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Ways To Write a Better Resume Headline

A resume headline can be a great way to introduce yourself to a hiring manager. What can you do to write this headline more effectively? Check out our tips!

Maria Correa Profile
By Maria Correa 3 minute read

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Resume Headline

When you’re submitting a resume to a hiring manager, it’s important to remember that you’re often competing against hundreds of other applicants. That means the hiring manager is probably only going to look at your resume for a few seconds before moving on to the next. If you want a better chance at landing a new job, you need to make sure the top of your resume draws the hiring manager in. An attention-grabbing resume headline is the right way to do that. Here’s how you can create a resume headline that will make recruiters interested in your resume.

What Is a Resume Headline?

A resume headline, also sometimes called a resume title, is a single phrase that goes at the top of your resume. It condenses who you are and what you do into a one-liner that can grab a recruiter’s attention. Here are a few resume headline examples to give you an idea of what this term means and how to write a resume headline:

  • Detail-oriented project manager with 20 years of experience
  • Prize-winning photographer with thousands of completed jobs
  • Digital programmer with six programming awards
  • Sales associate who achieved a 42% revenue increase
  • Advertising expert who’s landed $50 million in sales

These are all good resume headlines because they showcase what’s great about you in a single fragment. Your resume headline needs to be only a few short words, but it needs to showcase the most impressive thing you’ll be able to do for the company if you get the job.

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What To Include in Your Resume Headline

How can you build an effective resume headline for your own resume? You first need to know what goes into one. Here are a few ideas to start brainstorming your resume headline.

  • Your biggest accomplishments
  • Competitions and awards you’ve won
  • Job title
  • Quantifiable achievements that prove your talents
  • Years of work experience

Remember, a resume headline is supposed to highlight your absolute best accomplishment, and there’s no need to highlight anything else in this section. When crafting your professional resume, think about the one thing you would tell someone who asked you why they should believe you’re good at your job. That’s what you need to put into your resume headline.

Best Benefits of a Resume Headline

A resume headline isn’t something every resume has, but if you’re trying to boost your job search, it’s a great option. Here are a few of the benefits of a resume headline:

  • Helps you stand out
  • Provides your best achievements at a glance
  • Helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for important keywords
  • Shows off your skills with less experience

With a resume headline, use phrases for important skills and experiences that reflect the job application and highlight your top strengths. Think of your new headline as an even more condensed version of a resume summary, and a great way to show off all the reasons your resume should be the one that goes to the top of the pile.

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FAQ: Resume Headlines

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Do all resumes need a resume headline?

It’s not a requirement to include a resume headline. In fact, a resume summary or resume objective is much more widely utilized. However, with that being said, a resume headline is a great way to beef up your resume header and make recruiters give your resume an extra look. If you’re a job seeker, adding a headline is an easy way to give more punch to your resume.

How long should my resume headline be?

Resume headlines should not be longer than a single line. They don’t need to be written as a full sentence; instead, use a phrase, much like your resume summary. Instead of writing “I am an empathetic health care worker with six Top Worker awards,” for example, shorten it: “Empathetic health care worker with six Top Worker awards.” This more concise approach is what hiring managers will expect.

Should I come up with multiple resume headlines?

Yes. It’s important to personalize your resume headline for the specific job posting, just like you might personalize other elements of your resume profile, depending on the job you’re applying to. You may, for example, write all three of these headlines:

  • Decorated graphic designer with 25 years of experience in 2D animation
  • 2D animator with two Primetime Emmy Awards
  • 2D graphic designer who has worked on multiple syndicated children’s TV shows

These things all highlight different elements of the resume, meaning they might be good for different resume applications. Look at your cover letter, the job description, and the rest of your resume to see what you can highlight for a specific application.

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Maria Correa Profile
WRITTEN BY Maria Correa

Maria Correa is a Puerto Rico-based Content Writer with ample background in digital marketing and copywriting. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.A. in English and enjoys making information accessible to others.

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