You have probably heard the saying: “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” at least once. But, when browsing at a library or a bookstore, what is it that determines whether you pick up the book to at least read the abstract? The cover and title.
A resume headline acts as a “title” to the “cover” of your resume template, making the recruiter want to read your application further.
In this guide, you’ll see:
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A resume headline, also called a resume title, is a single sentence at the top of a resume to catch the reader’s attention. It introduces a potential employer to your work experience, skill set, and professional achievements. Resume headlines use relevant keywords to beat Applicant Tracking Systems.
Although they sound similar, they’re two different parts of a resume. A resume header carries basic contact information like your name, phone number, and email address. Meanwhile, a resume headline is a one-sentence introduction statement to your job application.
You should absolutely write both! Win the recruiter’s attention through your powerful resume headline, and they’ll gladly read your resume summary or resume objective. If you provide the answer to why you’re the best candidate for this position in just the headline, your chances of landing an interview will increase dramatically.
Now that you know what a resume title is, let’s look at these excellent resume headline examples for multiple jobs. Use them as inspiration when creating your own catchy headline.
These examples show exactly how to make an impact on the recruiter with a good headline for a resume. Now, let’s delve into how to write a great resume title for your own job application.
A good resume headline is concise and attention-grabbing. It should briefly summarize your skills and experience and must be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Make your headline unique so that you stand out from the crowd.
Here are ten best practices for writing an effective headline for your resume:
Expert Hint: Don’t write just one resume headline. Create a couple of them for every job you want to apply for. You need to tailor your job application for it to be successful.
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You can’t guarantee the recruiter will look at your application after they have their coffee. And this is why you need a resume title—it acts as a lighthouse guiding recruiter’s eyes, no matter how tired they might be. Not fully convinced? Take a look at why a headline for a resume can help you in your job-hunting efforts:
Once you read the job ad, you know what the company expects from an applicant. And if you boil it down to just one sentence, that’s the headline for the resume.
You may not be aware of it, but some companies use automated applicant tracking systems. And if you’ve ever been rejected for a job you would’ve been an excellent fit for, chances are your resume wasn’t even checked by a human.
The software scans your resume for specific resume keywords and other things your future employer wants to see. Usually, they’re specific skills or years of experience. When you put this information on top of your resume, right in the headline, the software will scan it and let you pass.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been working for 7+ years and boast a two-page resume filled to the brim with impressive achievements or if you’re a recent graduate who can fit their resume on one page. A resume headline can help you in both cases.
Experienced workers often run into the problem of not knowing which of their key resume accomplishments to highlight. If you’re one such employee, you definitely know that feeling. And if you put a whole page of achievements on your resume, recruiters can feel overwhelmed. A resume title anchors your key accomplishments to a specific achievement you chose to represent your expertise.
Meanwhile, a headline on an entry-level resume can perfectly complement it. Job ads often have expected skills and toolsets sprinkled throughout them. Show them in your resume headline for maximum impact.
A resume headline doesn’t let you drown in the sea of other applications. Since most applicants don’t even include one, your resume will stand out immediately. And when you tailor your resume correctly, it becomes a selling point no recruiter can glance over and disregard.
Expert Hint: Focus on a specific expertise or proficiency of yours. Try to imagine writing an answer to the question, “Who are you, and what do you do best?”
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To create a perfect resume title that enhances your application, remember to:
Got questions on how to write a stunning resume headline? Which achievement should you include in your resume title? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.
At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.
Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.
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