How to Write a Resume Headline

How to Write a Resume Headline

Learn more

Next page

What is a resume headline or title?

A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is one line that sums up your relevant skills and professional experiences located beneath your name and personal information; you can think of it as a summary of your resume summary.  It shouldn't be a complete sentence — just several words no more than a line long. An 

Next page

What is a resume headline or title?

effective resume headline catches the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers who are likely skimming a stack of resumes during the job search. Plus, if you include specific keywords and phrases, it could help you beat the resume bots and make you stand out.

Next page

How to write a resume headline

1. Use specific words and phrases As previously mentioned, your resume headline is a great opportunity to include specific keywords relevant to the job posting.  This not only can help you stand out, but it can also help your resume rank higher in companies' applicant-tracking systems (aka the resume 

Next page

How to write a resume headline

bots). To determine the best keywords to include in a good resume headline, study the job listing. Which adjectives and nouns are used to describe the ideal candidate? Are specific certifications or experiences required? If so, consider including those in your resume headline.

Next page

How to write a resume headline

2. Customize it for each job application Because each job is different, it's important to carefully consider your resume headline when applying to different positions.  Look through each job opening and consider the required skills, experiences, certifications, and soft skills. If applicable, highlight those in your resume headline.

Next page

How to write a resume headline

3. Avoid overused adjectives Using an adjective in your resume headline can help you stand out, but avoid overused words, like hard-working, detail-oriented, innovative, and creative.  Instead, use attention-grabbing adjectives, like instrumental, energetic, robust, imaginative, exhaustive, or responsive. If you need inspiration, Google “powerful resume adjectives.”

Next page

How to write a resume headline

4. Show — don't tell Instead of using your resume headline to “tell” the reader you're an effective sales representative, show it with awards, numbers, or certifications. Here are some examples: – Personable sales representative who consistently exceeds target goals by 30% – Seasoned Facebook ad 

Next page

How to write a resume headline

copywriter with average click-through rates 2%+ – Certified Professional Scrum Master III with 98% customer satisfaction rate Even just listing your years of experience can be a more impactful way to showcase the value you bring to a job.

Next page

How to write a resume headline

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

More

Read

10 New Job Fields for Women in 2022

10 Steps to a Resume That Will Get You Hired

10 Important Career Tips for Women

See More

See More

See More