Resume Headline: Examples & Writing Tips

What is a resume headline?

A good headline for a resume is a concise phrase that summarizes your skills, experiences, or achievements. It is the first thing potential employers see when they glance at your resume, and it needs to capture their attention quickly. 

A strong resume headline effectively communicates your professional identity and can showcase your key strengths and accomplishments. It should be tailored to the specific job or industry you are applying to and can include keywords and industry-specific terminology

Why are resume headlines important

Resume headlines summarize your skills, qualifications, and experience in a few words and create a lasting impression. They provide a quick snapshot of your career highlights, allowing employers to immediately determine if you are a potential fit for the job. Including keywords relevant to the position you are applying for, increases your chances of passing the initial screening process. For example, if you’re applying for a niche barista position, adding “Expert Barista in Specialty Coffees” will help the employer know you are a candidate they need to consider. If you don’t already have a resume headline, consider updating your resume to include one.

Resume headline vs summary

When it comes to writing a resume, a resume summary is an essential section. It is your formal introduction to the hiring manager, where you let them know your years of experience, your expertise and relevant accomplishments. It might sound similar to the headline of a resume, but it is a complement, not a repetition. 

If your resume headline is:

Accomplished Operations Director in Supply Chain Optimization   

Your resume summary could read:

Operations director with 12 years of experience in the transportation industry. Demonstrated expertise in streamlining operations, reducing costs and enhancing overall efficiency. Known for implementing strategic solutions that deliver tangible results and maximize organizational productivity by 32%.”

In other words, if the resume headline is your tagline, your resume summary will be the blurb. 

50+ resume headline examples for multiple industries

Find inspiration to create your own professional resume headline in these examples for different industries.

Administrative

• Organized Administrative Assistant with Exceptional Time Management
• Innovative Nonprofit Director | Fundraising & Donor Engagement
• Detail-oriented Medical Biller | Coding & Reimbursement Expert

Business operations

• Results-Driven Operations Manager | Process Improvement Expert
• Skilled Business Development Associate Driving Revenue Growth.
• PMO Analyst Orchestrating Successful Project Delivery

Customer service

• Proven Customer Success Manager | Expert in Retention & Relationships
• Customer Service Representative with Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Call Center Manager Optimizing Customer Service Operations

Data & systems administration resume samples

• Strategic Business Analyst in Data Analytics & Cost Reduction
• Cyber Security Specialist Protecting Against Digital Threats
• Salesforce Developer Streamlining Business Processes with CRM.

Engineering

• Skilled Electrical Engineer with Experience in Power Distribution
• Expert Mechanical Engineer | Design & Manufacturing Optimization
• Skilled Data Center Engineer Optimizing Infrastructure

Environmental

• Expert Environmental Scientist | Sustainable Dev. & Impact Assessment
• Environmental Health Officer Ensuring Public Safety
• Detail-Oriented Environmental Service Aide Maintaining Cleanliness.

Financial

• Detail-Oriented Financial Analyst | Expert in Modeling & Forecasting
• Strategic Project Manager | Risk Management & Stakeholder Expert
• Strategic Financial Planner | Proven in Investment & Wealth

Graphic and Web Design 

• Expert UX Designer in User Research & Usability Testing
• Creative Graphic Designer with Strong Visual Communication Skills
• Visionary Creative Director Driving Brand Innovation

Healthcare

• Expert Health Care Administrator | Compliance & Management
• Compassionate Home Health Aide Delivering Quality Care
• Patient-focused Direct Support Professional Empowering Lives.

Human Resources

• Experienced HR Manager w/ Expertise in Talent Acquisition & Retention
• Accomplished Human Resources Manager with Expertise in Recruitment
• Results-Driven Benefits Administrator Optimizing Employee Satisfaction

Information technology

• Proficiency Software Developer in Java & Python
• Agile IT Project Manager | Expert in Software Dev. Lifecycle
• Experienced Software Developer Specializing in Java

Marketing

• Innovative Marketing Manager in Brand Management
• Visionary Creative Director in Advertising & Branding
• Data-driven Content Marketer Driving Organic Traffic.
• Resourceful Social Media Manager | Content Creation & Engagement
• Innovative Product Manager with Experience in Product Launches
• Strategic Marketing Comms Specialist Skilled in Brand messaging

Nursing

• Dedicated Registered Nurse with a Focus on Patient Care
• Compassionate Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Enhancing Senior Care.
• Dedicated Patient Care Technician Providing Compassionate Support.

Production

• Strategic Supply Chain Manager | Lean Expert, Optimization
• Skilled Welder with Experience in Various Welding Techniques
• Detail-oriented Logistics Assistant Manager Driving Efficiency.

Physical therapy

• Experienced Physical Therapist with a Focus on Rehabilitation
• Certified Sports Therapist Improving Athletic Performance
• Compassionate Physical Therapy Aide Supporting Patient Recovery

Retail

• Accomplished Retail Manager | Inventory & Visual Expert
• Experienced Retail Manager Driving Profitability and Team Success
• Commercial Parts Pro Delivering Exceptional Customer Service

Sales

• Dynamic Sales Manager with Proven Track Record
• Accomplished Sales Executive | CRM Expert, Track Record
• Expert Sales Ops Manager | Strategic Planning Skills

Teaching example resumes 

• Passionate Elementary School Teacher with a Gift for Education
• Enthusiastic Early Childhood Teacher Nurturing Young Minds
• Experienced Spanish Teacher Promoting Language Fluency

Tips for creating effective resume headlines

• Keep it concise: Your resume headline should be brief and concise. Aim for no more than a few words or a short phrase.  Ensure it is no more than 60 characters long. 
• Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords that align with the job description or industry to help your resume stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch hiring managers' attention.
• Tailor it to the job: Customize your resume headline to match the specific job you are applying for. Choose your most relevant skills, qualifications, or experience.
• Highlight your expertise: Use your resume headline to showcase your expertise or niche within your field. This can help you stand out and demonstrate your unique value.
• Be specific: Avoid vague or generic terms in your resume headline. Instead, be specific and highlight your specific accomplishment or areas of expertise.
• Incorporate action verbs: Use strong action verbs in your resume headline to convey a sense of energy and accomplishment. This can make your headline more dynamic and engaging.
• Consider your job level: Tailor your resume headline to your job level. For entry-level positions, focus on highlighting relevant skills or education. For more experienced professionals, emphasize your industry experience or leadership roles.
• Make it visually appealing: Use a larger font or formatting techniques, such as bolding or capitalizing, to make your resume headline visually stand out. However, ensure it still looks professional and easy to read. 
• Keep it professional: While making your resume headline attention-grabbing is important, remember to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using humor or overly creative gimmicks unless they align with the industry or job you're applying for.
• Review and revise: After writing your resume headline, review it multiple times to ensure it accurately represents your qualifications and aligns with the job requirements. Consider seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or professionals in your field.

Common mistakes to avoid in resume headlines

1. Being too vague: A vague or generic resume headline will not help you stand out from the competition. Instead, be specific and highlight your unique skills or qualifications.
2. Being too long: A resume headline should be brief and concise. Avoid using lengthy phrases or sentences that can be confusing or difficult to read.
3. Being too creative: While making your resume headline attention-grabbing is important, avoid being overly creative or using gimmicks that may not align with the industry or job you're applying for.
4. Using irrelevant information: Your resume headline should only include relevant information about the job you're applying for. Avoid including personal information or unrelated skills or experiences.
5. Not using industry keywords: Incorporating relevant industry keywords into your resume headline can help your application stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers.
6. Being too informal: Remember to maintain a professional tone in your resume headline. Avoid using humor or overly casual language that may not be appropriate for a job application.
7. Using a generic title: Your resume headline should accurately represent your job title or experience level. Avoid using generic titles that don't accurately reflect your skills or experience.
8. Failing to customize: Tailor your resume headline to match the specific job you are applying for. Highlight your most relevant skills, qualifications, or experiences to demonstrate your unique value.

Key takeaways

• A good resume headline is short, informative and compelling. 
• The best headline for a resume is 60 characters long and is placed under your name in the resume header. 
• Use an adjective, a keyword and your title to create a catchy headline for your resume. 
• The professional headline for a resume must be tailored to the job and industry you’re applying to. 
• A resume summary complements your resume headline and expands on your qualifications and achievements.