An ideal resume introduction hooks the reader from the very beginning. It compels them to read forward and portrays you as a valuable candidate. So, it must quickly summarize your relevant skills and experiences. One of the best ways to create an eye-catching introduction is a resume headline.
Here we bring to you tips on how to write a resume headline.
Also, check out the 10 resume headline examples. You will find resume headlines for freshers’ samples as well as resume headline examples for experienced individuals.
So, waste no time. Grab the best ones, customize them, and add them to your resume beginnings.
What is Resume Headline?
A resume headline is also known as a resume title. It is a brief phrase, usually a one-liner that highlights your value as a candidate. A headline is written at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. It highlights your most relevant credentials. Therefore, it allows an employer to see quickly and concisely what makes you the right candidate for the job.
It is best-suited for-
- Those with a lot of experience.
- However, anyone can use a headline, regardless of their years of experience. So, less experienced applicants can also go in for headlines to highlight skills and personal attributes.
Difference Between A Resume Summary, Objective, and Headline
Resume headlines, summaries, and objectives are similar in their basic purpose- all three of them serve as resume introductions. However, there are subtle differences.
Resume profiles/ summaries and headlines both provide a brief summary of a candidate’s qualifications. However, a resume summary/profile is a small paragraph or a few bullet points while the headline is one brief phrase.
Although objective statements can be short they are different from headlines. In an objective, you write about the position you are seeking and your goals. While in headlines you add your skills.
Furthermore, the capitalization of words in headlines makes them unique and different from other introductory statements.
Best 7 Tips To Write Resume Headline
In a fast-paced world, where recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds per resume, it is important to write an eye-catching headline. Often recruiters review up to 300+ resumes when hiring for an open role. Therefore, a well-written headline helps them in quickly understand your fitness for the job.
Follow the below-mentioned tips to create a perfect resume headline.
1. Add Resume Keywords
Before you begin writing your headline statement, review the job advertisement. Scan for the requirements and qualifications that they have listed. These words when incorporated in your resume act as keywords.
So, ensure that you use keywords that demonstrate your experiences or skills as related to the job listing. When you use the same words in your headline they demonstrate that you are a good fit for the job.
Furthermore, adding the job title, if possible, in your headline is a good idea.
2. Keep It Concise
As already mentioned above, a resume title is just a phrase. So, keep it as brief as possible. It should not even be a complete sentence.
Basically, your goal is to concisely state your value as an applicant. Statements longer than a phrase defeat the purpose of a headline.
3. Be specific, Avoid Clichés
The purpose of your headline is to make you stand out as a strong candidate. Therefore, there is no room for clichés. Avoid them. Phrases like “hard-working” and “good communication skills” are what an employer sees on every second resume. Moreover, they do not provide much information on what makes you unique. Furthermore, some jargons and vague descriptors like “go-getter,” or “synergy” have no value. Instead, add some specific skills. Use numbers and quantify success. Add keywords and you will individualize your headline which will surely impress the employer.
4. Capitalize Your Resume Title
Capitalizing words in your headline makes it looks more like a title to your resume. Moreover, it helps in making your headline stand out on the document.
5. Avoid Personal Pronouns
It is good to avoid personal pronouns like- ‘my’, ‘I’, and ‘myself’. The secret to great Resume writing is removing the use of pronouns entirely. So, you need not use ‘I’, ‘he’ or ‘she’ because its use is implied.
6. Use strong action verbs
Action verbs give your headline a powerful and confident tone. If your beginning is confident, it immediately draws the attention of the employer. Check out the list of verbs from the following link.
Related-150+ Resume Strong Action Verbs To Include
7. Write a Targeted Headline for Each Job
The extra work involved in creating a targeted headline for every resume pays off. Customizing your beginnings tells the hiring managers that you have taken time to tailor your resume specifically to their job openings.
So, read the job listing carefully. Then make a list of the skills, experience, and attributes that make you a strong candidate. Now, incorporate these into your title. This way you make the best-targeted headline which is immediately acknowledged.
Resume Headline Examples
Given below are resume headlines for freshers’ samples as well as resume headline examples for experienced individuals.
Best Resume headlines for freshers’ sample
- Resume headline for electrical engineer– Detail-Oriented Electrical Engineering Student with Internship Experience
2. Resume headline for MBA fresher– Honor-Roll MBA Student With Tutoring Experience in Management Subjects.
3. B.tech fresher resume headline –Energetic B.tech Fresher With Outstanding Expertise in Software Designing.
Resume headline examples for experienced individuals
4. Best Resume headline for accountant– Detail-Oriented Accountant with X+ Years of Administrative Experience
5. Award-Winning Accounts Manager With 8+ Years of Experience in Accounting Software Technology.
6. Experienced, Registered Nurse Specializing in Gynecological Care
7. Senior Marketing Agent With 6+ Years’ Experience Managing Creative Digital Campaigns.
8. Dedicated, Multilingual Elementary School Educator Specializing in Health and Physical Education.
9. Experienced Mobile Software Engineer With Expertise in JavaScript, PHP, and HTML.
10. Experienced Front Desk Receptionist With Five-Star Average Customer Satisfaction Rating.
11. Bank Relationship Manager with Experience in Insurance and Healthcare Management.
So, follow the above-mentioned tips and use resume title examples. Create your own resume headlines that leave an impact.
All the best with your oncoming job!
