Crafting A Resume Headline: Examples & Tips

A resume headline is a short phrase or sentence that summarizes your skills and experience, and highlights what makes you a strong candidate for a job. A well-crafted headline can grab the attention of a hiring manager and entice them to read your resume. Here are some tips and examples for crafting a winning resume headline:

1. Keep it short and sweet

Your headline should be no more than a few words or a short sentence. It should be easy to read and understand at a glance. Avoid using long, complex phrases or technical jargon that might confuse or bore the reader.

2. Highlight your key strengths

Your headline should emphasize your most important skills and accomplishments. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates and what you can offer to the employer. For example:

• Experienced marketing professional with a track record of driving sales
• Results-driven software engineer with expertise in Java and Python
• Creative graphic designer with a passion for visual storytelling

3. Tailor it to the job

Your headline should be customized to the specific job you’re applying for. Look at the job description and identify the key requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Then, use your headline to show how you meet those needs. For example:

• Customer-focused sales manager with expertise in relationship building and closing deals
• Detail-oriented accountant with experience in financial analysis and reporting
• Organized project manager with a proven track record of delivering on-time and within budget

4. Use action words

Your headline should use strong, active verbs that convey energy and action. Avoid passive language that makes you sound passive or unengaged. For example:

• Award-winning journalist with a nose for news and a talent for storytelling
• Dynamic sales professional with a proven ability to exceed targets and build relationships
• Strategic thinker with a talent for turning complex problems into simple solutions

5. Show your personality

Your headline should give the reader a sense of your personality and personal brand. It should be professional but also memorable and engaging. For example:

• Creative problem solver with a passion for innovation and collaboration
• Resourceful marketer with a talent for turning data into insights and ideas
• Positive team player with a can-do attitude and a commitment to excellence

6. Use keywords

Your headline should include relevant keywords that match the job description and industry. This will help your resume get noticed by automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human recruiters alike. For example:

• SEO specialist with expertise in keyword research and content optimization
• Experienced HR manager with a focus on recruiting and talent development
• Certified project management professional with a background in agile methodologies

7. Get feedback

Before finalizing your headline, ask for feedback from friends, family, or colleagues. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your messaging. You can also test different headlines on professional networking sites like LinkedIn to see which ones get the most views and engagement.

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume headline can make a big difference in your job search. By following these tips and examples, you can create a headline that showcases your strengths, matches the job requirements, and grabs the attention of hiring managers.

FAQs

What is a resume headline?

A resume headline is a short phrase or sentence that summarizes your skills and experience, and highlights what makes you a strong candidate for a job.

Why is a resume headline important?

A well-crafted headline can grab the attention of a hiring manager and entice them to read your resume. It can also help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique strengths and value proposition.

How do I write a good resume headline?

Follow these tips for crafting a winning resume headline:

• Keep it short and sweet
• Highlight your key strengths
• Tailor it to the job
• Use action words
• Show your personality
• Use keywords
• Get feedback

Should I include a resume headline on my resume?

Yes, including a headline on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your unique value proposition. However, it’s important to make sure your headline is relevant to the job you’re applying for and highlights your most important skills and accomplishments.