How to Write a Resume Headline in 2025 with 30+ Examples

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Perhaps finding a new job is on your list of goals for 2025. To do this, you’ll need to polish off your old resume and update it. First things first, you should start at the top and that means making sure your resume headline will make a hiring manager interested in the rest of your application. 

One of the most attention-grabbing aspects of your resume format is the resume headline. It’s arguably the most attention-grabbing aspect of your application. It sets the tone for this all-important professional document, and, if done right, it can intrigue any hiring manager.

You’ll want to make sure that you spend some time writing the best possible resume headline for yourself. That means you’ll need to craft a headline that will help you get to where you want to land professionally in 2025.

In this article we’ll delve into:

• What a resume headline is
• Benefits of a well-written resume headline
• Differences between a headline and title 
• How to write the perfect headline for your resume

We also recommend you look at tools like our templates and useful online resume builder which can help make your task much easier.

Later, you’ll also be given a list of over 30 resume headline examples from all different industries. So, don’t fret about what to write for this section of your resume. We’ve got you covered. Simply, read on!

What is a Resume Headline?

A resume headline is a short sentence or phrase at the very top of your resume, just beneath your name. The headline describes describes 3 things:

• Your qualifications 
• Your title
• Your experience

For each job that you apply for, you’ll likely need to adjust the resume headline to present you in the best possible light for that particular position.

Because it’s at the beginning of your resume, it’s a great place to show your potential new boss how helpful you can be to their company. Think of it as a short and sweet introduction you’d give when you meet someone who asks about what you do for a living.

If you describe yourself well, then the hiring manager will continue reading and, hopefully, contact you for an interview.

What’s the Difference Between a Resume Headline and a Resume Title?

Now that we’ve defined a resume headline, we can look at the differences between it and a resume title. You may have heard these two terms used interchangeably, but they are two separate items.

They are found in the same place on your resume (just beneath your name), but you can only use one or the other. So let’s break down the differences.

Resume Title

• Only states your professional status

Resume Headline

• Mentions your professional status along with your transferable skills and experience

Let’s take a look at an example resume headline and an example resume title to clarify the differences between the two.

Resume Title:
Electrical Engineer

Resume Headline:
Senior Electrical Engineer with 20 years of experience in sourcing and maintaining server systems for large companies

Reasons to Write a Resume Headline

Think about this. After using one of our resume templates or builder and taking our advice, your resume is fantastic, but let’s say you didn’t give 100% effort on the headline. 

You may have a great resume structure, and it’s really well-written, but without a headline to really grab an employer’s attention your application could just be another one in a long list. 

Your headline can help you avoid this scenario and here’s how it does that:

• Summarizes experience quickly: Headlines make it easier for recruiters to quickly assess your fit for a job.
• Displays unique value: It can highlight your unique skills and achievements, setting you apart from other candidates and increasing your chances of getting an interview.
• Tailors your profile to the job: By including relevant keywords and phrases from the job description in your headline, you can show that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
• Beats the ATS: Including relevant keywords in your headline can help your resume get past the Applicant Tracking System, which around 75% of companies use, and ensures that it makes it to the employer.

By creating your headline and taking advantage of these benefits you’ll have a much better chance of grabbing an employer’s attention.

How to Write a Good Headline for Your Resume

There is a formula of sorts that you can use to write a good headline for your resume. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing your own resume headline, but this structure can help you get started.

Follow these steps to create your headline:

1. Be specific: Focus on a specific job position you’re interested in, rather than being vague. Tailor it according to the job description to capture the hiring manager’s attention.
2. Include your job title: Include your current or desired job title that aligns with the position you’re applying for.
3. Mention your experience: Highlight your relevant experience in a concise and clear way. For instance, “Experienced project manager with 10+ years in the construction industry.”
4. Add your relevant skills: Mention specific skills that are required for the job you’re applying to. For example, “SEO specialist skilled in content creation and link-building strategies.”
5. Ensure it’s brief yet impactful: A headline should not be longer than a sentence. It should be a punchy phrase that concisely showcases your suitability for the job.

If you don’t have the experience yet, there’s always an alternative. Stating your education or training will earn you some points if you’re lacking a professional history.

30+ Resume Headline Examples and Ideas

If you are still a little stuck, and wondering how to craft your own headline, you’re in luck!

We’ve compiled over 30 resume headline examples for you to explore and draw inspiration from.

Keep in mind that you’ll want to add your own personal touches to your headline, in order to tailor the wording for your industry, skills, or personality.

1. Certified Professional Accountant with 5 years of experience serving the fast-paced start-up tech industry
2. Bright and Cheerful Receptionist with 2 years of experience in a dental office helping customers with booking and billing
3. Professional Engineer with a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and expertise in CFD simulation
4. Marketing Executive with 15 years of experience spearheading online campaigns and helping to secure $10 million in sales
5. Content Writer with 3 years of experience crafting SEO blogs, articles, and web copy for communications companies
6. Award-winning Geologist with 24 years of academic research, 200 journal articles, and voted best professor by the students in 2020
7. Energetic Dental Hygienist with two professional internships and the Dean’s Award
8. Human Resources Manager with 8 years of focus on employee relations and regulatory compliance.Certified Mobile Mortgage Specialist with an extensive client list and eight years of experience working remotely
9. Multilingual Translator with 9 years’ experience in the healthcare domain, fluent in English, Spanish, and French.Python Programmer with 5years of experience focused on data science implementation
10. Retail Manager with 7 years’ experience, demonstrating consistent revenue growth through a customer-centric approach.
11. Sales Representative with customer-focused experience in retail and call centers
12. Python Programmer with five years of experience focused on data science implementation
13. Secondary School Teacher with certifications in advanced math and statistics
14. College Administrator with 25 years of experience at Queen’s College in the admissions office
15. Food Scientist who graduated as Valedictorian and specialized in organic chemistry
16. Data Scientist who specializes in machine learning algorithms
17. Wedding Photographer voted the best in Toronto by Married Magazine
18. Graphic Designer with 5 years of experience in a top digital marketing agency
19. Recent Art History Grad with experience as a teaching assistant
20. Friendly Server with 3 years of experience at family restaurants
21. Bilingual Government Administrator with 10 years of continuous service
22. Account Executive with decades of experience building lasting client relationships
23. Business Development Manager, responsible for $5 million budget for five years running
24. Sales Executive with a decade of experience in high-tech industry sales, consistently achieving targets.Financial Advisor managing $5 million portfolios for multiple clients
25. Financial Advisor managing $5 million portfolios for multiple clients
26. Sous Chef, working under Michelin Star chef in multiple restaurants
27. HR Consultant specialized in change management with 25 years of experience in large enterprise
28. Yoga Instructor with 10 years of teaching and retreat experience
29. Certified Electrician with experience in commercial high-rise building construction
30. Millwright for 20 years with design, CAD, and assembly skills
31. Early Childhood Educator at ABC Private Schools with experience teaching elementary-aged children
32. Environmental Engineer with 17 years at the Conservation Authority, spearheading water monitoring and remediation programs
33. Veterinary Technician with additional training in large animal care and surgery
34. Project Manager with meticulous track record for successful projects, 10-years running

Key Points

Writing some introductory parts of your resume could be a challenge. However, if you keep the following points in mind when writing your headline you should be able to grab a hiring manager’s interest:

• Headlines include your skill and experience not only your professional status
• Keep your headline brief yet impactful
• There are numerous benefits of having a well-written headline
• Review examples before writing your own

With these tips in mind and the tools on ResumeGiants and create a headline that will give your application a huge boost and keep it away from the rejection pile.

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