dental assistant known for easing patient anxiety multi-specialty practice
Physical therapist specializing in traumatic spinal injury
IT salesperson generating $1.4 million in revenue yearly
Friendly sales associate with 2 years selling power tools at hardware store
Sales manager whose team exceeded consulting sales goals by 10% three years running
Account executive with 4+ years of 95%+ client satisfaction numbers

Teaching and education

Dedicated middle school teacher with 7+ years of classroom experience
Empathetic teacher ensuring students maintain a 3.0 to 4.0 GPA
Special ed teacher confident in delivering individualized education programs (IEPs)

Where does the headline on a resume go?

Now that you’ve checked out the resume header examples, let’s talk about where yours should go. Usually, the headline sits directly below your name or above your summary statement , depending on the design of your resume.

Put simply, it’s one of the first things that the hiring manager should see. The above placement ensures a direct link between your name and this key statement about yourself.

Since you want recruiters to link your name with your achievements , you should not move your resume headline too far from your name. Keep them close together.

Learn how to write a resume personal statement. We also provide personal statement tips and examples, plus free templates.

Tips to create a good resume headline

Ready to get started and write your resume headline? You can use the resume header examples we have shared for inspiration. However, you might want some additional tips to help you along the way. Here are some pointers that you should keep in mind:

Make a list of every responsibility, type of knowledge or desirable characteristic you can think of and organize it in a way that makes the most sense to you. You may make a list of hard skills , one of soft skills and another of accomplishments to which you can attach supporting data. List all the software and specialized equipment you have used as well.

That list will form the basis of your resume headlines. Don’t sell yourself short here. Feel free to use strong, positive descriptions. You’re not just a salesperson; you’re a dedicated salesperson.

Personalization rules. Take the time to research the business to which you are applying and edit your resume headline accordingly. This offers hiring managers a quick way to find out what you think is the greatest asset you will bring to the job.

Using keywords associated with the job or company in your resume headline is a quick way to beat the bots. Only around 25 percent of candidates make it past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening. By taking this extra step along the way, you significantly boost your chances.

Your resume headline should be less than one line long. Although there’s no standard format for this feature, most headlines will end up with similar structures because of the limited number of words and space.

You might have seen that in our resume headline examples. They start with a job title or description, followed by a career highlight, expertise, or impressive achievement.

Resume headlines may also include years of experience or a phrase such as “highly experienced” that alludes to your length of tenure. This immediately tells the reader what you are bringing to the table. Here are three examples for a corporate accountant:

Resume headline example: Corporate accountant with an eagle eye for cost savings

Resume headline example: Corporate accountant with 5+ years specializing in tax compliance

Resume headline example: Corporate accountant with expertise in financial statement analysis

Your resume headline should pack a real punch. One approach you can use is incorporating action verbs into this short line. These words put you in the driving seat, showing that you have the power to add real value to the business. Examples include the following:

Orchestrated
Outperformed

You can use the above words in the past or present tense, depending on what you choose for your resume headline. Peppering this line with these words could make a huge difference.

When the hiring manager glances at your resume, the headline is one of the first things they will see. Should it have a typo, you will immediately lose their interest.

While this is only a short piece of content, it’s important to proofread and edit it well. You can also use Grammarly here.

Resume headline vs. resume title: the difference

And finally, don’t make the mistake of confusing the resume headline and title. These are not the same thing. Here’s a quick breakdown of each to help you out:

Resume title . This is usually 2-3 words and simply states your job title.
Resume headline : This short line also mentions your achievements, years of experience, and special skills.

When you are writing your resume , it’s important not to get these two things confused. Your resume title just tells the reader what job you are aiming for. On the other hand, as we have shown here, the resume headline can directly target the role and grab attention, too.

Key takeaways

Your resume headline is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. This one-liner expresses your career at present, not your goals. Link your name firmly with your headline to help recruiters remember you. Showcase your greatest skills or achievements and highlight how you will solve the company’s problem. That way, you increase your chance of landing an interview.

Looking for some extra help along the way? Look at our resume templates so you can create your resume!

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Resume Tips

30+ Resume Headline Examples (2024 Update)

Marsha Hebert, professional resume writer

11 min read

Are you tired of your resume blending into the sea of applications? In today's competitive job market, a powerful first impression is paramount, especially considering the convenient placement of the <DELETE> button on a hiring manager’s keyboard. That's where your resume headline comes into play. Welcome to "30+ Resume Headline Examples (2024 Update)," your ultimate guide to crafting attention-grabbing headlines that make employers pause and take notice.

You’ve heard that you only have seconds to capture a hiring manager's attention. Did you know you can do that with just a few words at the top of your resume that encapsulate your expertise, experience, and unique value?

Keep reading to learn how to create impactful headlines that reflect your skills and aspirations. Get ready to harness the potential of a compelling headline and leave a lasting impression on recruiters. Let's dive into the world of resume headlines and unlock your pathway to career success.

A compelling resume headline is a powerful tool

When it comes to job hunting, your first impression can make all the difference. Your resume headline is the gateway to that crucial initial impact. It's a concise statement at the top of your resume that encapsulates your professional identity and sets the tone for what's to come.

Stand out in the sea of sameness

In a sea of resumes, a compelling headline can be your lifeline. Employers usually have to sift through hundreds of applications for each job posting – a well-crafted headline can immediately catch their attention. It's your chance to communicate your unique value proposition and position yourself as an ideal candidate.

You only get one chance to make a good first impression

Imagine a hiring manager scanning through applications, their attention snagged by a headline that speaks directly to the skills and qualities they're seeking. A creative and relevant headline highlights your strengths and leaves a lasting memory, giving them a reason to pause and spend more time on your application.

Conveying professionalism and enthusiasm

A well-crafted headline for your resume showcases your skills and reflects your professionalism and enthusiasm. It presents an image of your dedication and eagerness to contribute to a potential employer's success. Take some time to choose your words carefully, though, so that you can convey your expertise and passion for your work.

How to write a great headline for your resume

A great headline is more than just words; it's a statement that instantly communicates your value as a job seeker. It's like the first handshake at the beginning of an interview. It can really make or break your candidacy for an open job. When your resume has a compelling headline at the top, a prospective employer doesn't need to decode your intent; your headline does it for them.

Here's a formula for creating a remarkable headline – clarity + relevance = a great headline . Each component of this formula plays a critical role in capturing the essence of your professional identity and communicating it effectively to potential employers.

Clarity ensures that your potential employer immediately understands what you bring to the table. In an instant - the blink of an eye, your headline needs to convey exactly who you are and what you do well. Choose words that succinctly portray your expertise, industry, and key strengths.

If you’re in marketing, having a headline on your resume like "Digital Marketing Specialist with SEO Expertise" immediately informs the reader of your field of expertise and a specific skill you possess. This straightforward approach eliminates ambiguity, helping recruiters categorize your candidacy accurately.

In addition to clarity, your headline must be directly relevant to the job you're pursuing . Relevance ensures that your headline resonates with the specific role and industry, making it crystal clear why you're a suitable candidate. It ties your skills, accomplishments, and aspirations directly to the job's requirements and the company's goals.

Consider a headline like "Experienced Financial Analyst Driving Profitable Insights." This headline not only indicates your role as a financial analyst but also emphasizes your ability to generate valuable insights for the organization's financial growth. The word "driving" underscores your impact and commitment.

Tailoring headlines to industries and roles

While the core of your headline might remain consistent, customizing it to match the specific industry or role is essential. This doesn’t mean that you have to completely rewrite your headline each time. You’ll likely find that all you have to do is change a word or two to make it mirror the job description.

Balancing professionalism and creativity

A resume headline is your professional introduction, so balance professionalism with creativity. Avoid generic clichés, sometimes called buzzwords, like “Detail-oriented” and “Results-driven.” Those phrases are overused and taboo. Instead, use strong action verbs, industry-specific keywords, and quantifiable achievements. Injecting creativity helps you stand out but ensure it doesn't compromise the message's clarity and professionalism.

Examples of attention-grabbing resume headlines

How about we put theory into practice? Find your industry below and consider how you can infuse your experience, skills, and achievements into your very own standout resume headline.

Digital Marketing Specialist with SEO Expertise

Data-Driven Marketing Strategist Elevating Brand Engagement

Creative Social Media Manager Amplifying Brand Reach

SEO Specialist Driving Organic Traffic and SERP Rankings

Digital Marketing Enthusiast Specializing in ROI Optimization

Market Research Analyst with Strong Analytical and Insights Skills

Strategic Financial Analyst Driving Profitable Insights

Chartered Financial Analyst Maximizing Portfolio Returns

Agile Financial Analyst Skilled in Rapid Market Analysis

Financial Advisor Offering Expert Wealth Management Strategies

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Expert Financial Analysis

Innovative Web Designer Passionate about User Experience

Experienced Software Engineer in Full Stack Development

Quality Assurance Engineer Ensuring Flawless Product Performance

Seasoned IT Project Manager with Multinational Project Experience

User-Centric UX/UI Designer Transforming Digital Experiences

Solution-Oriented Software Developer Crafting Seamless Applications

Visionary Technology Strategist Pioneering Future-Ready Solutions

Software Engineer Passionate about Clean Code and Scalability

Adaptable Software Engineer Proficient in Agile Development

Technology Architect Designing Robust and Secure IT Solutions

Accomplished Sales Manager with International Clientele

Dynamic Sales Leader Driving Team Success and Revenue Growth

Top-Performing Sales Representative Exceeding Quotas Consistently

Sales Professional with Strong Client Relationship Management

Dynamic Sales Associate Providing Exceptional Customer Experiences

Patient-Centered Registered Nurse Specializing in Pediatrics

Compassionate Medical Doctor Committed to Holistic Care

Pediatric Nurse Advocating for Pediatric Patient Wellness

Motivated Fitness Coach Inspiring Positive Lifestyle Changes

Patient-Oriented Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Delivering Compassionate Care

Oncology Nurse Providing Compassionate Cancer Care

Project Management

Agile Project Manager Delivering On-Time, On-Budget Results

Innovative Product Designer Creating Aesthetically Pleasing Solutions

Agile Project Management Expert Leading Cross-Functional Teams

Agile Project Manager Focused on Continuous Improvement and Delivery

Product Manager Driving Innovative Product Launches

Creative Content Writer Crafting Compelling Stories

Content Writer Dedicated to Improving Post Conversions

Creative Writer Crafting Versatile and Engaging Content

Accomplished Research Scientist with Peer-Reviewed Publications

Environmental Scientist Advancing Sustainability and Conservation

Published Author & Space and Astrophysics Enthusiast with 30+ Patents

Human Resouces

Strategic Human Resources Professional Nurturing Organizational Talent

Top Talent Recruiting and Employee Retention Expert

Plus others in customer service, art, data analysis, hospitality, construction, and trades sectors, including:

Client-Focused Service Representative Resolving Complex Issues

Visual Artist and Illustrator Capturing Emotions Through Art

Data Analysis Expert Translating Data into Actionable Insights

Customer-Centric Hospitality Manager Enhancing Guest Experiences

Visual Storyteller and Illustrator Creating Vibrant Visual Narratives

Safety-Conscious Construction Worker Building Futures

These examples are not just words on paper (or on a computer screen, as it were); they represent the art of effectively capturing your professional essence in just a few words.

Headlines for resumes in less-than-perfect scenarios

We know that not everyone is traveling a straight career path. Some people’s journeys are just beginning, while others are changing entirely. Don’t worry; we have some guidance for you, too.

In fact, it should be noted that crafting a compelling headline for your resume becomes even more critical when you're starting your career journey or transitioning paths. Let’s talk about creating an effective headline highlighting your strengths and potential, even when experience might be limited.

1. New graduates or limited experience

When you’re fresh out of school, it can be difficult to know what to write. You don’t have any experience – so you think – and your skills probably still need a bit of work. Leverage your recent academic achievements, internships, and relevant coursework to showcase your readiness to contribute. You can also showcase your creative mindset, willingness to think outside the box, and passion for innovation.

Eager Business Graduate Ready to Excel

Creative Design Graduate with a Knack for Innovation

2. Changing careers

Sometimes you decide to shift gears in your career , or something may push you in a different direction. That’s okay! When this happens the best thing to do is focus on soft skills—like communication, data analysis, and project management—that can seamlessly bridge your background to the new role. Emphasize your adaptable problem-solving skills and your eagerness to learn and embrace new challenges.

Experienced Educator Transforming Knowledge into Engaging Content

Journalist Harnessing Storytelling Prowess for Dynamic Public Relations Campaigns

When your experience is limited, focus on transferable skills that can apply across industries and roles. Did your summer job require teamwork, communication, or problem-solving? Those skills are universally valuable. You should also highlight your achievements that come from non-professional experiences like volunteering or personal projects. Did you organize an event? Manage a team project? Successfully complete a certification? These demonstrate initiative and drive.

When you take the time to craft a headline for your resume that showcases your transferable skills and relevant achievements, you'll convey that even with limited experience, you're a valuable asset ready to make a significant impact in your new professional journey.

Your resume headline and profile paragraph work together

Be careful to distinguish the headline you write at the top of your resume from the profile summary . They are two distinctly different things. It’s also important to note that your resume headline should be short. If it extends to two lines, then you’ve written too much. At that point, it starts to look like a profile paragraph. The idea with your resume headline is that it should be a phrase that anyone can look at and discern within a few seconds.

Your profile summary, on the other hand, is your opportunity to provide a more comprehensive overview of your professional journey. It's a brief – three-five-sentence – paragraph that delves into your background, achievements, and career aspirations. This section allows you to elaborate on your experiences, skills, and values, providing context for your headline and showcasing your unique value proposition.

While your headline grabs attention, your profile summary keeps it. They work in tandem to offer a well-rounded introduction. Your headline sets the tone and hooks the reader, and your profile summary expands on the promise made by your headline. The two should seamlessly complement each other, presenting a cohesive narrative that entices the reader to explore further.

The headline on your resume equals your mark on the world

Okay, so a poignant headline may not allow you to leave your mark on the whole world, but it does allow you to leave a strong impression on the world of a prospective employer. It definitely has the power to reshape your career trajectory, and, in that sense, isn’t something that should be taken lightly.

By investing time and thought into your headline, you're investing in your future. You're seizing the opportunity to assert your value. Your headline is your personal brand, and a strong one can open doors to interviews, networking connections, and career growth. Experiment with different headline styles, tweak them for various job applications, and observe the responses. Remember, your headline isn't set in stone; it can (and should) evolve as your career does.

If crafting a compelling headline or writing your resume feels like a challenge, ZipJob’s expert resume writing services are here to guide you toward a successful and impactful job application.

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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Career Planning
Finding a Job

How to Write a Resume Headline (With Examples)

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 is 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 examples of strong resume headlines.

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, qualifications, and attributes.
It’s important to customize your headline for each job you apply for.
You can also add a profile to your resume that includes a short paragraph or series of bulleted points summarizing your value as a candidate.

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 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 experience as related to the job listing. Using words directly from the job listing for which you are applying will demonstrate 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?

Some experts argue resume objectives are considered 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.

CareerOneStop. " Headline and Summary ."

CareerOneStop. " Why You Need a Great Resume ."

CareerOneStop. " Applicant Tracking Systems ."

How To Write The Best Resume Headline, With 50+ Examples

In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can be the difference between landing your dream job and getting overlooked by potential employers. While the content of your resume is essential, the way you present it can also make a significant impact.

One crucial element that can help your resume stand out is a strong, eye-catching headline. But why is having a resume headline important?

In this article, we'll discuss what a resume headline is, the importance of having a compelling resume headline, how to write one, and provide you with examples to help you craft an attention-grabbing headline that will make your resume stand out from the crowd.

What is a resume headline?

A resume headline, also known as a resume title, is a short statement or phrase that appears at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. The purpose of a resume headline is to quickly and effectively communicate your value proposition as a strong candidate.

A good headline should convey your key skills, experience, or achievements in a clear and concise manner and entice the employer to read further. Think of it as your personal brand statement or elevator pitch that summarizes your professional identity and makes you stand out from other candidates.

Your number one goal is to make a hiring manager stop in their tracks and have their interest piqued enough that they'll want to find out more about you. A well-crafted resume headline can help you grab the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of being invited for an interview.

What's the difference between a resume headline and a resume title?

The terms "resume headline" and "resume title" are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different meanings depending on the context.

In general, a resume headline or title refers to a short phrase or sentence that appears at the top of a resume and serves as a concise resume summary of the candidate's experience and qualifications. This is often the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will see when they review a resume, so it should be attention-grabbing and clearly communicate the candidate's value proposition.

Some people use the term "resume headline" specifically to refer to a brief statement that highlights the candidate's most relevant skills or achievements, while "resume title" may refer to the name or title of the job the candidate is applying for.

Ultimately, the specific terminology may vary depending on the industry, job market, or individual preferences of the candidate or employer. The most important thing is to make sure that the resume headline or title effectively communicates the candidate's strengths and piques the employer's interest in reading further.

Why are resume headlines important?

You might be wondering why a resume title is important. Surely the other 90% of the page is where the real enticing information is? That may be the case, but there are added benefits that come with having a catchy headline.

You're instantly grabbing the hiring manager's attention. ‍ Going through hundreds of resumes is time consuming for recruiters, so they're only looking at each one for a few seconds. Having relevant information at the top of your resume means that they'll be more likely to stop at yours and keep reading to see if you're a good fit.
Your strengths are front and center. ‍ Even for less experienced applicants, you can establish credibility in your industry from the very beginning with your most relevant and highest qualifications and outcomes listed first.
It makes your resume unique and contextual. Even with a similar work history, no applicant should have a headline that's exactly the same as yours. You're also helping hiring managers to understand where your experience fits into the broader picture and how it applies to the position you're hoping to get.
You can include your resume headline on your online profiles, like LinkedIn. Many job applications require online profiles, and resume headlines are often displayed prominently on these platforms, which can help increase your visibility and attract potential employers.

A strong resume headline is an important part of your job search toolkit, helping you to make a great first impression and stand out from the competition.

How do I write a resume headline?

Your resume headline is typically the first thing a potential employer will see, so it's important to make it count. In this section, we'll explore how to write a compelling resume headline that will catch the attention of hiring managers and help you stand out from the crowd.

Here are some steps you can follow to write an effective resume headline:

Keep it concise

Your headline should be brief and to the point, ideally no more than a few words or a short phrase. The purpose of the headline is to quickly summarize your skills and experience and grab the attention of the hiring manager. A concise headline is more likely to be read and remembered than a long, convoluted one.

Keep in mind that your headline is just one part of your resume, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to expand on your hard skills, soft skills, and experiences in other sections. Focus on crafting a headline that's short, snappy, and relevant to the job opening you're applying for.

Tailor your headline to the job

A memorable resume headline should be customized to the job listing you are applying for. By tailoring your headline to the job, you're increasing the chances that your resume will catch the hiring manager's eye and get noticed.

A tailored headline shows that you've taken the time to understand the job requirements and have positioned yourself as a good fit for the position. This can help to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Use keywords to highlight your relevant skills and experience

Before writing your headline, take some time to identify your key skills , qualifications, and achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

A well-crafted headline that's tailored to the job should include specific keywords from the job description. This will make it easier for the employer to see how you can contribute to their organization.

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to quickly compare the skills and keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. Make sure to add any relevant experience to your customized resume and to your application answers.

Use action-oriented language

Use strong resume action words and descriptive language to convey your skills and experience. For example, instead of "Experienced Sales Associate," try "Proven Sales Leader with 5+ Years of Experience."

Highlight your unique value proposition

A good resume headline should communicate your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from other job seekers. Consider highlighting any awards, certifications, or other impressive achievements that make you stand out.

Review and revise

Once you have drafted your headline, review it for clarity, relevance, and impact. Revise as needed to ensure it is an accurate reflection of your skills and experience and is tailored to the job you are applying for.

You should already be customizing your resume to the jobs you apply for, and the same goes for your resume headline. You can speed up this process by creating multiple resumes in a tool like Teal's AI Resume Builder , where you can pull in different sections and adjust them as needed.

Some of the most impressive resume examples that we've seen strike a nice balance between being concise and attention-grabbing.

How can I make my resume headline stand out?

A great resume headline that stands out typically has certain qualities. Here are some tips for writing a resume headline that gets noticed:

Clarity: The headline is clear and easy to understand, even for someone who is not familiar with your industry or profession.
Impact: The headline makes a strong impression and captures the reader's attention. It should communicate your unique value proposition and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
Differentiation: The headline sets you apart from other candidates and highlights what makes you unique.
Quantifiable: If possible, include quantifiable bullet points or metrics that demonstrate your skills or accomplishments examples in your headline.
Positive and enthusiastic: Use positive language and avoid clichés and negative words or phrases. Your headline should convey enthusiasm and confidence in your abilities.
Use title case: Capitalizing the first letter of each major word in your resume headline using title case can enhance its readability and professionalism.
Echo the voice in the JD: It is important for the voice in your resume headline to match that in the job description because it helps to convey your personality in a way that aligns with the employer's expectations and company culture. Additionally, using the same voice as the job description can help your application pass through any applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen for relevant keywords and phrases related to the position.

Teal's AI Resume Builder includes a Professional Summary section with an AI integration feature where you can draft and save multiple headlines. Easily swap them across multiple resumes, depending on the job title you're tailoring your application for.

50+ resume headline examples

When you have limited words to play with, your resume headline needs to be as strong as possible. But how do you convey possibly years, even decades, of work into only one short phrase?

Every industry will require something slightly different, but here are a few examples of resume headlines to get you started:

Marketing, sales, or administrative roles

Content Writer With 4+ Years’ Experience Writing Advertising Copy and Content in the Food and Beverage Industry.
Social Media Manager With 5 Years Experience Growing Online Presence and Increasing Engagement for Globally-Recognized B2C Brands.
Senior Sales Account Manager for Luxury Goods and Retail Businesses, Consistently Hit Sales Goals the Past Four Quarters.
Office Assistant With 7 Years Experience in Schedule Management and Customer Service.‍
Creative Marketing Professional with a Proven Track Record of Driving Sales Growth through Innovative Strategies.
Results-Driven Digital Marketing Specialist with Expertise in SEO, PPC, and Social Media Marketing.
Highly Organized Administrative Assistant with Strong Technical Skills and Collaborative Spirit.
Dynamic Sales Manager with a Passion for Helping Clients Achieve their Financial Goals and Delivering Top-Notch Insurance Solutions.
Experienced Graphic Designer with a Passion for Creative Solutions and Visual Storytelling.
Creative and Analytical Marketing Manager with Expertise in Social Media Strategy.
Personable Sales Representative with a Strong Customer Focus and Strategic Vision.

Technical, engineering, or IT positions

Award-Winning Civil Engineer With 10+ Years Experience in Government Agency Infrastructure Management.
Highly Experienced Data Analyst for Healthcare and Wellbeing Businesses, Proficient in Power Bi and Tableau.
Environmental Engineer With 3 Years Experience in Climate-Friendly Building Supplies and Ecological Architecture.
Experienced Field Engineer Specializing in Aerospace Design and Manufacturing.
Experienced Technical Support Technician with Strong Troubleshooting and Customer Service Skills.
Senior Member of Technical Staff with Strong Software Engineering and Distributed Systems Skills for Large-Scale Operations.
Data-Driven Technical Specialist with Experience in Optimizing Business Processes and Improving Performance.
Accomplished Mechanical Engineer with a Strong Background in Product Development and Project Management.
Experienced Technical Support Professional with Expertise in SQL and Javascript.
Data Analyst with expertise in SQL, Python, and Machine Learning for Process Improvement and Data-Driven Business Strategy.
Experienced Manager of Risk Advisory and Consulting with Expertise in SOX and IT Audit and Cybersecurity Frameworks.
Expert Software Engineer with Proven Track Record of Developing High-Quality Code.

Healthcare and professional services

Registered Nurse With 10 Years Emergency Room Experience and Experience Leading Outpatient Clinical Procedures.
Tri-Lingual Pediatric Nurse With Experience Communicating With Patients in Spanish, French and English.
Senior Certified Public Accountant Specializing in Family Businesses and Succession Planning.
Tax Preparer With Experience Using Proconnect Tax Online, Proseries Professional, Lacerte, and Cch Axcess Tax.
Compassionate Registered Nurse with 10+ Years of Experience in Patient Care and Clinical Leadership.
Skilled Healthcare Administrator with a Strong Background in Operations, Quality Improvement, and Regulatory Compliance.
Compassionate Social Worker with MSW Degree and LGSW/LICSW Licensure, Dedicated to Delivering High-Quality Patient Care.
Registered Dietitian with Expertise in Nutrition Policy and Guidance.
Board Certified Oral Surgeon with Exceptional Clinical Expertise and Patient Care.
Financial Inventory Specialist Driving Financial Optimization and Accuracy in Inventory Control Processes.
Experienced Clinical Trial Attorney with Sound Legal Judgment and Strong Drafting Skills.

Management and leadership roles

Navy Veteran With Over 20 Years Experience Leading Project Management Teams of 10+ People.
Operations Director Overseeing a $3 Million Annual Budget Across 7 Departments.
Warehouse Manager With Experience Leading Departments of 50+ People, Over 10 Years of Forklift Experience and Efficiency-Focused Operational Skills.
Group Director with 10+ Years Experience and Expertise in Customer Experience Across Multiple Channels.
Experienced Senior Project Manager with Proven Results in Strategic Sourcing, Negotiation, and People Management in Supply Chain and Operations Management.
Inventory Manager with Expertise in Procurement, Item Management, and Financial Analysis for Optimal Supply Chain Performance.
Data-Driven Project Leader Skilled in Managing and Developing High-Performing Teams.
A Visionary Leader with 10+ Years of Expertise in Program Management and Global Technology Initiatives.
Experienced Managing Director with Strong Leadership Skills in B2B Business Development and Strategy Building.
Experienced Client Executive with Proven Track Record of Driving Revenue Growth and Building Strong Relationships.
Certified Special Education Autism Teacher with Exemplary Organization and Planning Skills.
Veteran High School Teacher Proficient in Utilizing Technology and Subject Matter Expertise.
Compassionate Elementary School Teacher Committed to Maintaining Professionalism and Constructive Working Relationships.
Collaborative Special Education Co-teacher With 7+ Years of Experience and Ability to Adapt to New Directions and Deadlines With Composure.
Experienced Paraprofessional With a Focus on Student Success and Support in Educational Environments.

Students and recent graduates

Software developer intern with experience in Python, C++, HTML, Java and Unix.
Aspiring disease and chronic illness researcher, current biology student.
Early childhood education major with 2 semesters of hands-on lab experience and student teaching experience.
Innovative Computer Science Major with Strong Coding Skills and a Keen Interest in Artificial Intelligence.
Proactive Journalism Major with Experience in Reporting and Editing for Campus and Community Publications.
Creative Recent Graduate with a Passion for Design and a Strong Portfolio in Graphic Design.
Detail-Oriented Recent Graduate with a Degree in Accounting and Relevant Internship Experience.
Enthusiastic Recent Graduate with a Degree in Marketing and Experience in Social Media Management and Branding.
Creative and Ambitious Marketing Intern with a Passion for Digital Media and Brand Strategy.
Analytical and Driven Finance Intern with Experience in Data Analysis and Financial Modeling.

How to create a resume that matches your resume headline and helps you land more interviews

No matter what industry you work in, presenting yourself as the ideal candidate to fill an open position should always be top of mind when updating your resume.

Clear and concise resume headlines are the best way to get noticed and move your application to the top of the hiring manager's stack.

With Teal's AI Resume Builder , you can create customized resumes that will grab the attention of any recruiter. With several professional templates to choose from and seamless integration to pull information from your LinkedIn account, you can quickly put together the information you need to tailor your resume for each job application.

Want to craft a catchy LinkedIn headline? Check out our guide on the best LinkedIn headlines for job seekers .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an effective resume headline be, can i use a resume headline if i'm changing industries, should my resume headline include keywords from the job description.

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Career Blog

50 Creative Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out

In the competitive job market, job seekers need to stand out from the crowd. One of the most effective ways to do so is by having an attention-grabbing resume headline.

An Overview of Resume Headlines

A resume headline, also known as a resume title, is a brief phrase or sentence that summarizes the candidate’s skills, experience, and career goals. It is usually placed at the top of the resume, just below the contact information.

Resume headlines should be customized to the job applied for and showcase the candidate’s unique value proposition. It’s the first thing recruiters and hiring managers see, so it must make a strong impression.

The Importance of Creative Headlines

Creative headlines not only catch the recruiter’s attention but also make the candidate memorable. A well-crafted headline can pique the employer’s interest, increase the chances of getting an interview, and help the candidate stand out from hundreds of other applicants.

Moreover, creative headlines can demonstrate the candidate’s personality, creativity, and communication skills. It can also show that the applicant is up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.

Steps to Choose the Right Headline

Choosing a resume headline requires a bit of brainstorming, research, and creativity. Here are the steps to choose the right headline:

Identify key skills and experiences: Analyze the job description and highlight the key requirements. Then, match them with your skills and experiences.

Define your value proposition: What unique value can you offer to the employer? What problems can you solve? Use this to craft a compelling headline.

Be specific: Avoid generic or vague headlines such as “Dynamic Sales Professional” or “Results-driven Manager.” Instead, use specific keywords that are relevant to the job and demonstrate your expertise.

Keep it concise: A headline should be short and sweet, ideally no more than 10 words. Avoid jargon or complex terms that may confuse the reader.

Test and iterate: Show your headline to friends or colleagues to get feedback. Tweak it until you have a headline that resonates with your target audience.

By following these steps, job seekers can create a resume headline that stands out and makes a favorable first impression. In the next section, we’ll take a look at 50 creative resume headline examples that can inspire candidates to come up with their own unique headlines.

Common Types of Creative Resume Headlines

When it comes to creating a resume that stands out, the headline is the first thing that catches the recruiter’s eye. A good resume headline should convey your skills, experience, and unique selling proposition in a succinct and eye-catching manner. Here are five common types of creative resume headlines to give you an idea of what works best for you:

Jargon headlines use technical or industry-specific terms and buzzwords that hiring managers are likely to be familiar with. This is an effective strategy if you’re applying for a job in a technical or specialized field where specific skills are required. For example, “SEO Specialist with 5+ Years of Experience in Analyzing SERP Rankings.”

B. Summary Statements

A summary statement gives a brief overview of your career achievements and goals. This type of headline is suitable for mid-career professionals who want to highlight their accomplishments and experience without getting into specifics. For example, “Experienced Marketing Manager with Proven Track Record of Result-Driven Campaigns.”

C. Branding

A branding headline is all about establishing your personal brand and uniqueness in the job market. This type of headline is suitable for creative professionals who want to showcase their personality and creativity. For example, “Award-Winning Graphic Designer with a Passion for Minimalist Aesthetics.”

D. Position-Specific Headlines

A position-specific headline is tailored to the specific job you are applying for. It highlights your relevant skills and experience, making it clear to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to excel in this position. For example, “Content Marketing Manager with Expertise in Analytics and Lead Generation.”

E. Qualifications

A qualifications headline emphasizes your educational background, certifications, and other credentials that make you qualified for the job. This type of headline is suitable for recent graduates or professionals making a career change. For example, “Master’s Degree in Business Administration with Concentration in Marketing and 2+ Years of Experience in Public Relations.”

A well-crafted resume headline can make all the difference in getting noticed by potential employers. By using one of these five common types of creative resume headlines, you can showcase your skills and experience in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd.

50 Creative Resume Headline Examples

When crafting your resume, one of the most important things to consider is your headline. A well-written headline can grab a hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read more about you. Here are 50 creative resume headline examples to help you stand out from the crowd.

If you’re in a niche industry or field, using industry-specific jargon can show that you’re knowledgeable and experienced. Consider these examples:

“Marketing Maven on a Mission”
“Software Samurai Seeking Challenges”
“UX/UI Guru: Crafting Seamless User Experiences for Enhanced Customer Engagement”
“Software Engineering Extraordinaire: Architecting Scalable Solutions with Agile Methodologies”
“Graphic Design Dynamo: Transforming Ideas into Visually Stunning Masterpieces”
“Financial Wizard: Maximizing Profits and Minimizing Risk through Strategic Investments”
“Content Marketing Jedi: Captivating Audiences with Compelling Storytelling and SEO Magic”
“Sales Dynamo: Closing High-Value Deals and Exceeding Revenue Targets”
“Human Resources Ninja: Cultivating Positive Workplace Culture and Nurturing Talent for Organizational Success”
“Data Science Alchemist: Unleashing Hidden Insights through Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning”

B. Summary Statement

A summary statement is a brief introduction of who you are and what you can bring to the table. Here are a few examples:

“Innovative Problem Solver Focusing on Optimization”
“Marketing Expert with a Passion for Storytelling”
“Accomplished Sales Professional with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building long-term client relationships.”
“Seasoned Project Manager with extensive experience leading cross-functional teams and successfully delivering complex initiatives within scope, budget, and schedule.”
“Highly skilled Marketing Specialist with a deep understanding of digital marketing strategies and a passion for driving brand growth.”
“Accomplished Financial Analyst with expertise in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting.”
“Results-oriented Human Resources Manager with a proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent.”
“Dynamic IT Professional with a broad range of technical expertise and a passion for leveraging technology to drive business success.”
“Experienced Customer Service Manager known for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving customer satisfaction.”
“Results-driven Supply Chain Analyst with a strong background in logistics and inventory management.”

Branding your headline can set you apart from other candidates and make you memorable. Try these branding examples:

“The Marketing Mind That Generates ROI”
“The Design Wizard with a Knack for Visual Storytelling”
“The Social Media Guru: Building Online Communities and Driving Engagement”
“The Strategic Business Partner: Aligning HR Initiatives with Organizational Goals”
“The Tech Innovator: Transforming Ideas into Cutting-Edge Solutions”
“The Creative Content Strategist: Crafting Compelling Narratives to Captivate Audiences”
“The Financial Strategist: Orchestrating Wealth Management for Long-Term Prosperity”
“The Operations Maestro: Streamlining Processes for Operational Excellence”
“The Customer Experience Architect: Creating Memorable Journeys for Every Interaction”
“The Data Whisperer: Unlocking Insights and Driving Data-Driven Decisions”

If you’re applying for a specific position, creating a headline that highlights your skills and experience in that area can be effective. Consider these examples:

“The Software Developer with a Speciality in AI”
“The Marketing Manager with a Knack for Market Analytics”
“The Customer Success Champion: Building Strong Client Relationships and Driving Customer Satisfaction”
“The Supply Chain Maestro: Streamlining Operations for Seamless Logistics and Cost Efficiency”
“The Data Science Wizard: Extracting Insights and Unleashing the Power of Big Data”
“The Creative Director: Inspiring Visual Storytelling and Transforming Ideas into Captivating Designs”
“The Business Analyst Extraordinaire: Translating Complex Data into Actionable Strategies”
“The Operations Guru: Driving Efficiency and Process Optimization for Maximum Productivity”
“The Sales Strategist: Orchestrating Revenue Growth and Expanding Market Share”
“The HR Trailblazer: Empowering Teams and Fostering a Culture of Collaboration”

Highlighting your qualifications and achievements can be a great way to make a strong impression. Try these qualifications-based headlines:

“Award-Winning Writer who Excels in Content Creation”
“Creative Designer with Exceptional Attention to Detail”
“Results-Driven Professional: Consistently Exceeding Sales Targets and Driving Revenue Growth”
“Detail-Oriented Analyst: Expertise in Data Analysis and Extracting Actionable Insights”
“Dynamic Leader: Proven Track Record of Successfully Managing and Motivating High-Performing Teams”
“Strategic Problem Solver: Proficient in Identifying Challenges and Implementing Effective Solutions”
“Effective Communicator: Skilled in Building Strong Relationships and Delivering Compelling Presentations”
“Tech Savvy Innovator: Keeping Abreast of Emerging Technologies and Implementing Cutting-Edge Solutions”
“Customer-Focused Specialist: Passionate About Providing Exceptional Service and Ensuring Customer Satisfaction”
“Highly Organized Administrator: Proficient in Streamlining Processes and Managing Multiple Priorities”

By using these 50 creative resume headline examples, you can make sure that your resume stands out from the rest and catches the attention of hiring managers. Remember to tailor your headline to the position you’re applying for and showcase your unique skills and experiences.

Tips to Make Your Headline More Effective

When crafting your resume headline, there are a few key elements to keep in mind that can make a big impact in catching the attention of potential employers.

A. Highlight Your Achievements

One effective way to make your headline stand out is to highlight your achievements. Rather than just listing your job titles, focus on specific accomplishments or successes that you have had in your career so far. This will help demonstrate your value as a potential hire and make you stand out from other candidates.

B. Use Actionable Language

Using actionable language can also be a powerful tool to make your headline more effective. This means using active verbs that imply action and results, rather than simply describing your skills or experience. For example, instead of saying “Experienced Marketing Manager,” try using “Drive Results with Strategic Marketing Leadership.”

C. Show Your Personality

Your headline is also an opportunity to showcase your personality and what sets you apart from other candidates. Consider using a catchy phrase, a play on words, or a unique statement that reflects your personality or personal brand.

D. Keep It Concise

It’s important to keep your headline concise and to the point. Avoid using generic or overly complicated language that may confuse or bore potential employers. Keep your headline short and sweet, highlighting your key skills and accomplishments in as few words as possible.

E. Tailor Your Headline to the Job Post

Finally, it’s important to tailor your headline to the job post you are applying for. This means incorporating relevant keywords and skills that the company is looking for, and highlighting any specific experiences or achievements that make you a strong fit for the role. By customizing your headline to each job, you can increase your chances of standing out and landing an interview.

Using these tips can help you create a more effective and attention-grabbing resume headline that will make you stand out to employers in a crowded job market.

The Don’ts of Creating a Headline

In creating a resume headline that can capture the attention of potential employers, it’s important to avoid certain pitfalls that can turn them off. Here are the “don’ts” of creating a headline that you should keep in mind:

A. Don’t Be Too Generic

A generic headline is one that lacks specificity and fails to convey your unique selling points. Examples of generic headlines include “Experienced Sales Manager” or “Customer Service Representative.” These types of headlines are too vague and do not make you stand out from the thousands of other applicants. To avoid being too generic, focus on using powerful, action-oriented verbs and adjectives that will showcase your strengths, skills, and experiences.

B. Don’t Use Inappropriate Language

Using inappropriate language, including slang or profanity, in your headline can be a quick way to turn off potential employers. It may give them the impression that you lack professionalism and may not be a good fit for their company culture. Keep your language professional and avoid slang or any language that could be deemed offensive or unprofessional.

C. Don’t Be Offensive

While it may be tempting to use a headline that is provocative or edgy to grab attention, it’s important to be mindful of what may be considered offensive. This includes anything that is racist, sexist, homophobic, or discriminatory in any way. Avoid using humor that may be inappropriate or detract from your professional qualifications.

D. Don’t Use Clichés

Cliché phrases like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” or “results-driven” are frequently overused in resumes and headlines. These phrases have become so commonplace that they no longer communicate anything of value. Instead, try to find unique and specific ways to describe your skills and accomplishments in a way that sets you apart from others.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a strong and effective headline that highlights your unique strengths and experiences, and impress potential employers with your professionalism and attention to detail.

How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

When it comes to standing out in a competitive job market, your resume is your first chance to make an impression. To make yourself stand out from the crowd, consider the following tips:

A. Use Keywords

Employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through resumes and identify potential candidates. To ensure your application makes it to a real person’s desk, be sure to include relevant keywords for the job you’re applying for.

Review the job description and highlight any skills or experience that match your own. Include these keywords in your resume, both in the main body and in any skill or qualifications sections. This will help you get past the initial ATS and stand out to human hiring managers.

B. Include Metrics and Data

Numbers and data can help quantify your accomplishments and make your resume more memorable.

Include quantifiable information whenever possible, such as sales figures, the total number of clients served, or the number of projects completed. Use bullet points to list your accomplishments and keep them organized and easy to read.

C. Focus on Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied to a variety of industries or job titles. Emphasize these skills in your resume, especially if you’re changing careers or applying to a new industry.

Examples of transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, project management, and teamwork. Highlight these skills in your employment history and use them to connect your past experience to the job you’re applying for.

D. Emphasize Your Industry Knowledge and Experience

Your industry knowledge and experience are critical factors in making you stand out in a competitive job market. Use your resume to showcase your knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and innovations.

Highlight any certifications or training programs you’ve completed that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Be sure to showcase any past experience you have working in this field, emphasizing the results you achieved and the impact you made.

By following these tips, you can produce a creative and standout resume that will catch an employer’s eye in a highly competitive job market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Headlines

Creating a strong resume is crucial to getting your foot in the door with potential employers. One component of a successful resume is a well-crafted headline. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the importance of a resume headline:

A. What is a resume headline?

A resume headline is a short phrase or sentence that appears at the top of your resume. Its purpose is to succinctly summarize your relevant skills and experience to catch the attention of hiring managers.

B. What makes a good resume headline?

A good resume headline should be specific and relevant to the job for which you are applying. It should highlight your most impressive professional achievements and qualifications. Avoid using generic statements that do not add value to your application.

C. How long should a resume headline be?

Your resume headline should be brief and to the point. It should ideally be no longer than one line and contain no more than 10-12 words. Captivating and memorable headlines make a stronger impact than lengthy and generic ones.

D. Where should a resume headline be placed?

Your resume headline should appear at the top of your resume, directly under your name and contact information. It should be in a larger font than the rest of the text and bold to make it stand out.

E. What are some tips for optimizing a resume headline for an online job search?

In the age of online job applications, it’s essential to optimize your resume headline to appeal to online algorithms and hiring managers. Here are a few tips to consider:

Use keywords that are relevant to the job listing to help your resume appear in search results
Avoid using all caps or special characters in your headline, as it can appear unprofessional
Tailor your headline to the specific job you are applying for, rather than using a generic statement
Keep it concise, creative, and easy to read, as hiring managers often skim resumes quickly.

By following these guidelines, you can create an attention-grabbing resume headline that increases the chances of landing that dream job.

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How To Write Killer Resume Headlines (Examples Included)

Adding a resume headline can be the secret ingredient needed to spice up your resume. Discover what a resume headline and how you can use one on your resume to make yourself more marketable. We’ve got example headlines too so don’t worry!

So, you’ve finally finished writing your resume ! All those hours spent revising and reorganizing your accomplishments and qualifications will surely pay off, right?

Well, maybe not.

Hiring managers review tons of resumes everyday, which means they only have so much time to look at each one. No matter how much effort you put into perfecting yours, if it doesn’t grab the hiring manager’s attention within the first few seconds, it could end up in the trash.

One way to protect your resume from this unfortunate fate is by including a resume headline.

This article will show you examples of excellent resume headlines and provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to write one of your own.

If you aren’t totally comfortable with resume headlines after reading through the article or just don’t think you are doing yourself justice with your resume, keep in mind our resume writing services are always available at your finger tips.

What is a Resume Headline?

Simple: a resume headline is a brief description of who you are as a professional.

It should succinctly summarize your career and highlight an impressive achievement or credential you possess.

Your resume headline belongs at the top of your resume underneath your name and contact info.

It should be capitalized and contain keywords and language relevant to the job posting to which you’re responding.

Unlike an objective statement , a resume headline should fit on a single line so it can be easily skimmed by hiring managers. The goal is to catch their eye and get them to keep reading.

How To Write a Resume Headline

Writing a resume headline is fairly straightforward, but there are a few important rules you should follow to ensure that yours has the desired effect.

1. Speak The Hiring Manager’s Language

Most job postings clearly list the preferred qualifications that a competitive candidate should have.

Ideally, you want your resume headline to include one or more of those specific qualifications.

If the job posting says applicants should have experience with Python, for example, your resume headline might read “Innovative Software Engineer Well-Versed in Python”.

Using the same terminology as the hiring manager will help you grab their attention. Plus, it will demonstrate that you actually read the job posting and are a serious applicant.

2. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements

You’re more than just a number—but including one in your resume headline can do wonders for your success rate when it comes to landing first interviews.

The more specific you can be in your resume headline (while still keeping things short and sweet), the more likely you are to impress a hiring manager and land that first interview.

Instead of just calling yourself a “Top-Performing Sales Rep,” for example, call yourself a “Top-Performing Sales Rep with 110% Lifetime Quota Attainment.” That extra quantifiable data point can go a long way.

Here are some other examples of good achievements to quantify in your resume headline:

Years of experience
Percentage of revenue growth
Number of projects completed
Dollar amount saved

If the above examples don’t apply to your profession, any quantifiable achievement will do as long as it is relevant and truthful.

3. Less is More

Remember, the whole reason you’re writing a resume headline is because hiring managers are short on time.

Don’t go overboard and stuff your headline with a laundry list of achievements, because it’s unlikely that hiring managers will read it.

Pick one or two achievements or credentials that are specific and relevant to the qualifications listed in the job posting and call it good.

Your resume headline shouldn’t exceed one or two lines, otherwise it defeats the purpose of having one in the first place.

4. Be Careful with Clichés

As mentioned in rule number two, specificity is key when it comes to writing a good resume headline.

This doesn’t just apply to numbers and quantifiable data, but the language you use as well.

Steer clear of vague or overused terms like “goal-oriented,” “ambitious,” or “motivated”. Words like these tell hiring managers very little about you and take up precious space in your resume headline.

Instead, try to use more descriptive adjectives that indicate your proficiency in a specific area. Terms like “tech-savvy” or “data-driven” are more interesting and speak to your unique professional identity.

5. Include Relevant Licenses and Certifications

Sometimes, when hiring managers are looking to fill a role that requires a specific certification, they might screen resumes for that certification and immediately disqualify any that don’t have it clearly displayed.

For this reason, it’s best to put any relevant licenses or certifications that you may have in your resume headline.

Hiring managers won’t be able to miss it if it’s at the very top of your resume, so your chances of being disqualified based on a cursory glance will be lower.

20 Killer Resume Headlines Office Manager: Tech-Savvy Office Manager with 10+ Years of Administrative Experience Sales Representative: Top-Performing Sales Rep with 110% Lifetime Quota Attainment Digital Marketer: Data-Driven Digital Marketer with SEO and Adwords Experience Software Engineer: Full-Stack Software Engineer Specializing in App Development High School Teacher: Certified High School Math Teacher with 15+ Years of Experience Nurse: Licensed RN with 25+ Years Experience in Oncology Architect: Innovative Architect and 2x Design Foundation Honoree Accountant: Client-Focused CPA Specializing in Wealth Management Business Analyst: Detail-Oriented Business Analyst Who Cut Operating Costs by 50% Financial Advisor: Sought-After Financial Advisor with 100% Client Satisfaction Rating Customer Service Representative: Bilingual Customer Service Rep and Team Leader Project Manager: Efficient Project Manager Who Increased Productivity by 200% YOY Graphic Designer: Graphic Designer with a Keen Eye and Award-Winning Portfolio Retail Associate: Personable Retail Associate and 2x Employee of the Month Executive Assistant: Reliable Executive Assistant with 5+ Years’ Experience in Film Industry Mechanical Engineer: Inventive Mechanical Engineer and Manager of 4-Person Team Technical Writer: Certified Technical Writer with 15+ Years’ Experience in Pharmaceuticals EMT: Certified EMT with 8 Years’ Experience Working Large-Scale Sporting Events Events Planner: In-Demand Event Planner and Entrepreneur Managing 20+ Projects Per Year Journalist: Senior Political Correspondent and Award-Winning Opinion Columnist Key Takeaways

A few important things to remember as you go about writing your own resume headline:

It’s purpose is to catch the eye of the hiring manager, not tell them everything they need to know, so keep it short and sweet.
It should contain the same language and keywords used in the job posting.
Use it to highlight your level of experience or a particularly impressive singular achievement.
Avoid clichés or generalities and be as specific as possible.

If you follow these guidelines and model your resume headline after the examples contained in this article, your resume will be more likely to get fair consideration from hiring managers. Good luck!

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How to Craft a Resume Headline (20 Resume Title Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

As a job seeker, you know that having a stellar resume is a must. That means you need every part of it to showcase you as an exceptional talent, including your resume headline.

In many ways, your resume headline is one of the most important parts of your application. Why? Because it has the ability to draw the hiring manager in. When used properly, the simple sentence can capture the imagination, elicit excitement, and fully engage the reader. Pretty cool, right?

But how do you craft a resume headline that shines? Is there something you can do to polish that baby a bit and really make it work for you? Glad you asked!

If you’re curious about how to take a good headline for a resume and make it exceptional, we’ve got you. Come with us as we dig deep into this powerful part of your application.

What Is a Resume Headline? What is a Resume Title?

Alright, before we take a dive into how you craft a resume headline, let’s answer a few critical questions that you may have in mind.

First, what is a resume headline? In the simplest terms, it’s a quick statement that provides an overview of why you are an outstanding candidate. Really, it’s a snippet that showcases the best – aka, most relevant – parts of what you have to offer.

Generally, resume headlines are keyword rich professional summaries. It might mention a crucial skill , amount of experience , job title , or anything else that shows you have what it takes to do the particular job you’re trying to land.

Alright, but what is a resume title? Is it the same as a resume headline? Generally, yes, resume titles and resume headlines are the same thing. Really, that’s just a different term for the same concept, so you can use them interchangeably.

Okay, but do you need to have a resume headline? Is it really that important? Again, yes. You really do need one, and they really are important.

With a resume title, you’re announcing your value proposition in a quick and concise fashion. It’s a sentence right at the top of your resume that can catch the hiring manager’s eye and position you as a compelling candidate.

Not using a resume headline means you’re missing out on an opportunity. It really is that simple.

What Makes a Great Resume Headline?

On average, hiring managers only spend 7.4 seconds skimming a resume. What does that have to do with writing a good headline for a resume? We’re glad you asked.

If your resume title is a really attention-grabber, your resume will get more than 7.4 seconds of a hiring manager’s time. They’ll be intrigued by what you’re bringing to the table, causing them to actually read your application instead of giving it a mere cursory glance. That’s the power of an awesome resume headline.

How you approach resume titles may need to vary a bit depending on where you are in your career. Why? Because hiring managers have different expectations depending on the level of the job.

For example, if you’re aiming at an entry-level role, mentioning your recently acquired college degree can be a good move. It shows you have a strong foundational understanding that can help you get moving in your chosen field. That’s good stuff.

But if you are solidly into your career and looking for a mid-level job, talking about your degree in your resume title might be a bit… ill-advised. Usually, the hiring manager is going to be more concerned about your experience, not your degree.

Even if you just graduated, unless your changing careers, you’re better off concentrating on your professional achievements and the skills you’ve put to work on the job. That shows you can put your knowledge to work, which matters more at this level.

Alright, so you know you need to write a standout resume title. But how do you pull that off?

First, embrace brevity. Really, your resume headline should only be one short statement. In fact, it typically isn’t even a complete sentence.

Second, use title capitalization. The goal is to make this part of your resume stand out, so title capitalization is a smart move.

Finally, focus on targeting the content. Use keywords that you find in the job description as a starting point, choosing one or two that are near the top of the requirements list to show that you’re a crazy good fit for the job.

Overall, when recruiting, companies are looking for very specific things when they consider candidates for an open job. That’s why 63 percent of recruiters prefer targeted resumes; they make it easier to figure out if you have what it takes to excel in one particular vacant position.

Your goal needs to be addressing the hiring manager’s needs and preferences. Usually, that means showcasing skills and accomplishments that’ll matter most to them above all else.

Common Resume Headline Mistakes

Okay, you’re probably thinking, “Where are those resume headline examples?” We promise that we’re going to get there. But, first, let’s talk about resume headline mistakes.

Even a small misstep can make your resume headline less effective, and some of the bigger ones could cause the hiring manager to send your application straight to the discard pile. Yikes, right?

Luckily, most of the issues are really easy to avoid.

First, not targeting the statement to the job is a big one. Remember, relevancy really is the key, so don’t forget to take a moment to customize this part of your resume.

Second, cliches are the enemy. While you do want to use keywords from the job description, focus on those that genuinely speak to the nuances of the role. Saying you’re a “hard worker” or “strong communicator” isn’t going to help you stand out, so skip those terms in favor of ones that are a bit more powerful or unique.

Additionally, don’t use “I” statements. As mentioned above, you usually won’t even use complete sentences. Instead, treat these like the bullet points in your work experience. It’s okay if the sentences are a bit fractured as long as it all makes sense.

Another big mistake is talking about what you want instead of what you bring to the table. A resume headline isn’t a resume objective or resume summary ; those are two completely different things. So, make sure to keep that in mind as you work on your resume.

20 Resume Headline Examples

Sometimes, a sample is the easiest way to see how you need to tackle something. By looking at a few excellent resume headline examples, you can see how to put all of the tips above into action.

Plus, you may be able to use the samples as a template. Just adjust the details based on your capabilities and to target the role you want to land. If you do that, you should be good to go.

So, without further ado, here are 20 resume title examples, broken down into career-levels.

Entry-Level Employee or New Graduate

As an entry-level employee or new graduate, you might not have a ton of applicable experience. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a stellar resume headline. Here are five options that show how you can approach this part of your resume:

Honor-Roll Student with Customer-Facing Volunteer Experience
Results-Driven Computer Science Grad with AI and Machine Learning Skills
Accounting Major with Strong Math Skills and a Customer-First Mindset
Ambitious and Friendly High School Grad Looking to Launch Customer Service Career
BS in Nursing with Experience Serving Underprivileged Communities

Experienced Individual Contributor

Once you get some experience under your belt, your resume title should get a little more skills-focused. Additionally, you may want to mention how many years you’ve been in your field, allowing you to highlight your experience level.

Here are five samples for seasoned career professionals:

Software Engineer with 10+ Years of Experience in Java, Python, C++, and More
Experienced Project Manager with 5+ Years in the Healthcare Industry
Award-Winning Web Designer with Project Management Experience
Team-Oriented Military Veteran with Advanced Mechanical Skills
Bilingual Paralegal with 7 Years in Family Law Offices

Mid-Level Management

If you’re out of the individual contributor phase of your career, it’s smart to mention that in your resume headline. That way, you can showcase your leadership experience, either directly or indirectly.

Here are five examples for mid-level management candidates:

Accounting Team Manager with Proven Cost-Cutting and Efficiency-Boosting Record
Supply Chain Dept. Head with 12+ Years Optimizing Operational Performance and Driving Positive Change
IT Security Manager with 8 Years of Experience Leading Diverse Teams and Large-Scale Projects
Digital Marketing Team Department Head Who Boosted Sales by 125 Percent in One Year
Accomplished Head Nurse with 6 Years Overseeing Emergency Room Team

Executive Leadership Team

Yes, even executives need to make sure their resume titles are outstanding. Exactly how you approach writing one that this level will depend a bit on the job as well as where your career has taken you.

While you can mention how much upper-level experience you have, stating a specific number of years, that also may not be necessary. As long as your value proposition is strong, you should be in good shape.

Here are five examples for executive leadership team candidates:

Forward-Thinking Program Manager with Innovation-Oriented Strategic Vision and Proven Track Record of Delivering Exceptional Results on Time and Under Budget
Goal-Driven VP of Sales with 4 Years of Experience in Strategic Business Development and Process Change
Solutions-Oriented and Trend-Aware CTO with 3+ Years Managing Growth and Digital Transformation Initiatives
Accomplished, Multidisciplinary Operations Executive with Stellar Track Record of Creating Positive Change
CIO with Strong Background in Global Operations with Focus on International Data Governance and Management

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, a well-crafted resume headline is a difference-maker. It can help you catch the hiring manager’s eye and stand out from the competition, both of which may increase your odds of landing the job.

Use all of the tips above to your advantage. That way, when it comes time to write a stellar resume title, you’ll be ready to nail it.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Perfect Your Resume Headline (+Examples)

Updated: July 23, 2024

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.

Resume Headline Benefits. Headlines grab attention. Headlines showcase your unique value. Headlines save time for the hiring manager. Headlines set you apart from other candidates. Headlines increase your resume's effectiveness.

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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Crafting a Strong Resume Headline: 20+ Examples
What is a Good Headline for a Resume? 30+ Examples
What is a Good Headline for a Resume? 30+ Examples
99 resume headline examples + guide on how to write them
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How to Write Powerful Resume Headline? (10+ Examples)

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COMMENTS

How to Write a Short Bio? (With Examples)
Short professional bio examples: Your career achievements. Back when you were writing your resume, you probably heard over and over again how important career achievements are. There are millions of articles out there that tell you how to quantify the things you've accomplished in past jobs because that's how prospective employers know you'll ...
Career Goals: Why You Need Them with Examples
Consider submitting it for a free resume review, and let our experts provide you with specific tips to help you reach the goal of landing your next interview! Recommended reading: Everything You Need to Know About Lying on Your Resume. Strategic Job Search Planning: Land Your Dream Job. 5 Types of Questions: Definitions and Examples. Related ...
The Most Popular Resume Skills: A 2024 Zety US Study
Resume Examples See perfect resume samples that get jobs. ... Top 10 Soft Skills on Resumes. Soft skills are defined as abilities and attributes that are not directly related to a job's specific tasks but enable effective self-management, efficient use of work time, and collaboration with others in the workplace. ...
How to Name a Resume File: Tips and Examples
A well-named resume file that includes the candidate's first name, job title, and the word "resume." Why it works: This resume file name incorporates all of the best practices.It showcases the candidate's full name first, lists the exact position title as it appears in the job description, incorporates the word "resume," and separates information with underscores (rather than other ...
Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template
Example of a functional resume . Here is an example of a functional resume for someone pursuing an HR-related job. You'll see this individual has a brief employment gap and a bit of an unconventional career path, making a functional resume a suitable option. Kendra Smith. 555.555.5555 | [email protected] | Morgantown, WV 26250
18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out
For example, three different companies might describe the same role as "programmer," "developer" or "software engineer." Use a straightforward format. Avoid tables and text-based graphics, which might not get picked up by a scan of the résumé. Sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica are also best to ensure readability.
Top 3 Communication Skills Every Skills-Based Organization Needs
For example, some cultures may prefer direct communication, while others rely on indirect or nuanced expressions. Miscommunication and emotional friction can result if team members are not ...
How To Write A Resume For College Applications (With Tips)
College Application Resume Example Refer to this example when writing your own college application resume: Monika Paul Pune, Maharashtra | (91) 92544-59888 | [email protected] Summary I am a determined worker and a team player looking for opportunities to work in the domain of customer support. I am interested in fine-tuning my diverse skill-sets on the job before I apply for higher ...
Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline
Headlines with more common words — simple words like "job" instead of "occupation" — shorter headlines, and those communicated in a narrative style, with more pronouns compared with prepositions, received more clicks. For example, The Washington Post headline, "Meghan and Harry are talking to Oprah.
30 Strong Resume Headline Examples to Use in 2023
Lastly, some bonus resume headline examples. If you want even more ideas, consider these: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) With 8 Years Auditing Experience. SaaS Account Executive Who's Closed Over $10 Million in Sales. Content Writer and Editor Who Has Increased SEO Traffic by Over 200%.
What Is a Strong Resume Headline? (30+ Examples and Tips)
Learn what a resume headline is, how to write one, and see 33 examples of effective headlines for different jobs. A resume headline is a short statement that summarizes your qualifications and catches the reader's attention.
31+ Resume Headline Examples [You Can Use In 2024]
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.
What is a Good Headline for a Resume? 30+ Examples
A great resume headline example for a restaurant server resume is: Time Out's Server of the Year, Chicago, 2017. It introduces the candidate by presenting a big professional achievement while being short and concise. A good resume headline is short and effective, like an elevator pitch.
How to Write the Best Headline for Your Resume (58+ Good Examples)
5. Keep it short. The best resume headlines are short and impactful. Keep your resume headline between 1 and 2 lines. Once it spills onto a third line, it becomes a summary rather than a headline. If you have more to say, include a resume summary or resume profile beneath your short resume headline. 6.
35 Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out in 2024
1. Analyze the Job Description. Before crafting your headline, take time to analyze the job description thoroughly. Identify the keywords and skills needed for the job and incorporate them into your resume headline. Your headline should communicate that you have the relevant experience and skills for the job. 2.
100 Examples: How to Write a Strong Resume Headline
Part 5 100 Examples of Effective Resume Headlines. 1. "Results-Driven Marketing Manager with a Proven Track Record" 2. "Experienced Software Developer Specializing in Front-End Technologies" 3. "Detail-Oriented Financial Analyst with Expertise in Forecasting" 4. "Dedicated Nurse Practitioner Improving Patient Care" 5.
35+ Perfect Resume Headline Examples for 2024
Resume Headline Examples for Managers. Accomplished Manager With 4+ Years in Leading High-Performing Teams. Proven Manager With 7+ Years of Experience. Strategic Manager With a Talent for Driving Organizational Change. Results-Driven Marketing Manager With 6 Years in Sales.
How to write a resume headline with 25+ examples
1. Consider your top skills. Make a list of every responsibility, type of knowledge or desirable characteristic you can think of and organize it in a way that makes the most sense to you. You may make a list of hard skills, one of soft skills and another of accomplishments to which you can attach supporting data.
30+ Resume Headline Examples (2024 Update)
That's where your resume headline comes into play. Welcome to "30+ Resume Headline Examples (2024 Update)," your ultimate guide to crafting attention-grabbing headlines that make employers pause and take notice. You've heard that you only have seconds to capture a hiring manager's attention. Did you know you can do that with just a few words ...
How to Write a Resume Headline (With Examples)
Resume Headline Examples . 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.
27 Great Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out
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.
51+ Impactful Resume Headline Examples [+ Writing Tips]
To write a catchy resume headline, mention your top achievement and make it quantifiable or, in other words, use numbers to drive your point home. For example, "Project Manager With 7 Years of Experience Delivering High-Quality Projects On Time and 10%+ Under Budget" is a catchy headline for a resume. #3.
30+ Resume Headline Examples for 2024
Here's an example of a resume headline with the keywords pulled from the job listing in bold: Experienced Digital Marketing Specialist with Expertise in SEO and Social Media Strategy. 2. Mention the job title. The job title is an essential part of any resume headline.
How To Write The Best Resume Headline [18 Examples]
Quantifiable: If possible, include quantifiable bullet points or metrics that demonstrate your skills or accomplishments examples in your headline. Positive and enthusiastic: Use positive language and avoid clichés and negative words or phrases. Your headline should convey enthusiasm and confidence in your abilities.
50 Creative Resume Headline Examples to Stand Out
In the next section, we'll take a look at 50 creative resume headline examples that can inspire candidates to come up with their own unique headlines. Common Types of Creative Resume Headlines. When it comes to creating a resume that stands out, the headline is the first thing that catches the recruiter's eye. A good resume headline should ...
60+ Job-Winning Resume Headline Examples
A good headline for a resume is a brief introduction that showcases your job title, professional background, and top skills and achievements.. It's an opportunity for job applicants to identify themselves by their most impressive and relevant professional accomplishments — not just their name.. With a resume headline, the recruiter immediately learns information about you before scanning ...
How To Write Killer Resume Headlines (Examples Included)
Here are some other examples of good achievements to quantify in your resume headline: Years of experience. Percentage of revenue growth. Number of projects completed. Dollar amount saved. If the above examples don't apply to your profession, any quantifiable achievement will do as long as it is relevant and truthful. 3.
How To Write a Resume Headline
Example resume headlines Here are a few examples of good resume headlines for different careers that communicate a candidate's value and fitness for the job in a brief and easy-to-read statement: Award-Winning Sales Manager With More Than 7 Years' Experience in Technology; Experienced, Multilingual Registered Nurse Specialising in ...
How to Craft a Resume Headline (20 Resume Title Examples Included)
First, embrace brevity. Really, your resume headline should only be one short statement. In fact, it typically isn't even a complete sentence. Second, use title capitalization. The goal is to make this part of your resume stand out, so title capitalization is a smart move. Finally, focus on targeting the content.
How to Perfect Your Resume Headline (+Examples)
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.

Career Goals: Why You Need Them with Examples

What are career goals?

Why are career goals important?

11 examples of career goals

1. Earn promotions

2. Advance to a leadership position

3. Start your own business

4. Expand your professional network

5. Build a professional brand

6. Become a thought leader

7. Advance your training and education

8. Retire successfully

9. Attain work-life balance

10. Enhance work relationships

11. Change career paths

How to meet your career goals

Tips to discuss career goals during an interview

Career goals = your roadmap to success

Recommended reading:

Related Articles:

Career Advice Newsletter

Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template

What is a functional resume?

What is a functional resume vs. a chronological resume?

What is a functional resume vs. a hybrid resume?

When should you use a functional resume?

When should you not use a functional resume?

What to include in a functional resume

Start with your contact information

Kick it off with a resume summary

Categorize your skills

Incorporate your work history

Close it off with education

Include additional sections as appropriate

Tips for writing your functional resume

Example of a functional resume

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

WORK EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Is a functional resume right for you?

Recommended reading:

Related Articles:

Career Advice Newsletter

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Department of Economics

18 Résumé Writing Tips to Help You Stand Out

1. Highlight your achievements in your résumé.

2. Customize your résumé.

3. Decide how to format your résumé.

4. Make your contact information easy to find.

5. Consider adding a summary.

6. Great résumés should stand out to skim readers.

7. Make your résumé robot-friendly.

9. Craft compelling and concise bullet points.

10. Focus on transferable skills if you lack experience.

11. Go beyond your work history, and include all relevant experience.

12. Don’t worry too much about gaps in your résumé.

13. Highlight relevant skills.

14. Prioritize work experience over education.

15. If you are early on in your career, a key résumé tip is to limit it to one page.

16. Add some color for a stylish résumé that sets you apart.

17. Proofread and double-check the formatting.

18. Make sure the saved file name includes your name.

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Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one

Why it matters

30 Strong Resume Headline Examples to Use in 2023

What is a resume headline or resume title?

Why should I use a resume headline?

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6 ways to write a great resume headline

1. Position yourself for the job you want (but don’t lie)