How to Write an Eye-Catching Resume Headline (58+ Examples)

Immediately grab the attention of hiring managers with a headline like the examples below.

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What is a headline on a resume?

A headline on a resume is a title that summarizes your qualifications. Also known as a resume title or resume tagline, the headline goes under your name in the resume header and features catchy wording that prompts employers to keep reading.

Here’s how to write a resume with a compelling resume headline:

58 good resume title and headline examples

We’ve compiled examples of 58 good resume headlines across multiple industries for both entry-level and experienced candidates. Each of these headlines gives a quick yet impressive summary of the applicant’s qualifications:

Engineering & software development

Business & management

Marketing & sales

Customer service & retail

Accounting & finance

Education & human services

Healthcare

Students & recent graduates

Entry-level job seekers

Experienced candidates

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One of the best ways to make your resume is by filling out one of our free resume templates. All our templates are designed by experts and free to download for Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

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Tips for making your resume headline stand out

Here are six tips for writing a headline that will capture employers’ attention and make them keep reading:

1. Add keywords from the job ad

Include specific keywords from the job description in your headline to bypass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reach a hiring manager.

You can usually find relevant keywords under “Requirements” or “Key qualifications” in the job ad.

2. Include an achievement (with a number)

Be specific. An accomplishment backed up with quantifiable data makes your headline more impressive. Hard numbers show the hiring manager that you’re qualified for the role. Professional accomplishments to list on your resume include degrees, licenses, certifications, and specific experiences.

Examples of quantifiable data include:

• Years of experience
• Number of awards won
• Dollar amount of sales made
• Amount of product sold
• Number of people managed

4. Make your resume headline unique

Use detailed information and descriptive adjectives that apply specifically to you, not to everyone applying for the job. A generic resume headline with overused words like “skilled,” “motivated,” or “hard-working” won’t make you stand out.

4. Capitalize your headline using title case

A resume headline is a title, so it should be capitalized as such. The first word of a title is always in upper case. Nouns, verbs, and adjectives are also capitalized.

Short words that are not nouns, verbs, or adjectives are only capitalized if they’re the first word in the title. Here’s a useful tool that automatically capitalizes your title.

5. Keep it short

The best resume headlines are short and impactful.

Keep your resume headline between 1 and 2 lines. Once it spills onto a third line, it becomes a summary rather than a headline. If you have more to say, include a resume summary or resume profile beneath your short resume headline.

6. Use your target job title

The job title you use in your headline can be your target job title. For example, if you recently quit your job in academia to pursue a career in data science, your resume headline could be:

Knowledgeable Data Scientist With a Ph.D. in Computer Science

This headline is aspirational yet grounded. It reflects your imminent transition from academia to data science while showcasing your advanced education in computer science.

Now, let’s look at a bad example:

Internationally Recognized Researcher and Data Scientist

If you haven’t actually earned international recognition, the headline is misleading and can damage your credibility.

Similarly, if you’re applying for a management position but don’t have any management experience, don’t use managerial titles like “Marketing Manager” in your headline. It’ll only take a brief glance over the rest of your resume to make employers question your claim and see it as a red flag.

Remember: Keep your resume honest and accurate in order to build trust with potential employers.

Frequently asked questions about resume headlines

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about resume headlines.

Why is a resume headline important?

Hiring managers scan documents quickly. If they don’t see relevant information as soon as they glance at your resume, they may move to the next applicant.

So if you want your resume to receive a fair review, include a resume headline. A prominent resume headline catches the hiring manager’s attention with relevant skills and impressive achievements, ensuring your resume isn’t filtered out during the selection process.

What’s a good headline for Indeed or ZipRecruiter?

When you set up an account with any professional job search platform – like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or LinkedIn – you’ll be able to put a headline on your profile to give employers a snapshot of who you are as a candidate.

The profile headline you choose should be similar to your resume headline, including your professional title (or your target job title) and an accomplishment in one brief line or sentence. Your profile headline should serve as a hook to get employers interested, so make it as catchy as you can.

Don’t see your question here? Check out some of our other related resources:

• Resume Header: 3+ Best Heading Examples
• What should you name your resume file?
• 8 Free PDF Resume Templates (and how to save your resume as a PDF)

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