20 Impactful Resume Headline Examples And Writing Tips

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On average, only 5-7 seconds are spent on a resume. No wonder then, most people get overridden by anxiousness as soon as they hear the word RESUME. But, a clever, concise eye-catching resume headline can make all the difference!

We all know that building a good resume is tough to begin with. It’s very important to include all the necessary skills, relevant experience, and achievements in the resume in a concise format, and this is a big task. But while different jobs demand different ways of putting down things in the resume, one thing that remains common is the resume headline. The very basic and obvious thing that the employer or the hiring manager looks for is an apt and precise resume headline.

What is a resume headline?

A resume headline usually consists of a job title, experience, expectations/ aspirations, and key skills. A resume headline needs to be short and precise. A right resume headline gives assurance to the hiring manager that the employee they are hiring is fit for the job title with the required years of experience and skills.

An impressive resume headline is a catchy one-liner of 100-150 words that summarizes the candidate's eligibility for the job application. These headlines are usually short, crisp, and aren’t wordy or elaborate. 

Why is a resume headline important?

A resume headline makes it easy for the potential employer to shortlist the candidate based on the job opportunity and will help you pull through the applicant tracking system. Resume headlines are hence of importance when a resume is being read and analyzed to assess a candidate's eligibility for a profile. The headline varies from profession to profession. It also depends on how the company expects the employee to display the skills. 

Example: Let's say there is a job opportunity that demands extensive experience of maybe 10-15 years and the candidates who have applied have a resume along with a headline that states their year of experience. Then it becomes a very easy task for the hiring manager to shortlist and exclude candidates who have less than 10 years of experience.

Tips to write resume headlines for freshers/ professionals 

1. Must be precise and short: A professional headline is extremely precise and apt. It must only contain what is very necessary and required and the data that can help the potential employer sort you out for the job position. A very crisp headline grabs the attention of employers. 

2. Use a font size larger than the normal font-size: To make the resume headline noteworthy and catch always remember to write it in a font size that is larger than the font size used in writing the complete resume. This makes the headline appear and stand out and makes it easy for the employer to figure out your candidature for the job position.

3. Avoid writing cliché headlines and use relevant keywords:  Avoid using words like good communication skills or motivated and inspired. These words are very cliche and do not create an impact on the employer. Using keywords must be done smartly in a way that portrays that you have a unique and relevant skill that the other competitor candidates do not possess and so you are a good fit for the company.

4. Change it for every other job according to the requirement: In the complete resume format, the resume headline is the first thing that the employer looks at and so make sure that the headline is scripted and changed according to what the role demands. This creates an impression on the reader's mind that the candidate has taken time to edit the resume according to the requirement and has not sent in a very general and basic resume.

5. Don't overload it with your skills: As mentioned earlier it needs to be short and to the point. While writing the resume headline don't try to beat around the bush. It creates a negative impression on the employer's mind. Don't overload it with unwanted and irrelevant skills. Try and incorporate only what is required and demanded. Mention your basic professional experiences and just one or two of your most relevant skills. This is more than enough for the hiring manager to figure out your eligibility for the position.

6. Match your skills with the job profile: Before jotting down your skills in the resume make sure to match your skillset along with the job requirement. Say a job requires someone good at managing people, then writing down that you are good at developing a website doesn't make sense. Always match your skills with what the job is demanding. It makes it easy for the hiring manager to process you through the applicant tracking system. Don't mention unnecessary skills in the resume headline, it will make it more clumsy and difficult to understand for the reader and will potentially reduce your chances of being selected.

7. Be smart: In case you are a newbie applying for a job that demands some more years of experience then try to include only skills and professional strengths along with your co-curricular as well as corporate achievements. Try avoiding writing years of experience in your resume headline, as including it might decrease your chances of getting hired since the firm demands more years of experience.

Also read: Resume Prep with Top Recruiters & Industry Experts

Can you use AI tools for writing resume headlines? 

This is the ultimate dilemma. Let's make it easier for you. If you are pursuing positions that demand strong writing skills, such as journalism or content management, it is advisable to steer clear of utilizing generative AI like ChatGPT. It may irk the recruiter and may raise doubts about your proficiency as a writer or content creator. However, beyond roles directly tied to content creation, ChatGPT can serve as a valuable tool in refining your resume. In fact, anyone can utilize it to assemble an initial draft that effectively showcases one's strengths and skills. 

Difference between resume headlines and resume titles

At times resume titles and resume headlines are considered to be the same but there's a thin line between the two. A resume title differs from a resume headline in a way that a resume title only states your professional title whereas a resume headline includes everything from the professional title to your skills to your years of experience.

Example of a resume title for a content writer:

"Content Strategy Manager"

Resume headline example for a content writer:

"A content strategy manager with 5 years of experience in shortlisting and editing the content for the magazine."

Resume Headline Samples

Resume headline examples for experienced candidates

1. Resume headline example for the electrical engineer

Testing and commissioning engineer with 6+ years of experience working in the field with machines. Well-accustomed to MATLAB and Multisim. 

2. Resume headline example for the project manager

A Project manager with 8+ years of administrative experience in inspection and monitoring.

3. Resume headline example for a marketing strategist

A marketing strategist building market briefs for the past 7 years.

4. Resume headline example for graphic designers

A graphic designer working with Adobe Photoshop and familiar with HTML and JAVA script. Excellent ability to develop web graphics and unique design catalogs.

6. Resume headline example for supply chain manager

A Supply chain manager, who is excellent at leading a team to the ultimate organizational goal. Expertise in logistic coordination.

7. Resume headline example for a mechanical engineer

A mechanical engineer with 6 years of experience looking after RFPs. Well-acquainted with AUTOCAD and ANSYS software.

8. Resume headline example for office assistant

Office assistant with 5 years of experience in a procurement firm, worked with different automation technologies used in procuring goods.

9. Resume headline example for software engineer

A software engineer with 8 years of experience in regression testing. Well-acquainted with JavaScript and OOPs concepts.

9. Resume headline example for teacher

A 9-year experienced PGT in mathematics, well acquainted with academic knowledge and teaching skills.

10. Resume headline example for data analyst

A data analyst worked with sorting and analyzing the trend in large sets of data for the past 15 years.

Resume headline examples for Freshers

Resume headline for freshers for a tech role

1. Ambitious and motivated fresher seeking opportunities in the IT industry
2. Enthusiastic engineering graduate with a passion for problem-solving and innovation
3. Creative and analytical computer science graduate with a strong foundation in programming languages
4. Self-motivated and proactive fresher with a keen interest in data analysis and visualization

Resume headline for freshers for a non-tech role

1. Dynamic and adaptable fresh graduate with strong communication and teamwork skills
2. Results-driven marketing graduate eager to contribute to the growth of a reputable company
3. Detail-oriented and organized fresher with a strong background in finance and accounting
4. Customer-focused and service-oriented graduate seeking an entry-level position in the hospitality industry
5. Eager to apply my strong analytical skills and business acumen as a fresher in the consulting field
6. Passionate and dedicated fresh graduate with a background in psychology, eager to work in the field of human resources

Read this article for further details on resume headline for freshers

Conclusion

In a gist, it can be concluded that resume headlines are of great importance in a resume or a cover letter. A resume headline is a complete sentence that the candidate must change according to the job requirement. It mostly consists of role expertise, years of experience, and professional strengths that the role demands.

The resume headline must not be too long because long resume headlines might not grab the attention of the reader and in the scan, through the process itself, you might get rejected. A short and crisp resume headline impresses the reader and makes it easy for them to know your qualities and skills along with your years of experience in a quick go-through manner without reading much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a resume headline?

A resume headline is a short phrase or sentence that highlights your skills, experience, or achievements and is placed at the top of your resume. It is meant to grab the attention of hiring managers and make them want to read more about you.

Q2. How long should a resume headline be?

Ideally, a resume headline should be concise and to the point. It should be no longer than a few words or a short sentence. Remember, the purpose of a headline is to quickly and effectively communicate your value to potential employers.

Q3. What should I include in my resume headline?

Your resume headline should include keywords that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It should highlight your key skills, qualifications, or accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the position. Tailor your headline to each job application to maximize its impact.

Q4. Can I use a resume headline for different job applications?

Yes, you can use a resume headline for different job applications. However, it is important to customize your headline for each job you apply to. This will ensure that it aligns with the specific requirements of the position and increases your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

Q5. Where should I place my resume headline?

Your resume headline should be placed at the top of your resume, either below your contact information or right below your name. This ensures that it is one of the first things employers see when reviewing your application and helps create a strong first impression.

Q6. Should my resume headline be in bold or in a different font?

While it is not necessary for your resume headline to be in bold or in a different font, using formatting techniques such as bolding or capitalizing can help make it stand out. However, make sure to maintain a professional and easy-to-read format throughout your entire resume.

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