Your resume is one of, if not the most important thing in your search for a job. A well-crafted resume can set you apart from the crowd and effectively show off all that you’ve accomplished in your career. 

A resume headline is a key part of your resume. It can be the keystone to a perfect resume, capturing and summarizing who you are and all that you offer. 

In this guide, we’ll go over what a resume headline is, why it’s so important, and more than 50 resume headline examples.

What is a resume headline?

A resume headline, also called a resume title, is a brief phrase or statement that summarizes your skills, experience, and achievements. The headline is designed to catch the hiring manager’s attention and make your resume stand out. It’s one of the things that will make your resume pop amidst a sea of sameness.

Your resume headline should make them want to continue reading your resume. It should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and highlight what makes you unique in comparison to other candidates.

Need some inspiration while creating your resume? Check out these powerful resume ideas.

Resume headline vs. resume summary

Though they’re similar, a resume headline and a resume summary are different things. A resume headline is a short, punchy phrase that highlights your expertise and qualifications. It’s kind of like your personal branding statement or tagline.

An example of a resume headline: Experienced Digital Marketer | SEO & PPC Specialist.

A resume summary, on the other hand, is a 2-4 sentence overview that expands on your skills, experience, and value. It’s like a quick snapshot of what you bring to the table and why you’re a strong candidate for the job.

An example of a resume summary: Results-driven digital marketer with 5+ years of experience in SEO and PPC campaign management. Proven track record of increasing website traffic by 150% and reducing ad spend inefficiencies. Passionate about data-driven strategies to maximize ROI.

Benefits of adding a resume headline to your resume

Even if you have a resume summary in your resume, you also should consider including a headline when making your CV. There are a few key reasons for this. A resume headline:

  • Can instantly set you apart from hundreds of other applicants

  • Brings all your skills and experience together into a central theme that is easily understandable to a recruiter or hiring manager

  • Immediately shows the employer how they would benefit by hiring you

  • Summarizes all your core strengths

  • Can contain keywords that will get your resume past Applicant Tracking Software

  • Quickly demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and experience for the job

  • Can draw attention to a significant achievement in your career, such as an award or fellowship

As you can see, a headline is more than just a tagline slapped onto the top of your resume. Rather, it serves as a powerful tool that can help you stand out and make a strong initial impression on potential employers.

55 examples of resume headlines

Here are 55 different examples of headlines across a variety of industries. Use these headlines to inspire you as you create your resume:

General and professional 

  1. Results-Driven Marketing Strategist | Specializing in Growth & Brand Positioning
  2. Detail-Oriented Data Analyst | Transforming Complex Data into Actionable Insights
  3. Award-Winning Sales Leader | Exceeding Targets & Driving Revenue Growth
  4. Customer-Centric Retail Manager | Increasing Sales Through Superior Service
  5. Innovative Product Manager | Bringing Ideas to Life Through Data & User Insights

Tech and IT 

  1. Full-Stack Developer | Building Scalable, Secure, and High-Performance Applications
  2. Cybersecurity Expert | Protecting Businesses from Digital Threats
  3. Cloud Computing Specialist | AWS, Azure & Google Cloud Architect
  4. AI & Machine Learning Engineer | Turning Data into Intelligent Solutions
  5. UX/UI Designer | Creating Engaging Digital Experiences That Convert

Healthcare and medical 

  1. Compassionate Registered Nurse | Providing Quality Patient-Centered Care
  2. Experienced Physician Assistant | Dedicated to Holistic Patient Wellness
  3. Certified Medical Coder | Ensuring Accuracy & Compliance in Billing
  4. Physical Therapist | Helping Patients Regain Strength & Mobility
  5. Healthcare Administrator | Optimizing Operations for Better Patient Outcomes

Education and training 

  1. Passionate Elementary Teacher | Inspiring Young Minds Through Engaging Lessons
  2. Higher Education Administrator | Empowering Student Success & Institutional Growth
  3. Corporate Trainer | Bridging Skill Gaps with Effective Learning Programs
  4. ESL Instructor | Helping Non-Native Speakers Achieve Language Mastery
  5. Special Education Teacher | Championing Inclusive Learning Environments

Finance and accounting 

  1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | Ensuring Financial Accuracy & Compliance
  2. Financial Analyst | Turning Numbers into Profitable Business Strategies
  3. Risk Management Specialist | Minimizing Financial Exposure & Maximizing Growth
  4. Investment Banker | Driving Strategic Financial Decisions & Market Growth
  5. Bookkeeping Professional | Streamlining Financial Processes for Businesses

Marketing, advertising and public relations 

  1. SEO & Content Marketing Expert | Increasing Traffic & Engagement
  2. Social Media Manager | Growing Brands with Creative & Data-Driven Strategies
  3. Public Relations Specialist | Crafting Compelling Brand Stories & Media Relations
  4. Email Marketing Specialist | Building Campaigns That Convert
  5. Brand Manager | Driving Market Penetration & Customer Loyalty

Sales and business development resume headlines

  1. Business Development Manager | Building Partnerships That Drive Revenue
  2. B2B Sales Professional | Closing High-Value Deals & Expanding Market Reach
  3. E-commerce Growth Strategist | Boosting Online Sales & Customer Retention
  4. Retail Sales Associate | Enhancing Customer Experience & Maximizing Sales
  5. Real Estate Agent | Helping Clients Find Their Dream Homes with Expertise

Engineering and construction 

  1. Civil Engineer | Designing Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future
  2. Mechanical Engineer | Innovating & Optimizing Product Design
  3. Electrical Engineer | Powering Solutions for Complex Systems
  4. Certified Project Manager (PMP) | Leading Engineering Teams to Success
  5. Experienced Roofing Contractor | Delivering High-Quality, Durable Solutions

Freelancing and creative 

  1. Freelance Writer | Creating Engaging Content That Drives Traffic & Conversions
  2. Graphic Designer | Blending Creativity with Strategic Branding
  3. Video Editor | Producing High-Quality Visual Content for Digital Platforms
  4. Voiceover Artist | Bringing Stories to Life with a Distinctive Voice
  5. Independent Consultant | Helping Businesses Solve Problems & Scale Growth

Hospitality, travel, and customer service

  1. Hotel Manager | Elevating Guest Experiences & Maximizing Revenue
  2. Experienced Flight Attendant | Ensuring Passenger Safety & Comfort
  3. Customer Service Specialist | Creating Positive & Lasting Customer Impressions
  4. Event Planner | Designing Seamless, Memorable, and Impactful Events
  5. Tour Guide & Travel Expert | Creating Unforgettable Experiences for Travelers

Legal, government, and nonprofit 

  1. Experienced Paralegal | Providing Strong Legal Research & Case Support
  2. Nonprofit Director | Leading Mission-Driven Organizations to Greater Impact
  3. Government Policy Analyst | Shaping Data-Driven Public Policy
  4. HR Specialist | Recruiting & Retaining Top Talent for Organizational Success
  5. Environmental Consultant | Driving Sustainable Solutions & Regulatory Compliance

How to write an effective resume headline

You already know how to make a resume. The only part that’s missing is that snappy headline. Here are some tips for creating one that perfectly captures who you are:

Keep it short and specific

Your resume headline should be a brief, one-line statement that quickly summarizes your skills and experience. Keep it focused on the specific job or industry you’re targeting, and avoid using generic phrases or buzzwords.

Highlight your unique strengths

Use your headline to showcase what sets you apart from other candidates. Are you a talented graphic designer who specializes in branding? A skilled writer who can drive conversions through compelling content? Whatever makes you stand out, make sure to include it in your headline.

Use keywords from the job posting

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so it’s important to include relevant keywords in your headline. Look at the job description and incorporate any skills, qualifications, or job titles that align with your experience.

Quantify your accomplishments

Numbers and metrics are attention-grabbing and show the impact you’ve made in previous roles. If you increased sales by a certain percentage or managed a team of a specific size, include those details in your headline to showcase your achievements.

Tailor it for each job application

While your core skills and strengths may remain the same, it’s important to customize your headline for each job you apply for. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and how your experience aligns with it.

Include your years of experience if relevant

If years of experience are important for the job, then make sure to include that in your resume headline. For example, “10+ years of experience in digital marketing” or “Entry-level software engineer with a passion for coding.”

Mention any certifications or licenses

Certifications and licenses look good on a resume and you may want to draw attention to these in your resume headline. This can help to set you apart from other candidates and show that you have specialized knowledge or skills.

Include any really big achievements

Did you accomplish something at your last job that’s just jaw-dropping? Make sure to highlight it in your resume headline. It could be a major project you led, an award you received, or a significant impact you made for the company.

Use the Picsart idea generator

If you’re struggling to come up with an effective headline for your resume, the Picsart idea generator can help. Write a few words to describe yourself and ask it to create a headline for you. 

For example, I entered, “I need a resume headline. The headline should describe my strengths as a copywriter and how my words generate conversions.”

In response, I got these fantastic ideas:

  • “Eloquent wordsmith driving conversions with persuasive copywriting.”
  • “Strategic copywriter with a knack for generating high-converting content.”
  • “Conversion-focused copywriter crafting compelling narratives for success.”
  • “Master of words creating impactful copy that converts.”

 

Create the perfect resume with Picsart

If you need help creating a perfect resume that grabs the attention of a hiring manager, Picsart has you covered. If you want to start from scratch, you can use our powerful resume maker tool to build your resume. 

If you’re not sure where to start with your resume, use one of our professionally designed resume templates. You can deeply customize the template to match your aesthetic and experience. Change the resume fonts, colors, and even images to create a resume that perfectly captures who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Conclusion

You may be tempted to leave out the resume headline, but don’t do it. Your resume headline is one of the first things a hiring manager sees and can make or break their decision to continue reading. Use this opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the job. May the odds ever be on your side for your job search!