Headline Examples for Your Resume

A well-crafted resume that stands out from the crowd is necessary for job seekers trying to find employment in today’s competitive job market. Alongside important sections such as work experience, education, and skills, a resume headline can play a crucial role in capturing the attention of hiring managers.

A resume headline, positioned at the top of your resume, is a concise and impactful statement that encapsulates your value as a worker. A good headline can make a positive first impression, increasing your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process.

To help you prepare for your job search, here’s a comprehensive guide on resume headlines, including what they are, why they’re important, and a few examples of high-quality resume headlines for you to consider.

What Is a Resume Headline?

A resume headline is a brief statement that serves as an introduction to your professional profile. It is designed to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to continue reading your resume.

Typically consisting of a single sentence or phrase, a resume headline condenses your key qualifications, skills, or achievements into a concise summary so that the hiring manager or recruiter can better understand your professional identity. Think of it as your personal branding statement highlighting your unique value proposition.

Your resume headline should align with your career goals and the specific job you are applying for. It should accurately represent your professional history and emphasize the most relevant aspects of your experience and expertise. By crafting an eye-catching headline, you can immediately communicate your strengths and position yourself as a strong candidate for the job.

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Resume Headline?

Writing an effective resume headline can make all the difference when you’re searching for your next job.

Consider these benefits of adding a resume headline:

While a great resume headline won’t be enough to get you a job on its own, it is a very important aspect of crafting an exceptional resume.

How To Write a Highly Effective Resume Headline

Writing a highly effective resume headline requires careful thought and consideration. Follow these best practices to craft a headline that stands out:

Your resume headline is a powerful tool for making a strong first impression. It should be genuine, impactful, and tailored to your unique strengths and the job you are targeting.

Resume Headline Examples

If you’re struggling with a good resume headline, consider your experience, expertise, accomplishments, and unique skills. Your headline should depict you as the best person for the job you’re applying for.

Here are a few ideas for resume headlines at all levels of seniority.

Entry-Level:

Individuals new to the workforce may find it challenging to craft a compelling headline because of their limited experience. But you can compensate for this by highlighting your academic accomplishments and personal skills.

Here are a few examples:

Mid-Level:

Mid-level employees should highlight their experience and their ability to successfully contribute to business growth.

Here are a few great headlines for mid-level employees:

Executive Level:

If you’re a late-career professional applying for an executive-level role, you want to highlight your extensive experience as well as your ability to effectively lead a business or department.

Some great headline examples for executive-level employees include:

Industry-Specific:

No matter what stage of your career you’re currently in, you should always take the time to tailor your headline to your industry and the specific position you’re applying for. Focusing on skills and qualities directly related to your industry and profession will help you stand out from other applicants.

Here are some industry-specific headline examples for popular careers:

Remember, these examples are meant to inspire you and provide guidance. Tailor your headline to reflect your unique skills, experiences, and aspirations. The goal is to create a headline that grabs attention, communicates your value, and entices the hiring manager to explore your resume further.

A well-crafted resume headline can significantly enhance your chances of standing out in a competitive job market. By following the best practices outlined above and utilizing the examples provided, you can create a compelling headline that sets the stage for a successful job application.

Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

A resume should be a forward-looking value proposition that showcases your most relevant accomplishments for a target role — not a rear view summary of your previous roles and responsibilities.