Headline on Resume

Should You List 'headline' on Resume

It is highly recommended to include a professional headline or summary statement on your resume, especially in the United States, Canada, and other Anglophone countries. This section provides a brief yet impactful overview of your skills, experiences, and career goals to capture the recruiter's attention quickly. In some European countries like Germany, this practice might not be as common but is still worth considering for international applications targeting English-speaking companies.

Why to List 'headline' on Resume

A compelling headline helps recruiters understand your unique value proposition and determine if you are a good fit for the job within seconds of scanning your resume. It can showcase:

• Relevant skills and expertise: Highlighting specific abilities that match the job requirements can make your application stand out from the crowd.
• Career goals: A clear career objective can demonstrate your motivation, ambition, and alignment with the company's mission.
• Professional brand: An effective headline reinforces your personal brand, helping you establish a strong professional identity that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.
• Quick comprehension: A succinct yet informative headline enables recruiters to grasp the gist of your background at a glance, increasing the likelihood they'll spend more time reviewing your resume.

Where to List 'headline' on Resume

The headline should ideally appear:

• At the top of the resume: Place it directly under your name and contact information for easy visibility.
• In a dedicated section: Create a brief "Summary" or "Professional Summary" section to organize your headline with additional supporting statements if needed.
• As part of a combined 'Summary' and 'Objective' section: If you prefer, combine your headline with a career objective in one cohesive paragraph, especially if you're making a career transition or are a recent graduate.

Examples of How to List 'headline' on Resume

Experienced Marketing Manager seeking new opportunities

Content: A seasoned marketing professional with 10+ years of experience in B2B and B2C marketing, specializing in digital strategy, content creation, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving growth and improving ROI for global brands through innovative marketing campaigns. Seeking a challenging role where I can apply my skills to help companies reach their full potential.

Detail-oriented Software Engineer with full-stack capabilities

Content: A versatile software engineer with expertise in web development, mobile app programming, and DevOps practices. Skilled in coding various languages such as Java, Python, and React, with a focus on delivering high-quality, user-friendly applications. Proficient in Agile methodologies, Scrum frameworks, and continuous integration/continuous delivery processes. Seeking to leverage my full-stack skills at a growing tech company looking for dedicated developers.

What to Avoid While Listing 'headline' on Resume

• Vague or generic phrases: Use specific keywords and avoid clichés like "dynamic," "self-motivated," or "team player." Focus on showcasing your unique strengths instead.
• Long paragraphs: Keep the headline concise (3-4 lines) to ensure it's easy to read and digest quickly.
• Irrelevant information: Avoid including personal details or unrelated achievements that do not support your professional goals.
• Poor grammar or spelling errors: Ensure impeccable language usage and proofread carefully to avoid any mistakes that could distract from the impact of your headline.

How to List Creative and Impactful Statement on Resume

Best Practices:

• Make it concise and impactful: Your headline should be a brief but powerful statement that immediately captures the attention of potential employers. Aim for no more than 7-9 words, focusing on your unique skills or qualifications that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

*Example: "Passionate UX Designer with 5+ years of experience in crafting intuitive digital interfaces."

• Tailor it to the job: Customize your headline for each job application, focusing on skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you're applying for. This shows employers that you have a genuine interest in the role and can tailor your approach accordingly.

*Example: "Detail-oriented Technical Writer with expertise in creating technical manuals and user guides."

• Highlight achievements: Instead of just stating your job title, use your headline to showcase an achievement or skill that sets you apart from other candidates. This helps demonstrate the value you can bring to the organization.

*Example: "Result-driven Sales Manager with a track record of increasing sales by 30% within one year."

• Use action verbs: Start your headline with an active verb to grab the reader's attention and showcase your initiative and drive. Be sure to use action verbs that are relevant to the role you're applying for.

*Example: "Dynamic Marketing Specialist with experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns."

Example 1: Creative and Impactful Statement on Headline Resume

Headline: "Creative Graphic Designer | Bringing life to ideas since 2010" Context: This headline is impactful because it immediately showcases the candidate's expertise in graphic design, as well as their length of experience in the field. The use of a creative phrase ("Bringing life to ideas") adds a personal touch and demonstrates the candidate's passion for their work.

Example 2: Creative and Impactful Statement in Headline Context

Headline: "Data-driven Financial Analyst with a knack for storytelling through data visualization" Context: This headline is creative because it combines two seemingly unrelated skills (data analysis and storytelling) to create a unique value proposition. The use of the phrase "knack for storytelling" adds a personal touch and demonstrates the candidate's ability to communicate complex financial data in an engaging way.

How to List Customized for Target Job on Resume

Best Practices for Listing this Subcategory

• Tailor the headline to the target job: The headline should clearly convey your professional identity and the type of position you are seeking. It's essential to customize your headline based on the job description, highlighting skills and experiences that align with the requirements.

  Example: Instead of a generic headline like "Software Engineer," you could use a more targeted one such as "Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer specializing in Node.js and React for high-traffic web applications."

• Highlight relevant skills: List key skills that are highly valued by the employer in your headline or summary statement. These should be directly related to the job you're applying for.

  Example: If you're applying for a role as a Project Manager, mentioning project management tools like Agile, Scrum, and Jira can be beneficial.

• Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This helps to showcase your value proposition to potential employers.

  Example: Instead of stating "Managed projects," you could write "Led the successful completion of over 50 complex software development projects using Agile methodologies."

• Include relevant keywords: Utilize the same keywords found in the job description throughout your resume, especially in the headline and summary statement. This will help your application stand out during applicant tracking system (ATS) scans and catch the eye of recruiters.

  Example: If a job posting mentions experience with specific tools or techniques, ensure these are included in your headline and throughout your resume.

• Keep it concise: Aim to convey your most relevant information succinctly. Typically, a headline should be no more than two lines long and the summary statement should be about four to six lines. This ensures that recruiters can quickly understand your background and qualifications.

Example 1: Customized for Target Job on Headline Resume

Headline: Experienced Financial Analyst with a Strong Background in Equity Research and Quantitative Analysis Summary Statement: Proven ability to perform comprehensive financial analysis, interpret market trends, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders. Skilled in building quantitative models using Excel, R, and Python for portfolio optimization and risk assessment. Achieved top-quartile rankings in multiple equity research reports and contributed to successful investment recommendations.

Example 2: Customized for Target Job in Headline Context

Headline: Creative Graphic Designer with a Passion for UX/UI Design and Branding Summary Statement: Combining artistic flair with technical expertise, I deliver engaging and intuitive user experiences that drive conversion rates and enhance brand recognition. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Sketch, with a knack for crafting visually appealing designs that resonate with target audiences. Adept at working within brand guidelines while offering creative solutions to meet business objectives.

How to List Value Proposition Statement on Resume

Best Practices for the Value Proposition Statement Subcategory

• Craft a Compelling Headline: Your headline should be a concise, powerful statement that captures the recruiter's attention and highlights your unique value proposition. This headline is where you would ideally include your Value Proposition Statement.

  Example: "Results-driven Product Manager with 10+ years of experience in developing successful digital products. Proven track record in enhancing user engagement, optimizing revenue streams, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time."

• Tailor Your Value Proposition: Customize your value proposition for each job you apply to. Research the company and position to identify key skills, experiences, or results that align with their needs. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role and increase your chances of standing out.

• Quantify Your Achievements: If possible, use numbers, percentages, or other metrics in your value proposition to quantify your achievements. This makes your accomplishments more tangible and helps recruiters quickly understand the impact you've made in previous roles.

  Example: "Versatile Marketing Strategist with a proven ability to increase web traffic by 300% within 6 months, generating over $1M in revenue through targeted digital campaigns."

• Be Concise: Keep your Value Proposition Statement short and to the point. Recruiters often scan resumes quickly, so it's essential that your value proposition is easy to read and understand at a glance.

• Proofread Thoroughly: Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your headline or Value Proposition Statement. Errors can detract from the professional impression you make on potential employers.

Example 1: Value Proposition Statement on Headline Resume

Headline: Experienced IT Project Manager with a Proven Track Record in Delivering Complex Systems On Time and Under Budget

Value Proposition Statement: Demonstrated expertise in managing diverse project teams, leading to the successful completion of over 50 projects within budget and on schedule. Skilled in Agile methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Seeking new opportunities to apply my leadership skills and drive results in a challenging IT environment.

Example 2: Value Proposition Statement in Headline Context

Headline: Innovative Graphic Designer with a Passion for Creating Engaging User Experiences

Value Proposition Statement: Talented graphic designer with a proven ability to create visually stunning and intuitive interfaces, resulting in increased user engagement and customer satisfaction. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch, with a knack for translating client requirements into compelling design solutions. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my skills in a fast-paced creative agency or tech startup.

How to List Combination of Role and Key Skills on Resume

Best Practices for Listing the Subcategory

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Start with a brief summary of your most relevant professional experience in relation to the job you are applying for. This gives potential employers an immediate understanding of your background. For example, "Experienced Marketing Manager specializing in strategic planning and team leadership, delivering growth-focused campaigns for Fortune 500 companies."

Pro Tip: Tailor this section based on the job description to demonstrate a clear fit between your skills and the role you are targeting.

• Emphasize Key Skills: Immediately follow your professional summary with a list of your key skills that directly relate to the job requirements. Use bullet points for easy readability and scan-ability. For example, "Expertise in: Digital Marketing, SEO, Content Strategy, Social Media Management, Google Analytics."

Pro Tip: Keep this section concise yet impactful – ideally no more than 5-6 skills. Highlight the ones that are most pertinent to the role you're applying for.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, support your claims with quantifiable results or achievements to demonstrate your impact and value. For example, "Achieved a 25% increase in website traffic through targeted SEO strategies."

Pro Tip: Numbers, percentages, and specific accomplishments help employers grasp the extent of your capabilities more easily than vague descriptions.

• Use Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your skills and achievements sound dynamic and engaging. Some examples include: Analyzed, Optimized, Developed, Implemented, and Improved.

Pro Tip: Using action verbs not only makes your headline more compelling but also signals that you are proactive and results-driven.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a maximum length of 3-4 lines for this section to maintain a clean, readable appearance on your resume. Include the most important information without overwhelming potential employers with too much detail upfront.

Example 1: Combination of Role and Key Skills on Headline Resume

Professional Summary: "Creative Graphic Designer with over 7 years of experience in visual storytelling, brand identity development, and UI/UX design. Specialized in creating captivating visuals for print, digital media, and social platforms."

Key Skills: "Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Brand Identity, UI/UX Design, Print & Digital Media"

Example 2: Combination of Role and Key Skills in Headline Context

Professional Summary: "Versatile Project Manager with a proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams on high-profile projects. Demonstrated expertise in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication."

Key Skills: "Project Management, Agile Methodologies, Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Communication, Microsoft Project"

How to List Professional Title with Qualification on Resume

Best Practices

• Make it Clear and Concise: Your professional title and qualification should be easy to understand at a glance. Use simple language and avoid jargon that may not be familiar to all readers.

  Example: "Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 10 years of experience in financial management"

• Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have multiple qualifications, prioritize the one most relevant to the job you're applying for. This will help employers quickly understand your expertise.

  Example: "Registered Nurse (RN) with a specialization in Intensive Care Unit Nursing and over 7 years of experience in critical care settings"

• Include Quantifiable Achievements: Wherever possible, quantify your qualifications to give employers a sense of your impact. This could be the number of years of experience, the size of teams you've managed, or any other relevant metrics.

  Example: "Licensed Real Estate Broker with over 5 years of experience in residential sales, closing $3 million in transactions last year"

• Customize for Each Job Application: Tailor your professional title and qualification to the specific job you're applying for. This shows employers that you understand the role and have the skills they're looking for.

  Example: "Senior Software Engineer with a Master's Degree in Computer Science and expertise in Python, seeking to leverage 7 years of experience in full-stack development for a challenging position at XYZ Tech"

• Consider the Context: If you're using a headline resume format, your professional title and qualification will likely be at the top of your resume. Make sure it's compelling and clearly communicates your value proposition.

  Example: "Experienced Marketing Manager with an MBA, specializing in Digital Marketing Strategy - Delivering innovative campaigns that increase brand visibility and drive sales"

Example 1: Professional Title with Qualification on Headline Resume

In a headline resume format, your professional title and qualification might look something like this:

Marketing Manager (MBA) | Digital Marketing Strategy Expert | Delivering innovative campaigns that increase brand visibility and drive sales

Example 2: Professional Title with Qualification in Headline Context

In a traditional resume format, your professional title and qualification might be included as part of the header or summary section, like this:

[Your Name] [Contact Information] Marketing Manager with an MBA, specializing in Digital Marketing Strategy - Delivering innovative campaigns that increase brand visibility and drive sales

Summary:

• Experienced marketing professional with a proven track record of delivering successful digital marketing strategies
• Expertise in SEO, SEM, social media advertising, email marketing, and content marketing
• Proven ability to increase brand visibility, generate leads, and drive sales