what is a good headline summary for a resume

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to showcase your familiarity with the industry and the specific role.

Edit and refine.

Once you've drafted your resume headline, take a step back and review it with a critical eye. Edit and refine your headline to ensure it's concise, clear, and free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Ask for feedback from a trusted friend or colleague to ensure your headline effectively conveys your unique value proposition.

Now that you have a solid understanding of how to write a resume headline, let's explore real-life examples that showcase the principles we've discussed.

These examples of resume headlines span industries and levels of experience, and they all do a great job of grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.

Note how each headline is tailored to the job and emphasizes the candidate's strengths, accomplishments, and work experience.

Entry-level Resume Headline Examples

1. Enthusiastic Marketing Graduate with a Strong Academic Background in Digital Advertising

Best for: Marketing graduates seeking entry-level roles

What we like: A few vivid adjectives ending with a focus on the applicant’s background make this headline upbeat.

2. Detail-Oriented Finance Major with Internship Experience at Top Investment Firm

Best for: Finance students pursuing roles in the financial sector

What we like: This headline captures a key characteristic of the applicant and highlights their most important experience to date.

3. Driven Sales Associate with Proven Track Record in Customer Satisfaction and Retention

Best for: Recent graduates pursuing sales roles

What we like: The claim to a “proven track record” directs hiring managers to scan the rest of the resume to find said track record.

Mid-level Professional Resume Headline Examples

4. Experienced Project Manager with a 90% On-Time Delivery Record

Best for: Professionals with project management experience seeking a leadership role

What we like: Including the record percentage provides a concrete metric for hiring managers to consider.

5 . Certified Software Engineer Specializing in Full Stack Development and Agile Methodologies

Best for: Software engineers looking to showcase their technical expertise

What we like: This headline names specific areas of specialization, highlighting exactly what this candidate offers.

6. Bilingual HR Specialist with Expertise in Recruitment and Talent Management

Best for: HR professionals targeting roles in multicultural organizations

What we like: Naming a special skill, like being bilingual, immediately sets this candidate apart.

Senior-level Professional Resume Headline Examples

7 . Visionary CMO with 10+ Years of Experience Driving Brand Growth and Revenue

Best for: Senior marketing professionals seeking executive roles

What we like: This headline specifies the number of years of experience, immediately giving the candidate credibility as a leader.

8. Award-Winning Sales Director with a History of Consistently Exceeding Sales Targets

Best for: Goal-oriented sales executives looking to showcase their achievements

What we like: These are big claims in the headline — and a great option if you can support them with evidence in the rest of your resume.

9. Innovative Product Manager with a Track Record of Successful Product Launches

Best for: Product managers with experience in bringing new products to the market

What we like: The adjective at the beginning, “innovative,” pairs nicely with the action of “successful product launches.”

Technology and Engineering Resume Headline Examples

10. Certified Data Analyst with Expertise in SQL, Python, and Tableau

Best for: Data analysts seeking roles in data-driven organizations

What we like: Naming the candidate’s specific expertise immediately lets recruiters know if the candidate is fit for the job.

11. Civil Engineer Specializing in Infrastructure Development and Sustainable Design

Best for: Civil engineers targeting roles in environmentally-conscious firms

What we like: Highlighting specific areas allows the recruiter to know whether they want to keep reading or not.

12. Cybersecurity Expert with 5+ Years of Experience Protecting Enterprise Networks

Best for: IT professionals focusing on cybersecurity

What we like: This headline emphasizes the candidate’s area of experience, likely because they’re looking for another job with an enterprise network.

Healthcare and Sciences Resume Headline Examples

13. Registered Nurse with 7 Years of Experience in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine

Best for: Experienced nurses targeting specialized healthcare roles

What we like: Putting the number of years in the headline saves the recruiter the time of calculating years of experience based on the dates listed in the resume.

14. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative with a Proven Record of Increasing Market Share

Best for: Sales professionals in the pharmaceutical industry

What we like: This headline is simple and direct.

15. Environmental Scientist Specializing in Climate Change Mitigation and Policy Development

Best for: Scientists pursuing roles in environmental research and policy

What we like: The word “specializing” can be used for candidates with experience in their area or those who are just starting out but focused their studies on that particular topic.

Education and Training Resume Headline Examples

16. Passionate Elementary School Teacher with 10 Years of Experience Fostering Student Success

Best for: Educators seeking roles in primary education

What we like: “Student success” is a great general phrase that captures what good teachers do best, which can be elaborated on in the resume below.

17. Corporate Trainer with a Focus on Leadership Development and Employee Engagement

Best for: Professionals in organizational development and training

What we like: Providing the focus gives the hiring agent a better idea of the candidate’s experience than simply the job title.

18. Instructional Designer with a Track Record of Creating Engaging eLearning Content

Best for: Instructional designers targeting roles in online learning

What we like: This headline focuses on the accomplishments of the candidate.

Creative and Media Resume Headline Examples

19. Art Director with a Portfolio of Award-Winning Campaigns for Global Brands

Best for: Creative professionals in advertising and design

What we like: “Award-winning” and “global brands” are attention-grabbing words that are sure to intrigue a hiring manager to read on.

20. Social Media Strategist with a History of Boosting Brand Awareness and Engagement

Best for: Social media specialists targeting roles in marketing

What we like: Modest and to the point, this headline simply states what the candidate has accomplished and implies what they can do in their next job.

21. Seasoned Journalist with a Passion for Investigative Reporting and Multimedia Storytelling

Best for: Journalists seeking roles in news organizations

What we like: “Seasoned” nicely implies experience without listing the number of years, while the two stated passions strongly describe this candidate.

Business and Finance Resume Headline Examples

22. Certified Public Accountant with a Strong Background in Financial Analysis and Reporting

Best for: Accounting professionals targeting roles in finance

What we like: This headline succinctly lists the candidate’s qualifications and background.

23. Operations Manager with 8 Years of Experience in Streamlining Processes and Reducing Costs

Best for: Professionals with operations management experience seeking leadership roles

What we like: Operations managers do lots of things, so emphasizing two key areas helps recruiters get to know this candidate better quickly.

24. Supply Chain Expert with a Track Record of Improving Efficiency and Reducing Lead Times

Best for: Professionals in logistics and supply chain management

What we like: Improving efficiency and reducing lead times are essential parts of this job, so listing them upfront is a good idea.

Customer Service and Retail Resume Headline Examples

25. Customer Service Manager Committed to Enhancing the Customer Experience and Building Loyalty

Best for: Customer service professionals targeting managerial roles

What we like: “Committed” is another flexible word that a seasoned or aspiring manager can use to share their values in their headline.

26. Retail Store Manager with a History of Increasing Sales and Reducing Employee Turnover

Best for: Retail professionals seeking store management positions

What we like: You’d expect a successful retail manager to increase sales, but this headline also shares another important achievement: reducing employee turnover. Be sure to highlight what you have done and what you can do in your next position.

27. Hospitality Professional with 5+ Years of Experience in Event Planning and Coordination

Best for: Professionals in the hospitality industry targeting event planning roles

What we like: Years of experience make this headline stand out.

Sealing the Deal With an Effective Resume Headline

In a competitive job market, the power of a captivating resume headline can't be overstated. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a headline that grabs attention and highlight your unique strengths.

Remember to tailor your headline to the specific job requirements, showcase your unique selling points, and maintain a concise, clear, and impactful style.

With a winning resume headline, you'll capture the interest of hiring managers and increase your chances of securing your dream job.

So, go ahead and perfect that headline — your future self will thank you!

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to write a resume headline with 25+ examples

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Do you really need to take up a line with a headline for a resume when space in your application document comes at a premium and every word counts? Should you cut out a precious work responsibility to make room for this seemingly repetitive phrase? The quick answer is yes. Resume headlines give you a chance to stand out in a few pithy words. If you understand how to write a great resume headline, that one line of type will be worth the cost of the real estate.

Now that you know you should write a headline for your resume , you need to know how and why. Within this article, you will find the answers to the following:

• Exactly what is a headline for a resume?
• What’s the difference between a headline and a resume title?
• Why does a resume need a headline?

How do I write a resume headline that works?

Read on for advice, explanations and resume headline examples.

What is a headline for a resume?

A headline is a phrase or that gets to the heart of your message. A resume headline serves the same function: It advertises to the hiring manager or recruiter your experience and skills. You can think of it as the title of your elevator pitch or, if you prefer, the slogan that leads off the marketing campaign for your next great job.

The remainder of your resume will consist of section titles and text (mostly in bullet form except for your summary section) that get deeper into your career, so a headline gives you the best chance to raise an eyebrow quickly. Any opportunity to differentiate yourself at a glance is one you should not pass up.

The headline for your resume is also a grabber – the aha! That makes recruiters smile and read on because they may have found who they are looking for.

How does that differ from a resume title? A title is just that: your current job title. Here are examples that illustrate the difference:

Resume title example: Marketing manager

Resume headline example: Creative marketer with expertise in SEO-driven campaigns

A good headline for a resume sums up not your career, but the job you want to do by signaling that you already do it, and do it very well. Despite this, keep in mind that your focus is the present – what you do now or have done. This is not a career objective statement, which tells hiring managers what it is you would like to do in the future.

Where does the headline on a resume go?

The headline sits directly below your name or above your summary statement, depending on the design of your resume. That placement ensures a direct link between your name and this key statement about yourself. Since you want recruiters to link your name with your achievements, you should not move your resume headline too far from your name. Hiring managers see tons of resumes, so you want them thinking, “Oh, John Q. Smythe. That’s the person who said he was a SQL expert!” not “Hmmm, John Q. Smythe, what’s his experience again?”

First, just as with the rest of a resume (or cover letter), personalization rules. Using keywords associated with the job in your headline gives you a better chance of being among the 25% or so of candidates who make it past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening. And when you do make it into the hands of a person, it shows that you took the time to understand what they are looking for and how you can ease the burden the company faces while the position is left unfilled. It also offers hiring managers a quick way to find out what you think is the greatest asset you will bring to the job.

Since each company is different and each job will have different priorities listed as job requirements, you’re not writing one headline, but several. Each one should emphasize the priorities your targeted employer wants. Just as you do when you craft your cover letter or resume, you want to highlight the greatest achievement you have that meshes with the job you seek. It’s fabulous that you developed a new system for controlling inventory, but that’s not what you want to highlight if you’re applying for a job in IT. Instead, focus on the software you used to create that system.

Ideally, the headline of a resume is less than one line long. Although there’s no standard format for this feature, most headlines will end up with similar structures because of the limited number of words and space. They start with a job title or description, followed by a career highlight, expertise or impressive achievement. Resume headlines may also include years of experience or a phrase such as “highly experiences” that alludes to your length of tenure. Here are three examples for a corporate accountant that focus on different skills:

Resume headline example: Corporate accountant with an eagle-eye for cost savings

Resume headline example: Corporate accountant with 5+ years specializing in tax compliance

Resume headline example: Corporate accountant with expertise in financial statement analysis 

The stories that you share in your resume will hint at the personality behind the professional. Hiring managers will have a good idea what sort of person they want on their team, so how do you convey the job-winning traits? This blog explores the answer.

Examples of resume headlines for different careers

Below you will find examples for different careers. Use these for some ideas, then check out our tips and takeaways at the end of the article. If you want more specific ideas, check out Resume.io’s more than 300 resume examples and guides for more inspiration.

• Mid-career financial analyst and expert auto industry market forecaster
• Financial advisor with 10+ years of helping clientele grow their nest eggs
• Auditing clerk with expertise in QuickBooks and record compliance
• Loan officer specializing in attracting small business accounts
• Project manager who kept 10 projects on schedule and under budget this year
• Business development manager with high-level of customer retention and expansion
• Business analyst with expertise in fashion and beauty trends and markets
• Newly minted MBA with concentration in entrepreneurship
• Deliciously creative chef with 5+ years cooking at Michelin star restaurant
• Restaurant manager focused on limiting waste and retaining staff
• Concierge and lifelong city resident; winner of US Hotel Employee of the Year, 2018
• Unflappable line cook known for perfectly seasoned burgers every time

The header is the crucial section at the top of your resume that contains your name, occupation and contact info. How you format the header can make or break your application.

• Carpenter/craftsman who designs and builds custom furniture
• Master electrician with 6 years experience in household rewiring
• Plumbing contractor with 5 years of new construction expertise
• Industrial repairman with 10+ years of experience in heavy machinery
• Dedicated marketing associate with 2 years focusing on digital campaigns
• Content writer with specialty in B2B client services and 5+ year track record
• Marketing consultant with 15+ years of high-profile client satisfaction
• Creative director overseeing complete redesign of $5M+ food product line
• Attentive registered nurse with 7 years experience in cardiac units
• Licensed pharmacist with 8-year error-free record in lab work
• Soothing dental assistant known for easing patient anxiety multi-specialty practice
• Physical therapist specializing in traumatic spinal injury
• IT salesperson generating $1.4 million in revenue yearly
• Friendly sales associate with 2 years selling power tools at hardware store
• Sales manager whose team exceeded consulting sales goals by 10% three years running
• Account executive with 4+ years of 95%+ client satisfaction numbers

Tips to generate an outstanding resume headline

Take stock of all your skills and attributes. This advice will help you throughout the process of creating your application documents. Make a list of every responsibility, type of knowledge or desirable characteristic you can think of and organize it in a way that makes the most sense to you. You may make a list of hard skills, one of soft skills and another of accomplishments to which you can attach supporting data. List all the software and specialized equipment you have used as well.

Once you have a complete list, highlight the skills you want to use in your next job and the achievements that demonstrate your expertise in those skills. That list will form the basis of your resume headlines.

Don’t sell yourself short here. Feel free to use strong, positive descriptions. You’re not just a salesperson, you’re a dedicated salesperson. 

It has long been a job search rule that experienced professionals should not put hobbies and interests on resumes. However, as work/life boundaries shift, employers are increasingly interested in the broader aspects of a candidate’s personality. Time for a rethink.

Key takeaways 

• Yes, taking up space with a headline on your resume is well worth it, even if you have to trim a line somewhere else.
• Your resume headline expresses your career at present, not your goals..
• Link your name firmly with your headline to help recruiters remember you.
• Include your years of experience when the information strengthens your case.
• A resume headline that works well grabs the attention of the hiring manager, touts your greatest skills or achievement and shows how you will solve the company’s problem.

If you need any additional examples, take a look at our resume templates , so you can create your own resume!

How to Craft a Resume Headline (20 Resume Title Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

As a job seeker, you know that having a stellar resume is a must. That means you need every part of it to showcase you as an exceptional talent, including your resume headline.

In many ways, your resume headline is one of the most important parts of your application. Why? Because it has the ability to draw the hiring manager in. When used properly, the simple sentence can capture the imagination, elicit excitement, and fully engage the reader. Pretty cool, right?

But how do you craft a resume headline that shines? Is there something you can do to polish that baby a bit and really make it work for you? Glad you asked!

If you’re curious about how to take a good headline for a resume and make it exceptional, we’ve got you. Come with us as we dig deep into this powerful part of your application.

What Is a Resume Headline? What is a Resume Title?

Alright, before we take a dive into how you craft a resume headline, let’s answer a few critical questions that you may have in mind.

First, what is a resume headline? In the simplest terms, it’s a quick statement that provides an overview of why you are an outstanding candidate. Really, it’s a snippet that showcases the best – aka, most relevant – parts of what you have to offer.

Generally, resume headlines are keyword rich professional summaries. It might mention a crucial skill , amount of experience , job title , or anything else that shows you have what it takes to do the particular job you’re trying to land.

Alright, but what is a resume title? Is it the same as a resume headline? Generally, yes, resume titles and resume headlines are the same thing. Really, that’s just a different term for the same concept, so you can use them interchangeably.

Okay, but do you need to have a resume headline? Is it really that important? Again, yes. You really do need one, and they really are important.

With a resume title, you’re announcing your value proposition in a quick and concise fashion. It’s a sentence right at the top of your resume that can catch the hiring manager’s eye and position you as a compelling candidate.

Not using a resume headline means you’re missing out on an opportunity. It really is that simple.

What Makes a Great Resume Headline?

On average, hiring managers only spend 7.4 seconds skimming a resume. What does that have to do with writing a good headline for a resume? We’re glad you asked.

If your resume title is a really attention-grabber, your resume will get more than 7.4 seconds of a hiring manager’s time. They’ll be intrigued by what you’re bringing to the table, causing them to actually read your application instead of giving it a mere cursory glance. That’s the power of an awesome resume headline.

How you approach resume titles may need to vary a bit depending on where you are in your career. Why? Because hiring managers have different expectations depending on the level of the job.

For example, if you’re aiming at an entry-level role, mentioning your recently acquired college degree can be a good move. It shows you have a strong foundational understanding that can help you get moving in your chosen field. That’s good stuff.

But if you are solidly into your career and looking for a mid-level job, talking about your degree in your resume title might be a bit… ill-advised. Usually, the hiring manager is going to be more concerned about your experience, not your degree.

Even if you just graduated, unless your changing careers, you’re better off concentrating on your professional achievements and the skills you’ve put to work on the job. That shows you can put your knowledge to work, which matters more at this level.

Alright, so you know you need to write a standout resume title. But how do you pull that off?

First, embrace brevity. Really, your resume headline should only be one short statement. In fact, it typically isn’t even a complete sentence.

Second, use title capitalization. The goal is to make this part of your resume stand out, so title capitalization is a smart move.

Finally, focus on targeting the content. Use keywords that you find in the job description as a starting point, choosing one or two that are near the top of the requirements list to show that you’re a crazy good fit for the job.

Overall, when recruiting, companies are looking for very specific things when they consider candidates for an open job. That’s why 63 percent of recruiters prefer targeted resumes; they make it easier to figure out if you have what it takes to excel in one particular vacant position.

Your goal needs to be addressing the hiring manager’s needs and preferences. Usually, that means showcasing skills and accomplishments that’ll matter most to them above all else.

Common Resume Headline Mistakes

Okay, you’re probably thinking, “Where are those resume headline examples?” We promise that we’re going to get there. But, first, let’s talk about resume headline mistakes.

Even a small misstep can make your resume headline less effective, and some of the bigger ones could cause the hiring manager to send your application straight to the discard pile. Yikes, right?

Luckily, most of the issues are really easy to avoid.

First, not targeting the statement to the job is a big one. Remember, relevancy really is the key, so don’t forget to take a moment to customize this part of your resume.

Second, cliches are the enemy. While you do want to use keywords from the job description, focus on those that genuinely speak to the nuances of the role. Saying you’re a “hard worker” or “strong communicator” isn’t going to help you stand out, so skip those terms in favor of ones that are a bit more powerful or unique.

Additionally, don’t use “I” statements. As mentioned above, you usually won’t even use complete sentences. Instead, treat these like the bullet points in your work experience. It’s okay if the sentences are a bit fractured as long as it all makes sense.

Another big mistake is talking about what you want instead of what you bring to the table. A resume headline isn’t a resume objective or resume summary ; those are two completely different things. So, make sure to keep that in mind as you work on your resume.

20 Resume Headline Examples

Sometimes, a sample is the easiest way to see how you need to tackle something. By looking at a few excellent resume headline examples, you can see how to put all of the tips above into action.

Plus, you may be able to use the samples as a template. Just adjust the details based on your capabilities and to target the role you want to land. If you do that, you should be good to go.

So, without further ado, here are 20 resume title examples, broken down into career-levels.

Entry-Level Employee or New Graduate

As an entry-level employee or new graduate, you might not have a ton of applicable experience. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a stellar resume headline. Here are five options that show how you can approach this part of your resume:

• Honor-Roll Student with Customer-Facing Volunteer Experience
• Results-Driven Computer Science Grad with AI and Machine Learning Skills
• Accounting Major with Strong Math Skills and a Customer-First Mindset
• Ambitious and Friendly High School Grad Looking to Launch Customer Service Career
• BS in Nursing with Experience Serving Underprivileged Communities

Experienced Individual Contributor

Once you get some experience under your belt, your resume title should get a little more skills-focused. Additionally, you may want to mention how many years you’ve been in your field, allowing you to highlight your experience level.

Here are five samples for seasoned career professionals:

• Software Engineer with 10+ Years of Experience in Java, Python, C++, and More
• Experienced Project Manager with 5+ Years in the Healthcare Industry
• Award-Winning Web Designer with Project Management Experience
• Team-Oriented Military Veteran with Advanced Mechanical Skills
• Bilingual Paralegal with 7 Years in Family Law Offices

Mid-Level Management

If you’re out of the individual contributor phase of your career, it’s smart to mention that in your resume headline. That way, you can showcase your leadership experience, either directly or indirectly.

Here are five examples for mid-level management candidates:

• Accounting Team Manager with Proven Cost-Cutting and Efficiency-Boosting Record
• Supply Chain Dept. Head with 12+ Years Optimizing Operational Performance and Driving Positive Change
• IT Security Manager with 8 Years of Experience Leading Diverse Teams and Large-Scale Projects
• Digital Marketing Team Department Head Who Boosted Sales by 125 Percent in One Year
• Accomplished Head Nurse with 6 Years Overseeing Emergency Room Team

Executive Leadership Team

Yes, even executives need to make sure their resume titles are outstanding. Exactly how you approach writing one that this level will depend a bit on the job as well as where your career has taken you.

While you can mention how much upper-level experience you have, stating a specific number of years, that also may not be necessary. As long as your value proposition is strong, you should be in good shape.

Here are five examples for executive leadership team candidates:

• Forward-Thinking Program Manager with Innovation-Oriented Strategic Vision and Proven Track Record of Delivering Exceptional Results on Time and Under Budget
• Goal-Driven VP of Sales with 4 Years of Experience in Strategic Business Development and Process Change
• Solutions-Oriented and Trend-Aware CTO with 3+ Years Managing Growth and Digital Transformation Initiatives
• Accomplished, Multidisciplinary Operations Executive with Stellar Track Record of Creating Positive Change
• CIO with Strong Background in Global Operations with Focus on International Data Governance and Management

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, a well-crafted resume headline is a difference-maker. It can help you catch the hiring manager’s eye and stand out from the competition, both of which may increase your odds of landing the job.

Use all of the tips above to your advantage. That way, when it comes time to write a stellar resume title, you’ll be ready to nail it.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write a Resume Headline (With Examples)

Tips for Writing a Resume Headline

Resume headline examples, resume headlines vs. resume profiles.

• Examples of Headlines With Profiles

Resume Example With a Headline

Frequently asked questions (faqs).

What is a resume headline, and how can it help you showcase your credentials? A resume headline, also known as a resume title, is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate.

Located at the top of your resume under your name and contact information, a headline allows a recruiter to see, quickly and concisely, what makes you the right person for the job.

Resume headlines are ideal for candidates with a lot of experience. A headline allows you to condense your skills and work experience into a brief phrase that will quickly impress the hiring manager. However, less experienced applicants can also use headlines to highlight personal attributes and skills.

Read below for tips on writing a resume headline, as well as examples of strong resume headlines.

Key Takeaways

• A resume headline is a way to show an employer why you're an excellent match for the job.
• Your resume headline should be a brief phrase that highlights your key skills, qualifications, and attributes.
• It’s important to customize your headline for each job you apply for.
• You can also add a profile to your resume that includes a short paragraph or series of bulleted points summarizing your value as a candidate.

Katie Kerpel / The Balance

• Keep it concise. A resume headline should be one brief phrase; it should not even be a complete sentence. The goal is to concisely state your value as a candidate. Anything longer than a phrase defeats the purpose of a headline.
• Capitalize your headline.  Capitalize the words in your headline so that it looks like a title to your resume. This is a helpful way to make your headline stand out.
• Make a match. After reading the job listing, make a list of the skills, experience , and attributes that make you a strong candidate. Then incorporate these into your headline. This will get the hiring manager's attention and show you're a match for the job.
• Write a new headline for each job. While it will be a little extra work, be sure to create a new headline for each job application. Again, this alerts hiring managers that you’ve taken the time and care to tailor your resume specifically to their job opening (as opposed to sending them a generic resume).
• Use keywords. Use  keywords  that demonstrate your skills and experience as related to the job listing. Using words directly from the job listing for which you are applying will demonstrate you are a good fit for the job. If possible, use the job title in your headline.
• Avoid clichés.  Because you want your headline to make you stand out as a strong candidate, avoid clichés that employers probably see on every resume. Phrases like “hard worker” and “good communication skills” are common on resumes and do not provide much information on what makes you unique.

By highlighting your experience and skills and using keywords, you will individualize your headline and impress the hiring manager.

Reviewing a few examples of good resume headlines will help you when coming up with your own. Notice how these are brief and attention-grabbing, much like a catchy title to an article that makes you want to read on.

• Goal-Oriented Senior Accountant with Five Years of Accounting Experience
• Successful Manager of Dozens of Online Marketing Campaigns
• Cook with Extensive Fine Dining Experience
• Award-Winning Editor Skilled in Web Design
• Detail-Oriented History Student with Curatorial Experience
• Army Veteran Awarded for Determination and Strong Work Ethic
• Bilingual Nursing Graduate with Experience in Rural Health Care
• Honor-Roll Student with Tutoring Experience in Numerous Subjects

Resume headlines are similar to  resume profiles  in that both provide a brief summary of an applicant’s qualifications. However, a resume headline is one brief phrase, whereas a resume profile is a small paragraph or series of bulleted points.

Remember that resume profiles are different from resume objectives. In an objective, you write about the position you are seeking, not your skills.

A profile is typically not capitalized like a headline is. For these reasons, headlines are even more eye-catching than profiles. Some applicants may include both a headline and a resume profile, using the headline to attract the reader, and then a profile to provide further information.

Examples of Resume Profiles With Headlines

Resume headline sample #1.

Detail-Oriented Worker with Years of Administrative Experience

• Successfully implemented an innovative scheduling system to efficiently organize meetings and travel schedules.
• Award-winning customer service skills.
• Fluent in Spanish.

Resume Headline Sample #2

IT Professional with 10 Years of Experience in Software Support

• Skilled at operating on a wide range of platforms.
• Experience training interns and new hires in various software.
• Capable of explaining complex software issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Resume Headline Sample #3

Sales Executive with Experience in Insurance and Healthcare Management

Created and implemented sales strategies to achieve 35% revenue growth per year. Highly effective management skills; able to motivate sales force and design incentive programs to achieve short- and long-term sales goals.

Resume Headline Example #4

Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 8 Years’ Success Supporting Students K-12

• Well-versed in tailoring IEPs to enhance students’ skill attainment and emotional development.
• Easily build collaborative rapport with students, parents, teachers, and other staff.
• Trained and certified in Crisis Prevention Institute protocols, first aid, and CPR.

Resume Headline Example #5

Detail-Oriented Controller Providing Flawless Financial Reporting in Manufacturing Sector

Skillfully led accounting teams in uncompromised month-end close processes for corporate AP/AR, payroll, bank reconciliations, and journal adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP standards. Diligent in maintaining financial controls and performing internal audits. 

Here's an example of a resume with a headline and a template to download (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

The Balance

Does a resume need an objective?

Some experts argue resume objectives are considered outdated and don’t need to be included on a resume. Instead, you can include a profile or summary that showcases your most relevant qualifications for a job.

How many years of experience should you list on a resume?

Ten to fifteen years is the standard amount of work experience to include on a resume, but you may want to include more, depending on the employer's job requirements and how your experience fits those requirements. For example, if jobs you held earlier in your career are a match for the position for which you're applying, you may want to list them.

CareerOneStop. " Headline and Summary ."

CareerOneStop. " Why You Need a Great Resume ."

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17 Catchy Resume Headlines: Tips and Examples

In This Guide:

What is a resume headline, why is a resume headline important, how to write an effective resume headline, when to leave the resume headline out, tailoring your resume headline to different industries, tips for crafting a standout resume headline, what’s the difference between a headline, a job title, and a profile, key takeaways.

In today's competitive job market, making a strong first impression is crucial. One of the most effective ways to capture the attention of hiring managers and recruiters is by using a compelling resume headline.

This short, powerful statement at the top of your resume can set the tone for the rest of your application and help you stand out from the crowd. Among all the strategies for starting a resume , this is an essential one!

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:

• The importance of resume headlines.
• How to write an effective headline.
• When to include a headline.
• Tips for tailoring your headline to different industries and job roles.

Although not such a complicated topic as resume formats  or sections of a resume , the headline holds its own. A resume headline, also known as a resume title or summary title, is a brief phrase or sentence that highlights your professional identity and key qualifications .

It appears in the resume header , just below your name and contact information , and serves as an attention-grabbing introduction to your resume.

• Captures attention : Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds scanning each resume. A well-crafted headline can immediately capture their attention and encourage them to read further.
• Communicates value : Your headline should succinctly convey your professional value and what you bring to the table. It gives a snapshot of your qualifications and career goals.
• Sets the tone : The headline sets the tone for the rest of your resume, providing context and guiding the reader through your qualifications and experiences.
• Enhances searchability : Including relevant resume keywords  in your headline can improve your resume’s searchability in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and online job boards.
• Keep it concise : A resume headline should be short and to the point, typically no more than one sentence. Aim for 10-15 words that succinctly describe your professional identity and key qualifications.
• Be specific : Avoid generic statements. Instead, focus on your unique skills, work experience, and career goals. Specificity makes your headline more impactful and memorable.
• Use keywords : Incorporate keywords from the job description  to make it a more ATS-friendly resume  and catch the eye of hiring managers. Focus on job titles, key skills, and industry-specific terms.
• Power adjectives:  Using power adjectives on your resume can enhance your descriptions and make your accomplishments stand out.
• Highlight your value : Your headline should communicate what makes you valuable to a potential employer. Highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
• Tailor it to the job : Targeting your resume  to the job posting is essential in every aspect—so make sure you customize your headline for each job application. Tailoring your headline to the specific role and company shows that you’ve put thought into your application and understand the employer’s needs.

A resume headline can be omitted in certain situations, particularly if you feel it doesn't add significant value to your application. Here are some scenarios when it might be a good idea to leave it out:

• Limited space: If you need more room to detail your experience, skills, and accomplishments, adding a headline would make your resume too cluttered or push important information off the first page.
• Objective or summary statement: When you include a detailed career objective or professional summary at the top of your resume, a headline might be redundant. The objective or summary can serve a similar purpose, providing a concise overview of your qualifications.
• Highly specialized job applications: If you are applying for highly specialized roles where your job title and role are already implicitly clear from your experience and the job description, a headline might not be necessary.
• Cover letter emphasis: If you are using a well-crafted cover letter  that strongly introduces your candidacy and sets the tone for your resume, a headline might be unnecessary. The cover letter can effectively communicate your key qualifications and career goals.

Examples of strong resume headlines

Marketing manager

Dynamic Marketing Manager with 10+ Years of Experience in Digital Campaigns and Brand Strategy

Software developer

Full-Stack Developer Specializing in JavaScript and Python with Proven Project Management Skills

Sales professional

Top-Performing Sales Executive with a Track Record of Exceeding Targets and Building Client Relationships

Graphic designer

Creative Graphic Designer with Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and a Keen Eye for Detail

Project manager

Certified Project Manager with 8 Years of Experience Leading Cross-Functional Teams and Delivering Projects on Time

Now let’s check out how to target your headline to a specific industry.

• Key focus areas : Technical skills, programming languages, certifications, and project management.

Experienced DevOps Engineer with AWS Certification and a Track Record of Optimizing Cloud Infrastructure

• Key focus areas : Clinical skills, certifications, patient care, and specialization.

Registered Nurse with 5+ Years of Experience in Critical Care and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

• Key focus areas : Financial analysis, regulatory compliance, certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA), and financial management.

Financial Analyst with CPA Certification and Extensive Experience in Corporate Finance and Risk Management

• Key focus areas : teaching experience, curriculum development, student engagement, and certifications.

Dedicated Elementary School Teacher with Expertise in Innovative Curriculum Development and Classroom Management

• Key focus areas : Digital marketing, brand strategy, campaign management, and analytical skills.

Results-Driven Digital Marketing Specialist with Expertise in SEO, PPC, and Social Media Strategy

Creative industries

• Key focus areas : Creative skills, software proficiency, portfolio highlights, and innovation.

Innovative Graphic Designer with 7+ Years of Experience in Branding and Visual Storytelling

Human resources

• Key focus areas : Talent acquisition, employee relations, HR software, and compliance.

Strategic HR Manager with 10 Years of Experience in Talent Acquisition and Employee Development

• Focus on achievements : Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your value. For example, "Award-Winning Sales Manager with a Record of Increasing Revenue by 20% Annually."
• Showcase relevant skills : Emphasize skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, "Skilled Data Scientist with Expertise in Machine Learning and Data Visualization."
• Include metrics : Quantify your accomplishments to provide concrete evidence of your abilities. For example, "Project Manager Who Successfully Delivered Projects Worth $1M+ on Time and Within Budget."
• Stay professional : Ensure your headline maintains a professional tone. Avoid jargon or overly casual language.
• Be honest : Accurately represent your skills and experiences. Misleading or exaggerated statements can harm your credibility.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too vague : Avoid generic statements like "Hardworking Professional Seeking New Opportunities." Specificity is key.
• Using clichés : Steer clear of overused phrases such as "Results-Oriented" or "Team Player." Instead, provide concrete examples.
• Overloading with keywords : While keywords are important, avoid stuffing your headline with too many. Focus on the most relevant ones.
• Ignoring the job description : Tailor your headline to each job you apply for. A one-size-fits-all approach is less effective.
• Being too lengthy : Keep your headline concise. Long-winded headlines can be overwhelming and less impactful.

How to test and refine your resume headline

• Get feedback:  Ask friends, colleagues, or mentors to review your headline. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
• A/B testing: If you’re applying to multiple jobs, try using different headlines and track which ones yield better results.
• Use online tools:  Utilize online resume builders and optimization tools that can analyze your headline for effectiveness and ATS compatibility.
• Stay updated: Regularly update your headline to reflect new skills, experiences, and career goals.

Now, many of you may be asking, "What if I don’t have any experience?" No worries—where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Writing a resume headline with no work experience

Creating a resume without work experience  or if you are an entry-level candidate can be challenging, but by focusing on one element at a time, you can craft a strong application. Start with your resume headline, as it's the first thing potential employers will notice.

Besides the advice already given above, here are a few more tips to craft an effective resume headline for those lacking professional experience:

• Highlight relevant education and training

If you have completed any relevant courses, certifications, or training, mention them in your headline, then go into more detail within your education  and certification section .

• Emphasize soft skills

Soft skills  are highly valued by employers and can be a strong focus in your resume headline.

• Mention any volunteer or extracurricular experience

Volunteer work  and participation in extracurricular activities can demonstrate your work ethic and other relevant skills.

• Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn

Employers appreciate candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Highlight your enthusiasm for the industry or role.

Sample resume headlines for people with less experience

• "Recent Computer Science Graduate with Strong Programming Skills"
• "Highly Organized and Motivated Recent Graduate with a Passion for Environmental Conservation"
• "Dedicated and Detail-Oriented Entry-Level Financial Analyst"
• "Creative and Results-Driven Recent Graduate with Experience in Digital Marketing"
• "Customer Service-Oriented Individual with Strong Communication Skills Seeking Retail Position"

By focusing on your strengths, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for the industry, you can create a compelling resume headline that catches the eye of potential employers, even without direct work experience.

Understanding the differences between a resume headline, a job title, and a resume profile is crucial for effectively structuring your resume. We assume that it’s clear now what a resume headline is, so let’s look at the other two and their specific roles in your resume:

The job title refers to the specific position you hold or held in your previous or current employment. It indicates your role within a company and is typically listed under each employment entry in the work experience section . Job titles help to clarify your level of responsibility and the nature of your work.

Senior Marketing Manager

Resume profile

A resume profile , also known as a professional summary  or objective statement , is a concise summary of your career goals, skills, and experiences. It provides a more detailed introduction to your resume, often in short paragraph form, and elaborates on what makes you a strong candidate for the job you are applying for.

Key differences

• Resume headline : A brief, attention-grabbing phrase summarizing your professional identity and key strengths.
• Job title : A specific designation indicating your role within a company, listed in the work experience section.
• Resume profile : A detailed, often paragraph-long introduction summarizing your career goals, key skills, and relevant experiences.

Placement on the resume

• Resume headline : Placed at the top of your resume, just below your contact information.
• Job title : Listed within each employment entry in the work experience section.
• Resume profile : Placed at the top of your resume, below the headline (if included) or contact information, serving as an introductory paragraph.

By understanding and appropriately using each of these elements, you can create a resume that clearly and effectively communicates your qualifications and career aspirations.

Crafting a compelling resume headline is crucial for capturing hiring managers' attention and conveying your professional value, significantly enhancing your job search. Keep it concise, specific, and tailored to the job, and ensure it fits your personal brand. A strong headline can set the stage for a standout resume , leading to more interviews and better job opportunities.

Here are a few key takeaways from the article:

• A well-crafted resume headline immediately captures hiring managers' attention and encourages them to read further.
• Your headline should convey your professional value and key qualifications in a concise manner.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to enhance compatibility, improve searchability, and impress recruiters.
• Tailor your resume headline to each specific job application to show you've put thought into your application.
• It’s not always necessary to include a headline—be sure it’s needed.
• Avoid vague statements, clichés, and overly lengthy headlines to maintain impact and professionalism.
• If you don’t have the work experience necessary, focus your headline on your strengths, relevant skills, and enthusiasm.
• Familiarize yourself with the different nuances between a headline, a job title, and a resume profile.

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• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on June 03, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start and that's where your resume summary comes in. Your summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills , experiences , and achievements , making it a key part of your job application.

In this article, you'll learn how to write the ultimate resume summary that will grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. You'll discover what makes a good summary and what to avoid, as well as how to sell yourself effectively to potential employers.

You may be wondering: what exactly is a resume summary and how do I write one? We'll answer these questions and provide examples of professional summaries for various industries.

By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a standout resume summary that will help you to land your dream job.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where your resume summary comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline , so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

After your headline, you should include a brief opening statement that summarizes who you are. This statement should be concise and compelling, and it should clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure you get your summary spot on, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you to identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year on year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manages social media accounts."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume summary is tailored to the job you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description and identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk 

Business Analyst

Operations Manager 

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.     Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and calls out a measurable success.

2.     Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.     Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.     Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.     Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess, while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can take a software development project from design to implementation.

6.     Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.     Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.     Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.     Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.  Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.  Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.  Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.  Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate, while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.  Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.  High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience, while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.  Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.  Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.  IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.  Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.  Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.  SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.  Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast / video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write, but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures, while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues, but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.  Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives, based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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How To Write The Best Resume Headline, With 50+ Examples

In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can be the difference between landing your dream job and getting overlooked by potential employers. While the content of your resume is essential, the way you present it can also make a significant impact.

One crucial element that can help your resume stand out is a strong, eye-catching headline. But why is having a resume headline important?

In this article, we'll discuss what a resume headline is, the importance of having a compelling resume headline, how to write one, and provide you with examples to help you craft an attention-grabbing headline that will make your resume stand out from the crowd.

What is a resume headline?

A resume headline, also known as a resume title, is a short statement or phrase that appears at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. The purpose of a resume headline is to quickly and effectively communicate your value proposition as a strong candidate.

A good headline should convey your key skills, experience, or achievements in a clear and concise manner and entice the employer to read further. Think of it as your personal brand statement or elevator pitch that summarizes your professional identity and makes you stand out from other candidates.

Your number one goal is to make a hiring manager stop in their tracks and have their interest piqued enough that they'll want to find out more about you. A well-crafted resume headline can help you grab the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of being invited for an interview.

What's the difference between a resume headline and a resume title?

The terms "resume headline" and "resume title" are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different meanings depending on the context.

In general, a resume headline or title refers to a short phrase or sentence that appears at the top of a resume and serves as a concise resume summary of the candidate's experience and qualifications. This is often the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will see when they review a resume, so it should be attention-grabbing and clearly communicate the candidate's value proposition.

Some people use the term "resume headline" specifically to refer to a brief statement that highlights the candidate's most relevant skills or achievements, while "resume title" may refer to the name or title of the job the candidate is applying for.

Ultimately, the specific terminology may vary depending on the industry, job market, or individual preferences of the candidate or employer. The most important thing is to make sure that the resume headline or title effectively communicates the candidate's strengths and piques the employer's interest in reading further.

Why are resume headlines important?

You might be wondering why a resume title is important. Surely the other 90% of the page is where the real enticing information is? That may be the case, but there are added benefits that come with having a catchy headline.

• You're instantly grabbing the hiring manager's attention. ‍ Going through hundreds of resumes is time consuming for recruiters, so they're only looking at each one for a few seconds. Having relevant information at the top of your resume means that they'll be more likely to stop at yours and keep reading to see if you're a good fit.
• Your strengths are front and center. ‍ Even for less experienced applicants, you can establish credibility in your industry from the very beginning with your most relevant and highest qualifications and outcomes listed first.
• It makes your resume unique and contextual. Even with a similar work history, no applicant should have a headline that's exactly the same as yours. You're also helping hiring managers to understand where your experience fits into the broader picture and how it applies to the position you're hoping to get.
• You can include your resume headline on your online profiles, like LinkedIn. Many job applications require online profiles, and resume headlines are often displayed prominently on these platforms, which can help increase your visibility and attract potential employers.

A strong resume headline is an important part of your job search toolkit, helping you to make a great first impression and stand out from the competition.

How do I write a resume headline?

Your resume headline is typically the first thing a potential employer will see, so it's important to make it count. In this section, we'll explore how to write a compelling resume headline that will catch the attention of hiring managers and help you stand out from the crowd.

Here are some steps you can follow to write an effective resume headline:

Keep it concise

Your headline should be brief and to the point, ideally no more than a few words or a short phrase. The purpose of the headline is to quickly summarize your skills and experience and grab the attention of the hiring manager. A concise headline is more likely to be read and remembered than a long, convoluted one.

Keep in mind that your headline is just one part of your resume, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to expand on your hard skills, soft skills, and experiences in other sections. Focus on crafting a headline that's short, snappy, and relevant to the job opening you're applying for.

Tailor your headline to the job

A memorable resume headline should be customized to the job listing you are applying for. By tailoring your headline to the job, you're increasing the chances that your resume will catch the hiring manager's eye and get noticed.

A tailored headline shows that you've taken the time to understand the job requirements and have positioned yourself as a good fit for the position. This can help to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Use keywords to highlight your relevant skills and experience

Before writing your headline, take some time to identify your key skills , qualifications, and achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

A well-crafted headline that's tailored to the job should include specific keywords from the job description. This will make it easier for the employer to see how you can contribute to their organization.

Use Teal's AI Resume Builder to quickly compare the skills and keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. Make sure to add any relevant experience to your customized resume and to your application answers.

Use action-oriented language

Use strong resume action words and descriptive language to convey your skills and experience. For example, instead of "Experienced Sales Associate," try "Proven Sales Leader with 5+ Years of Experience."

Highlight your unique value proposition

A good resume headline should communicate your unique value proposition and what sets you apart from other job seekers. Consider highlighting any awards, certifications, or other impressive achievements that make you stand out.

Review and revise

Once you have drafted your headline, review it for clarity, relevance, and impact. Revise as needed to ensure it is an accurate reflection of your skills and experience and is tailored to the job you are applying for.

You should already be customizing your resume to the jobs you apply for, and the same goes for your resume headline. You can speed up this process by creating multiple resumes in a tool like Teal's AI Resume Builder , where you can pull in different sections and adjust them as needed.

Some of the  most impressive resume examples  that we've seen strike a nice balance between being concise and attention-grabbing.

How can I make my resume headline stand out?

A great resume headline that stands out typically has certain qualities. Here are some tips for writing a resume headline that gets noticed:

• Clarity: The headline is clear and easy to understand, even for someone who is not familiar with your industry or profession.
• Impact: The headline makes a strong impression and captures the reader's attention. It should communicate your unique value proposition and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
• Differentiation: The headline sets you apart from other candidates and highlights what makes you unique.
• Quantifiable: If possible, include quantifiable achievements or metrics that demonstrate your skills or accomplishments examples in your headline.
• Positive and enthusiastic: Use positive language and avoid clichés and negative words or phrases. Your headline should convey enthusiasm and confidence in your abilities.
• Use title case: Capitalizing the first letter of each major word in your resume headline using title case can enhance its readability and professionalism.
• Echo the voice in the JD: It is important for the voice in your resume headline to match that in the job description because it helps to convey your personality in a way that aligns with the employer's expectations and company culture. Additionally, using the same voice as the job description can help your application pass through any applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen for relevant keywords and phrases related to the position.

Teal's  AI Resume Builder  includes a Professional Summary section with an AI integration feature where you can draft and save multiple headlines. Easily swap them across multiple resumes, depending on the job title you're tailoring your application for.

50+ resume headline examples

When you have limited words to play with, your resume headline needs to be as strong as possible. But how do you convey possibly years, even decades, of work into only one short phrase? 

Every industry will require something slightly different, but here are a few examples of resume headlines to get you started:

Marketing, sales, or administrative roles

• Content Writer With 4+ Years’ Experience  Writing Advertising Copy and Content in the Food and Beverage Industry.
• Social Media Manager With 5 Years Experience  Growing Online Presence and Increasing Engagement for Globally-Recognized B2C Brands.
• Senior Sales Account Manager for Luxury Goods and Retail Businesses, Consistently Hit Sales Goals the Past Four Quarters.
• Office Assistant With 7 Years Experience in Schedule Management and Customer Service.‍
• Creative Marketing Professional with a Proven Track Record of Driving Sales Growth through Innovative Strategies.
• Results-Driven Digital Marketing Specialist with Expertise in SEO, PPC, and Social Media Marketing.
• Highly Organized Administrative Assistant with Strong Technical Skills and Collaborative Spirit.
• Dynamic Sales Manager with a Passion for Helping Clients Achieve their Financial Goals and Delivering Top-Notch Insurance Solutions.
• Experienced Graphic Designer with a Passion for Creative Solutions and Visual Storytelling.
• Creative and Analytical Marketing Manager with Expertise in Social Media Strategy.
• Personable Sales Representative with a Strong Customer Focus and Strategic Vision.

Technical, engineering, or IT positions

• Award-Winning Civil Engineer With 10+ Years Experience in Government Agency Infrastructure Management.
• Highly Experienced Data Analyst  for Healthcare and Wellbeing Businesses, Proficient in Power Bi and Tableau.
• Environmental Engineer With 3 Years Experience in Climate-Friendly Building Supplies and Ecological Architecture.
• Experienced Field Engineer Specializing in Aerospace Design and Manufacturing.
• Experienced Technical Support Technician with Strong Troubleshooting and Customer Service Skills.
• Senior Member of Technical Staff with Strong Software Engineering and Distributed Systems Skills for Large-Scale Operations.
• Data-Driven Technical Specialist with Experience in Optimizing Business Processes and Improving Performance.
• Accomplished Mechanical Engineer with a Strong Background in Product Development and Project Management.
• Experienced Technical Support Professional with Expertise in SQL and Javascript.
• Data Analyst with expertise in SQL, Python, and Machine Learning for Process Improvement and Data-Driven Business Strategy.
• Experienced Manager of Risk Advisory and Consulting with Expertise in SOX and IT Audit and Cybersecurity Frameworks.
• Expert Software Engineer with Proven Track Record of Developing High-Quality Code.

Healthcare and professional services

• Registered Nurse With 10 Years Emergency Room Experience and Experience Leading Outpatient Clinical Procedures.
• Tri-Lingual Pediatric Nurse With Experience Communicating With Patients in Spanish, French and English.
• Senior Certified Public Accountant Specializing in Family Businesses and Succession Planning.
• Tax Preparer With Experience Using Proconnect Tax Online, Proseries Professional, Lacerte, and Cch Axcess Tax.
• Compassionate Registered Nurse with 10+ Years of Experience in Patient Care and Clinical Leadership.
• Skilled Healthcare Administrator with a Strong Background in Operations, Quality Improvement, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Compassionate Social Worker with MSW Degree and LGSW/LICSW Licensure, Dedicated to Delivering High-Quality Patient Care.
• Registered Dietitian with Expertise in Nutrition Policy and Guidance.
• Board Certified Oral Surgeon with Exceptional Clinical Expertise and Patient Care.
• Financial Inventory Specialist Driving Financial Optimization and Accuracy in Inventory Control Processes.
• Experienced Clinical Trial Attorney with Sound Legal Judgment and Strong Drafting Skills.

Management and leadership roles

• Navy Veteran With Over 20 Years Experience Leading Project Management Teams of 10+ People.
• Operations Director Overseeing a $3 Million Annual Budget Across 7 Departments.
• Warehouse Manager With Experience Leading Departments of 50+ People, Over 10 Years of Forklift Experience and Efficiency-Focused Operational Skills.
• Group Director with 10+ Years Experience and Expertise in Customer Experience Across Multiple Channels.
• Experienced Senior Project Manager with Proven Results in Strategic Sourcing, Negotiation, and People Management in Supply Chain and Operations Management.
• Inventory Manager with Expertise in Procurement, Item Management, and Financial Analysis for Optimal Supply Chain Performance.
• Data-Driven Project Leader Skilled in Managing and Developing High-Performing Teams.
• A Visionary Leader with 10+ Years of Expertise in Program Management and Global Technology Initiatives.
• Experienced Managing Director with Strong Leadership Skills in B2B Business Development and Strategy Building.
• Experienced Client Executive with Proven Track Record of Driving Revenue Growth and Building Strong Relationships.
• Certified Special Education Autism Teacher with Exemplary Organization and Planning Skills.
• Veteran High School Teacher Proficient in Utilizing Technology and Subject Matter Expertise.
• Compassionate Elementary School Teacher Committed to Maintaining Professionalism and Constructive Working Relationships.
• Collaborative Special Education Co-teacher With 7+ Years of Experience and Ability to Adapt to New Directions and Deadlines With Composure.
• Experienced Paraprofessional With a Focus on Student Success and Support in Educational Environments.

Students and recent graduates

• Software developer intern  with experience in Python, C++, HTML, Java and Unix.
• Aspiring disease and chronic illness researcher, current biology student.
• Early childhood education major with 2 semesters of hands-on lab experience and student teaching experience.
• Innovative Computer Science Major with Strong Coding Skills and a Keen Interest in Artificial Intelligence.
• Proactive Journalism Major with Experience in Reporting and Editing for Campus and Community Publications.
• Creative Recent Graduate with a Passion for Design and a Strong Portfolio in Graphic Design.
• Detail-Oriented Recent Graduate with a Degree in Accounting and Relevant Internship Experience.
• Enthusiastic Recent Graduate with a Degree in Marketing and Experience in Social Media Management and Branding.
• Creative and Ambitious Marketing Intern with a Passion for Digital Media and Brand Strategy.
• Analytical and Driven Finance Intern with Experience in Data Analysis and Financial Modeling.

How to create a resume that matches your resume headline and helps you land more interviews

No matter what industry you work in, presenting yourself as the ideal candidate to fill an open position should always be top of mind when updating your resume. 

Clear and concise resume headlines are the best way to get noticed and move your application to the top of the hiring manager's stack.

With Teal's AI Resume Builder , you can create customized resumes that will grab the attention of any recruiter. With several professional templates to choose from and seamless integration to pull information from your LinkedIn account, you can quickly put together the information you need to tailor your resume for each job application.

Want to craft a catchy LinkedIn headline? Check out our guide on the best  LinkedIn headlines for job seekers .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an effective resume headline be, can i use a resume headline if i'm changing industries, should my resume headline include keywords from the job description.

Becca Dershowitz

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The Best Resume Headline + Headlines

What is a resume headline, and why is it important in 2022? 

Today, hiring teams get tons of resumes daily and use automation to weed out irrelevant applications. Putting a headline on a resume is an effective way to optimize your job search and get more interviews. 

Want to learn more? Continue reading for 

• resume headline definition;
• importance of a headline for resume;
• 30+ ideas and examples;
• tips on how to write a winning title.

Need a custom-tailored resume right now? Find professional expert resume writers on https://skillhub.com/resume-writing and instantly boost your interview chances. 

Now, let’s zoom in on the subject.

Need Help Getting Employers’ Attention?

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What Is a Headline on a Resume?

In short, a resume headline (aka resume title) is a concise, catchy phrase that showcases your skills and credentials and demonstrates your professional value. 

This can be done in various ways. Depending on your background, experience, accomplishments, etc., you can choose to highlight different things. More on that later. 

Importance of a Headline on Resume

But why put a headline on a resume? To increase your chances of getting hired! Placed under your name at the top of the title page, a good resume headline grabs the hiring managers’ attention and convinces them you’re the best fit for the job.

Thus, a headline for a resume works like an article title or a book logline: in all these cases, enticing the reader to learn more is the ultimate goal. But how do you achieve it? 

Continue reading to see guidelines and examples. 

30 Resume Headline Ideas

So, what makes the title for resume great? Study the following list of resume title ideas to see what a good headline for a resume should look like. 

• Award-Winning Illustrator for Children’s Books 
• Fashion Photographer With Works Featured in Top Magazines 
• Award-Winning Hair Stylist With Experience on TV 
• Lauded Interior Designer With 200+ Happy Clients 
• Live Sound Engineer Proficient With Sound Mixing and Design 
• Licensed Electrician With a Technical School Degree 
• Experienced Carpenter Foreman With Leadership Skills 
• Experienced Plumbing Technician With Journeyman Status 
• PE Licensed Structural Engineer Proficient With Software 
• Certified Language Instructor for Young Learners 
• Medical Copywriter With 2+ Years of Experience in Pharma 
• Expert Journalist With a Political Sciences Degree 
• Certified Project Manager With Great Organizational Skills 
• Trained Office Manager With Associate Degree in Business Management 
• Error-Free Staff Accountant Proficient in Account Analysis 
• Experienced Marketing Manager and Recent MBA Graduate 
• Bilingual Babysitter and Student Pediatric Nurse 
• Remote Customer Support Operator Proficient in French 
• Friendly Cashier With Excellent Math Skills 
• Trained Shop Assistant Who Exceeds Sales Targets 
• Organized Front Desk Receptionist Proficient With MS Office 
• Dedicated Librarian With Good Communication Skills
• Prepress Supervisor With 5+ Years of Experience 
• Motivating Fitness Instructor and Former Athlete 
• Italian Executive Chef With Strong Leadership Skills 
• Licensed Insurance Agent With Experience in Healthcare
• Experienced Math Tutor With 100+ Successful Students 
• Certified Online Language Instructor for Adults 
• Supply Chain Consultant Proficient With JDA WMS 
• Cybersecurity Engineer With BS in Computer Science 

Read on to find more title of resume examples for your industry.  ‍

Best Resume Headline Examples

Sometimes, a good resume headline example can help an applicant more than any instructions. If you need more industry-specific resume title examples, continue reading. 

Below, you’ll find expert ideas for

Business & Management

• Customer Service 
• Engineering & Software Development

Sales & Marketing

• Finance & Accounting

We also have resume title examples for fresh graduates. 

For Business & Management specialists, relevant experience and soft skills are vital, so try to highlight them in your headline. 

Use these resume title samples as a reference. 

• Business Strategy Manager With Experience in E-Commerce 
• Insightful Management Consultant With 6+ Years in IT 
• Seasoned Development Director With Complex Problem-Solving Skills
• Expert Business Writer Specializing in Press Releases 
• Junior Business Analyst With Data Science Degree 

Resume Headline Examples for Customer Service

Customer service jobs are mainly about working with people. Yet, experience, organizational skills, and software proficiency are also important. 

See how you can highlight them in your headline resume. 

• Bilingual Customer Service Representative With Experience
• Customer Service Supervisor With Advanced Organizational Skills 
• Tech-Savvy Customer Success Manager 
• Customer Support Specialist With Experience in IT 
• Highly Skilled Operations Manager With 3+ Experience in CRM 

Resume Headline Example: Engineering & Software Development

Mentioning a professional title on resume shows the recruiter that you are a relevant candidate. This is especially true for big industries like engineering. 

Look how it works in these examples. 

• Top Mobile App Developer with 100+ Apps Featured on AppStore 
• Mechanical Engineer With Experience in Maintaining Data Centers
• Dedicated Chemical Engineer With MIT Degree 
• Passionate Game Developer Fluent in C++ 
• Systems Engineer With 3+ Years of Experience 

Putting a memorable headline on a resume can be particularly beneficial for sales and marketing specialists. But get it wrong – and it may cost you a job offer. 

Here are some good examples for your reference. 

• Top SMM Specialist With Advanced Analytical Skills 
• Sales Representative With Experience in B2B Sector 
• Marketing Director With 50+ Successfully Implemented Strategies 
• Experienced Email Copywriter for Edtech 
• Innovative Brand Manager With MBA Degree 

Headline on Resume: Finance & Accounting

For recruiters to get to your impressive summary, you need to entice them with a brief tagline. 

Look at these headline examples for resume that employers will love. 

• Experienced Staff Accountant With Great Attention to Detail 
• Finance and Accounting Analyst With a Statistics Degree 
• Chief Financial Officer With Strong KPI Management Skills 
• Honors Accounting Graduate Accurate With Numbers 
• Dedicated Personal Financial Advisor With 20+ Successful Cases 

Resume Title for Fresh Graduate

If you’re a young specialist with no experience, you can still come up with an impressive resume job title.

Study the following examples. 

• B.Tech in Computer Science Proficient With Python and C++ 
• MBA Graduate With 10+ Successful Digital Marketing Projects 
• BS in Civil Engineering With an Award-Winning Project 
• Dedicated Chemistry Ph.D. Graduate Specializing in Biophysics 
• Harvard Graduate and Author of 50+ Published Works 

In healthcare, education is a must. Yet, interpersonal skills such as emotional intelligence and stress management are no less crucial. 

Here are some strong resume headline examples for healthcare workers. 

• Trained Nurse with Advanced Communication Skills
• Dedicated Clinical Psychologist for Teenagers 
• Friendly Hospital Receptionist and Part-Time Nursing Student 
• Certified Surgical Assistant Ready for Long Shifts
• Practice Manager With Experience in Sports Medicine  ‍

How to Write a Resume Headline?

To come up with an impressive headline or summary for resume, you have to know some lifehacks. Highlighting your main skills is one of them. 

Quick tip: you needn’t do it manually. Skillhub automates the process, analyzing job descriptions and your resume and producing a curated skills list. 

Continue reading to learn more resume headline writing tips. 

Use Capital Case

What is a resume title if not a string of capitalized words? If you don’t use the upper case, your headline won’t be an instant attention-grabber. 

See the difference in these examples. 

Bad: Award-winning photographer with 7+ years of experience in fashion 

Good: Award-Winning Photographer With 7+ Years of Experience in Fashion 

To automate the task, use online capitalization tools. 

Add Specific Keywords

To pass through the applicant tracking system (ATS), your resume title page should contain specific keywords. Analyze the job description and highlight them manually or via Skillhub. When analyzing manually, look for crucial skills, education, and other specific requirements. 

See how adding keywords instantly improves this resume headline example.

Bad: Skilled and Professional Electrician

Good: Licensed Electrician With a Technical School Degree 

Highlight Performance and Achievements

If possible, highlight your performance indicators and most impressive achievements in your resume title. The best resume headline showcases something concrete and measurable – the number of sales, industry awards, etc. Education can also be an indicator, especially if you outperform your peers. 

Compare these examples. 

Bad: Talented Motion Designer With Experience 

Good: Professional Motion Designer With a Portfolio of 150+ Projects 

Omit General Words

Overused words like “motivated” and “hard-working” won’t make your resume title stand out. Instead, it’s better to use something specific. Putting a job title on resume never fails, for example. 

Look at the examples below and compare. 

Bad: Motivated and Hard-Working Accounting Graduate for Your Company

Good: Account Manager With Strong Relationship-Building Skills Who Boosts Monthly Sales by 15% 

Be Concise and Specific 

A short resume headline is much more effective than a lengthy one. When putting a title on resume, keep it concise and to-the-point. 

Bad: Skilled Sound Engineer With a Degree Who Worked at Many Theaters and Concert Venues With Famous Artists and Directors 

Good: Experienced Live Sound Engineer With Berklee Degree 

Additional Tips on How to Put a Headline for Resume

Need more tips to make your job application a success? Here they are. 

• Examine good resume title examples for any job to see the patterns
• Brainstorm many headlines and choose the best 
• Pick a fitting title page template 
• Format your document properly 
• Get professional help 

Read on to see the title page template example. 

Resume Title Page Template

Using a proper title page template will help you land more interviews and get hired quickly. 

Study the picture of a resume title page template below or scroll to see a text version. 

“ELEANOR BELL

Experienced Sales Manager Proficient With CRM 

Eleanor Emma Bell

[email protected]

www.eleanorbell.com

1125 W31 St., New York, 

NY 10001-0096 USA

(123) 456-7890

Sales manager with a BS degree in Marketing and 5+ years of experience in the tech industry. Have extensive successful experience using Zoho, Salesforce, and Hubspot for sales automation and driving repeat sales. Looking forward to leveraging my expertise into a position as Lead Sales and Marketing Manager at TopBrand.” 

As you see in this example, your resume title should be placed at the top of the page, right after your name. 

Don't forget about a cover letter! 77% of recruiters said they would give preference to a job candidate who sent a cover letter. Do it yourself (click professional cover letter examples on Skillhub) or skill up your resume with the help of our best cover letter writing service over there.   ‍

Resume Headline in 2022: Takeaway

To sum up, here are the key points we’ve mentioned in this article. 

• Resume headline (resume title) definition 
• Why a proper title enhances your resume 
• 30 unique resume ideas
• 30 industry-specific resume examples 
• How to write a memorable resume title 

We’ve also provided 60 resume headline examples and ideas along with a resume title page template to increase your chances of getting hired so you don't need to strugle with such a quastion like "can someone help make resume for me".

Still can’t design a catchy resume headline example or put together an impressive CV? Turn to our online federal resume writing service for help. Our expert writers are ready to assist you with crafting a winning resume 24/7. Helping you land your dream job is our mission.

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How to Write a Beginner Resume Summary with No Experience [Examples]

Customers Interviewed by:

When you’re diving into the job market with limited experience, writing a strong resume is key to landing your dream job. A well-written resume starts with a resume summary —the elevator pitch that shows the reader your greatest accomplishments, skills, and passions. A beginner summary for your resume is the starting point to wow-ing the hiring team and proving you’re the best candidate for the job.

An entry-level or beginner resume isn’t about listing everything you’ve accomplished or can do. Instead, it’s a strategic dance of weaving together your enthusiasm, soft skills, and unique experience. Then, you connect it to the job description and what the hiring manager is looking for.

• What a resume summary is.
• The critical components of a resume summary.
• Step-by-step instructions on how to write an entry-level or beginner summary for resumes.
• Examples and templates of successful resume summaries.

Understanding the resume summary for beginners

Your resume summary is a snapshot of your professional life—only 3 to 5 sentences—curated with each job description in mind. Job seekers include their professional title, years of experience, skills , and measurable achievements to entice the recruiter to read the rest of the resume.

As you navigate the job search, you’ll see how your resume summary is one of the most valuable sections of your resume.

What is an entry-level resume summary?

When you’re an entry-level applicant, the snapshot summary likely isn’t full of accolades, impactful accomplishments, or advanced skills. Rather, an effective resume summary for a beginning job seeker highlights an eagerness to learn, adaptability, and growth potential.

For entry-level applicants, “It’s not just about bullet points and job titles; it’s about weaving together the threads of your journey, painting a picture of resilience, ambition, and growth,” says Harleny Vasquez , a visionary Career Coach and CEO of yourEVOLVEDmind. “It’s a chance to showcase not just what you’ve done, but who you are and where you’re headed. Each section is a story, each accomplishment a milestone on the path you’ve forged with passion and purpose.”

The purpose of an entry-level summary

A professional summary is the attention-grabbing highlight reel. A successful summary keeps the hiring team reading your resume to learn more about you. In a hot job market where standing out is critical, resume summaries can be a positive differentiator.

Resume summaries provide key context to your resume. It helps the hiring manager frame your candidacy in their mind—they learn why you’re applying, how your skill set translates to the job, and key accomplishments that show you off in the best light. Many other applicants are jumping from the resume headline into the work experience, losing out on the opportunity to capture the hiring team right away.

Want to see examples of resume summaries for any stage of your career? Read 86+ Resume Summary Examples to Inspire You

Resume summary vs. objective

Resume summary and resume objective are often used interchangeably, but the two are very different. They serve different purposes and are used to convey different types of information.

Resume objective

A resume objective states your career goals and the type of position you are seeking. It is forward-looking and focuses on what you want to achieve in your career.

Primarily, it includes your career aspirations and what you aim to contribute to the employer.

For example, a resume objective could say something like:

Seeking a position as a Marketing Coordinator to utilize my skills in digital marketing and content creation in a dynamic, growth-oriented company.

Recruiters and career coaches argue against the resume objective because it’s more focused on the applicant, rather than the company you’re applying to.

Kelli Hrivnak , Founder of the boutique recruitment firm, Knack Digital shares, “I never like to see a resume objective on a resume. An employer is seeking an employee who will solve their problem, as opposed to prioritizing the wants and needs of the applicant.”

Jazlyn Unbedacht , Resume Writer and LinkedIn Optimizer argues we should just get rid of resume objectives altogether. “I’m not sure why they ever were a thing to begin with. Harness expertise from other experiences in your life, like education, volunteer work, hobby pursuits, and more and use that to create a short summary of what you can bring to the table as an employee.”

Resume summary

A resume summary provides a brief overview of your professional background, highlighting your key achievements and skills. It is backward-looking, summarizing what you have already accomplished in your career.

The short paragraph includes your key qualifications, experience, and major achievements. A summary is designed to quickly give employers an idea of your expertise and the value you can bring to their organization.

Many entry-level applicants and those writing beginner summaries for their resumes tend to default to objectives. They worry they have nothing impressive to highlight in their summary.

But Kelli Hrivnak urges you to think outside the box. “For job seekers who don’t have relevant work experience, can you include other experience or skills acquired in your project work instead?”

For example, Kelli suggests writing something like:

Google-certified Marketing graduate with 4 months of experience as an Audience Development intern at a nationally recognized publication firm. Grew audience engagement on Facebook by 30% by developing social strategy and initiatives.

Key pieces of a beginner resume summary

Think of your resume summary like a formula. Just like a math equation has values that you need to solve the problem, your resume summary has critical components that make it impactful to the hiring team.

Follow the formula below to write a standout summary:

Versatile [Your Professional Title] with over [X Years] of experience in [Field/Role]. Skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven success in [Measurable Accomplishment 1] and [Measurable Accomplishment 2].

Tailor your resume summary

You can’t write your resume summary once and use it for every application. Your resume—including the summary—should be tailored to each job description.

To tailor your resume summary, you should read the job description closely and pick out keywords and skills to integrate into your resume. This process can take a few hours per job posting, but you can do it quickly with Jobscan’s resume optimization tools.

If you don’t have a resume and are starting from scratch, the Resume Builder tool can help you create a base resume, then you can move directly into Power Edit to tailor your resume to the job description.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers and percentages showing time or money saved, revenue generated, or team members managed can show the hiring team how you help an organization thrive, rather than telling them what you’ve done.

For example, you can write:

Boosted sales by 30% through innovative product displays and promotions, and successfully managed inventory turnover, reducing excess stock by 20%.

Use Power Words and Action Verbs

Boring word choices make it easy for the hiring team to gloss over your resume. Inspire emotion and paint a picture with the words you use. Ditch common resume words and use more powerful words instead.

Discover the best power words and action verbs to integrate into your resume: 500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Step-by-step guide to writing an entry-level resume summary

Even if you know the resume summary formula, how can you ensure you’re making a successful impact on the hiring team? There are a handful of steps you can follow to knock your resume summary out of the park every time.

Step 1: Do a self-assessment

Before you write your resume summary, you first have to have a firm understanding of your strengths, skill set, and achievements. Take time to think about a few dimensions of your professional journey.

Using education in your resume summary

Consider your degrees or certifications and any projects and coursework. If you’re short on hands-on experience, using experience from school or other learning can show off your experience and professional growth.

Draw on untraditional experience for your resume summary

When you’re writing a beginner summary for your resume, your experience is limited. But you can draw on volunteer work, part-time jobs, clubs, or even hobbies to link to skills the hiring manager is looking for.

Highlight your transferable skills in your summary

At the start of your career, highlight your transferable skills —or soft skills . These skills are interpersonal skills or behavioral traits you bring to every workplace. Unlike hard skills —job-specific technical skills—transferable skills are difficult to measure, but they’re still incredibly valuable at work.

Add metrics to your resume summary

Numbers and figures show concrete impact and quantify your contributions to an organization. You can use time-based metrics, efficiency metrics, growth comparisons, and more. If you’re a new grad or entering employment for the first time, draw on your other experiences of clubs, school, or volunteering to make an impact.

Increased readership by 15% during tenure as Editor-in-Chief of university magazine.

For more insights about adding metrics to your resume, read 67 Resume Accomplishments Examples to Show Your Value

Step 2: Conduct your research

To create an effectively optimized resume, you need to conduct research about the role, company, and industry.

• Dive deep into the job description : The job description always has insights into the responsibilities and qualities of the role. Often, there are details about the company’s values.
• Add the right keywords: By integrating keywords in your resume summary tailored to the company’s mission and values, you can make a powerful impression on the hiring team.
• Familiarize yourself with industry keywords, skills, and tools : Stay up to date on evolving trends and tools in your field to position yourself as the strongest candidate.

Power Edit features AI technology that not only scans your resume for keywords and skills, but provides ideas you can use to integrate them into your resume seamlessly.

Step 3: Draft your entry-level resume summary

Writing your beginner resume summary for an entry-level role can feel daunting, but you have more to offer an employer beyond traditional work experience. Think beyond your past roles and draw on other experiences to show off your value as a candidate.

Remember, you can use the following template to guide your writing:

Start with a strong introduction sentence

The first sentence needs to capture attention, so choose strong power verbs and open with the information you need the hiring manager to know.

Some examples of powerful resume summary openers include:

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from XYZ University, where I maintained a 3.8 GPA. Proven leadership skills as the President of the Business Club, organizing events attended by over 200 students. Passionate about project management, I completed a capstone project that improved campus event efficiency by 25%. Seeking an entry-level role in business operations.

Enthusiastic computer science graduate with hands-on experience in developing mobile apps as a hobby, resulting in over 10,000 downloads on the Google Play Store. Skilled in Java, Python, and Swift, with a keen interest in UI/UX design. Looking to leverage my self-taught programming skills and creativity in an entry-level software development position.

Dedicated environmental science graduate with a strong background in community service, having volunteered over 300 hours with the Green Earth Initiative. Led a tree-planting campaign that resulted in 1,000 new trees being planted in urban areas. Highly organized and committed to sustainability, seeking to start a career in environmental consulting.

Diligent Marketing graduate with over two years of part-time retail experience at ABC Store, where I consistently exceeded sales targets by 15%. Recognized for excellent customer service and awarded ‘Employee of the Month’ twice. Eager to apply my sales and marketing skills in an entry-level marketing role.

Versatile communications graduate with a strong foundation in public speaking and writing, honed through coursework and as a volunteer tutor at the local literacy center. Part-time experience as a social media coordinator, where I increased engagement by 40% across platforms. Adept at content creation and community engagement, seeking a role in public relations.

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, combining academic excellence with leadership as the captain of the university soccer team. Coordinated training schedules and team-building activities, leading to a 30% improvement in team performance. Passionate about health and fitness, aiming to start a career in sports management.

Ambitious psychology graduate with hands-on research experience, having assisted in a faculty-led study on cognitive behavior that was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in SPSS. Seeking an entry-level research assistant role to further develop my expertise in psychological research.

Integrate keywords from the job description

A keyword-rich resume summary boosts your chances of showing up in ATS search results. The ATS , or applicant tracking system, houses every submitted resume for a job listing. When the hiring team looks for candidates to interview, the ATS helps them rank applicants based on keywords and skills from the job description.

“A professional summary is an amazing resource to optimize your resume with keywords and catch an employer’s attention,” claims Professional Resume Writer, Jazlyn Unbedacht .

Jobscan’s Power Edit can find keywords in the job description and help you find places to naturally integrate keywords. Below you can find an example of a keyword-rich resume summary example for inspiration.

Creative marketing graduate with strong skills in social media management and content creation . Successfully managed a university campaign that boosted social media engagement by 30%. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and familiar with SEO strategies . Seeking an entry-level marketing position to leverage creativity and analytical skills to support brand growth.

Avoid keyword stuffing. Adding keywords for the sake of having them can have a negative impact. If your summary isn’t authentic or personal and feels forced, your summary can be difficult to read. Strike a balance by finding other resume sections to integrate keywords.

Highlight your strengths

Your resume summary is the ideal place to humbly brag about your accomplishments . Stay honest and avoid embellishing, but put your best foot forward to make it impossible for the hiring manager not to invite you for an interview.

For example, include projects, assignments, or internships to make your beginner resume summary shine.

Natural leader and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Management, achieving a 3.8 GPA. Led a student project team to complete a market analysis that was presented to local businesses, resulting in increased partnerships. Proficient in project management and team coordination. Seeking an entry-level management position to apply leadership and strategic planning skills to contribute to organizational success.

Use a resume summary generator

Include a resume summary, even when you have writer’s block. The resume summary generator in premium Power Edit can write the perfect resume summary, using content from your resume and keywords from the job description.

Here’s how it works.

If you don’t have a resume summary, you can go into the Editor and click “Generate Summary.” Using AI, the tool will write a customized resume summary highlighting all your key skills and accomplishments for the job. The AI draws on your education, skills, work experience, and certifications to create a tailored resume summary in seconds.

You can use the generated summary, or rephrase the summary until you find the variation you like best.

By the end, you’ll have an optimized resume to impress the hiring team and boost your chances of getting an interview invite.

Generate your resume summary in seconds with Power Edit and create a perfectly tailored resume for each job application.

Beginner summary for resume: Examples

Resume summary based on education

Recent high school graduate with a 3.8 GPA and a passion for technology. Completed a capstone project in computer science, developing an app that improved classroom attendance tracking by 20%. Seeking to apply technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a software development role.

Resume summaries based on volunteering

Enthusiastic volunteer with over 150 hours dedicated to community service at local food banks and shelters. Organized weekly meal distributions, aiding over 500 families. Passionate about social work and eager to contribute to a supportive team environment.

Multilingual individual fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with experience volunteering as a translator at community events. Assisted over 100 individuals in accessing services. Seeking to leverage language skills in a customer service or administrative role.

Community-focused graduate with a 3.9 GPA and extensive volunteer experience at local non-profits. Organized community clean-up events, improving local park conditions by 15%. Eager to bring organizational and community engagement skills to a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on certifications

Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR, with hands-on experience from part-time babysitting jobs. Known for reliability and excellent communication with parents. Managed schedules and provided educational activities for children, seeking to bring caregiving skills to a full-time position.

Certified in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through online courses. Developed a personal website showcasing photography projects, increasing online portfolio traffic by 40%. Seeking to apply web development skills in a tech-related role.

Resume summary focused on extracurricular activities

Team-oriented individual with leadership experience as captain of the high school soccer team. Led the team to two state championships and organized weekly training sessions. Seeking to leverage leadership and teamwork skills in a dynamic work environment.

Learn how to incorporate extracurricular activities into your resume and read: Top Extracurricular Activities to Add to Your Resume (Samples)

Resume summary based on a mix of experience

Motivated recent graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a strong foundation in customer service from part-time work at a retail store. Volunteered at local animal shelter, managing 2 adoption events per month, increasing adoption rate by 15%. Eager to apply multitasking abilities and customer service skills to a professional role.

Resume summaries based on creative projects

Creative content creator with experience in managing a personal blog, growing its readership to 1,000 monthly visitors. Developed strong writing and content creation skills. Seeking to bring creativity and attention to detail to a marketing or content creation role.

Artistic graduate with experience in graphic design, having completed online courses in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Designed promotional materials for school events, increasing attendance by 25%. Excited to bring artistic skills to a design or marketing team.

Resume summary based on sports activities

Dedicated and disciplined athlete with experience in competitive swimming. Managed rigorous training schedules while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Developed time management and resilience, aiming to apply these skills in a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on academics

Recent graduate with honors in Mathematics, achieving top marks in advanced calculus and statistics courses. Participated in math competitions, placing in the top 10 regionally. Seeking to apply analytical and quantitative skills in a data analysis role.

STEM enthusiast with a strong academic background in physics and chemistry. Completed a science fair project on renewable energy, earning first place at the district level. Seeking to apply analytical and research skills in a scientific or engineering role.

Resume summary based on part-time work

Passionate about fitness and health, with part-time experience as a gym assistant. Assisted with client schedules and maintained equipment, enhancing customer satisfaction survey results to a 4.7 star average rating. Looking to bring organizational skills and passion for health to a fitness-related role.

Resume summary based on leadership in clubs

Active member of the debate club with strong public speaking and research skills. Led the team to win regional championships and mentored new members. Looking to utilize leadership and communication skills in a challenging work environment.

A summary statement for a resume is a brief introduction that highlights your key skills, experiences, and what you aim to achieve in your career. For a beginner, this statement should focus on your education, any relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, and a clear career goal. It provides a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly see your potential. Example: “Recent Marketing graduate with a strong foundation in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Proven ability to increase engagement and brand visibility through innovative strategies, increasing social media followers by 30% in six months. Seeking to leverage skills and knowledge to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.”

The beginning of your resume summary should immediately grab the reader’s attention. Start with a strong descriptor followed by your job title, relevant experience, or education. Mention a few key skills or achievements that align with the job you’re applying for. Example: “Highly motivated and results-oriented Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in software development and database management. Skilled in Java, Python, and SQL, with a passion for developing efficient and scalable solutions. Developed a web application that improved process efficiency by 25%.”

A good resume profile summary is concise, focused, and tailored to the job description. It should clearly state your professional identity, highlight your key strengths and achievements, and convey your career aspirations. Use action words and quantify achievements whenever possible to make a stronger impact. Example: “Certified Project Manager with over 5 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Expert in Agile methodologies, risk management, and process optimization. Successfully managed a project portfolio worth $2 million, achieving a 95% on-time delivery rate.”

Introducing yourself in a resume summary involves providing a brief yet comprehensive overview of who you are professionally. Start with your current role or recent educational achievement, followed by your most relevant skills and a statement of your career goals. Example: “Enthusiastic and creative Graphic Designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and 2 years of experience in creating visually compelling digital and print media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work. Designed marketing materials that boosted client sales by 15%. Looking to contribute my design expertise to a forward-thinking company.”

Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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30+ Resume Objective Examples (Plus, Tips on How to Write Yours)

Resume objectives are a bit controversial. Some career experts see them as outdated, while others believe job seekers can still use them to their advantage. Although resume objective statements have slowly been replaced by resume summaries, they remain useful in certain situations—and that's why you should know how to write one, just in case.

For instance, if you're changing careers and your previous work experience doesn't quite match the new role you're after, an objective statement could help communicate your professional goals to the hiring manager. Likewise, if you're a recent graduate or looking to relocate, you could use this section of your resume to highlight these intentions.

We've gathered 32 resume objective examples—plus, some tips on how to craft one that grabs the hiring manager's attention.

What is a resume objective

A resume objective is a brief statement outlining your short-term career goals, usually one to two sentences long. It should be tailored to the specific job or industry you're pursuing and is placed at the top of your resume, just below the header.

What is a good objective for a resume, and when are they welcomed? That's what we'll show you in a moment.

When you should use a resume objective

Resume objectives aren't quite the norm these days, so they should be only used when you need to clarify why you're applying for that particular role or company. Here are three situations where using an objective statement is a good idea:

• If you're doing a career pivot: A resume objective can guide recruiters on your career goals and prevent you from being disqualified when transitioning to a new field.
• If you're changing locations: Applying for jobs outside your current state or city can leave recruiters uncertain about your location; a resume objective can clearly express your willingness to relocate.
• If you're a recent graduate: Since you likely have little to no work experience to show, a resume objective can give a glimpse into who you are and what you aim to achieve.
• If you've worked in a variety of roles: When your work history is all over the place, a resume objective statement can be a helpful tool to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and what you're looking for in your next role .

Resume objective vs. resume summary

A resume objective outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a position, while a resume summary focuses on skills, accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences for the role.

“Think of the resume objective as your career aspiration and the summary as your professional snapshot,” says Angela Tait, People Operations Specialist and Founder of Tait Consulting . “The objective sets your sights forward, while the summary looks at your past and present achievements.”

How to write a resume objective

If you decide to write a resume objective, it'll be the first thing recruiters see on your resume, right after your name and contact information. This means their first impression will be based on how well-written your objective statement is. Here are key tips to do it right:

1. Mention your area of expertise

“Start by mentioning your area of expertise and the role you are applying for,” Tait says. This way, you let the employer know right away about your background and what you want to achieve professionally.

2. Show how you can add value to the company

Your objective statement—and your whole resume, actually—should be tailored to each job opening. “Personalize your resume objective by stating how you can add value to the company you're applying to,” Tait says. “For instance, ‘ Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing to drive brand growth and engagement at XYZ Corp.’”

3. Highlight skills relevant to the role

Once again, to write an effective resume objective, keep in mind the role you're going for. “Focus on how your skills and interests align with that specific job opportunity,” says Conor Hughes, certified in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Consultant at SMB Guide .

For example, for a software developer, skills in programming with languages like Java, C++, and Python are pretty important. Meanwhile, a graphic designer should highlight technical skills in creating and editing visual projects using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

4. Optimize your statement for ATS machines

These days, most resumes get scanned by an ATS robot before reaching human recruiters. So, it's crucial to optimize your objective statement for these ATS machines. How? “Use keywords from the job description to show you have the relevant abilities they're looking for,” Hughes says.

If a job posting specifies “experience in copywriting” and “SEO optimization” as requirements, you should incorporate these exact keywords in your objective statement—and wherever else they fit on your resume. Using just “SEO” or only “copywriting” might not be enough; precision is key.

Need some help? Here's how to read the job description the right way —so you can stop sending resumes into the void.

5. Make it as concise as possible

Recruiters go through resumes really fast—that's one of the reasons two-page resumes aren't usually recommended. When writing your resume objective, keep it concise. “To one or two sentences max,” Hughes says. Remember, the goal is to give enough information about why you're applying for that role, not to share your whole life history.

32 resume objective examples to guide you

Now that we've covered the basics, here are 32 good examples of objectives for resumes categorized by job title and different professional situations, like career pivoting and entry-level positions. Use these examples as a guide, and don't forget to inject your own personality and core information.

General resume objectives examples

1. career change.

Copywriter with five years of experience, now transitioning into the UX Writing field, looking to leverage my writing and content creation skills to create digital experiences that drive business growth. Strong background in content strategy and data-driven decision making.

Find UX writer jobs on The Muse »

2. Relocation

Experienced customer service representative relocating to New York in July, seeking employment with an established customer support agency. I bring my strong communication skills , conflict resolution and customer retention ability developed in seven years working in the industry.

Find customer service jobs on The Muse »

3. Entry-level

Creative marketing graduate seeking a social media assistant entry-level position at a fast-growing marketing agency. My goal is to apply my strong storytelling and creative writing skills to create impactful content for clients and foster professional development.

Find marketing jobs on The Muse »

Compassionate and enthusiastic elementary school teacher with four years of experience teaching young students. Seeking to leverage my creative ideas, multitasking and organizational skills to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can play and learn.

Find teacher jobs on The Muse »

Registered nurse with three years of experience in patient care , currently specializing in pediatric nursing. Seeking to join the Grey Hospital nursing team and bring my knowledge of patient care and my critical thinking skills to foster a safe and empathic environment for patients.

Find registered nurse jobs on The Muse »

6. Journalist

Seasoned journalist seeking a News Reporter position at the USPN channel. I bring my five years of experience working on live television, interviewing sources, gathering and reporting information in fast-paced environments.

Find journalist jobs on The Muse »

Seeking a litigation paralegal position at The Law Group. I bring my three years of experience in conducting legal research, processing legal documents, and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

Find lawyer jobs on The Muse »

8. Architect

Experienced architect relocating to Houston, Texas in August. In my 10 years of experience in the architecture industry I was able to work both in industrial and residential projects, holding high proficiency in AutoCAD and Photoshop.

Find architect jobs on The Muse »

9. Real estate specialist

Passionate and proactive real estate specialist with solid experience in lease negotiation and facility management. Looking for a similar role to manage a real estate portfolio, implementing strategies to improve profitability and cost effectiveness.

Find real estate jobs on The Muse »

10. Waiter/Waitress

Seeking a waitress position at a local, family-led restaurant where my two years of experience in customer service and hospitality industry would contribute to create an exceptional experience to customers, guests, and clients.

Find waiter/waitress jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for tech professionals

11. software engineer.

Software engineer with 5 years of experience in the banking industry, pivoting to the customer service industry to foster professional growth. Deep knowledge of object oriented programming, experienced with Java, C++, C#, Ruby, Python, and relational database schema design.

Find software engineer jobs on The Muse »

12. Software developer

Computer science graduate seeking an entry-level position as software developer. I bring my experience with Git, Java, and Python, as well as strong documentation abilities and communication skills .

Find software developer jobs on The Muse »

13. Data scientist

Experienced data scientist, seeking a senior position in the e-commerce industry. My goal is to leverage my ability to write complex and efficient SQL queries to extract data and translate business needs into analytical frameworks.

Find data scientist jobs on The Muse »

14. SEO analyst

SEO analyst, passionate about SEO and digital audience growth. 7 years of experience with site migrations, SEO analytics tools (Google Search Console, Chartbeat, Google Analytics, and SEMRush), reporting and sharing data insights, and making data-driven decisions.

Find SEO analyst jobs on The Muse »

15. UI/UX Designer

Mid level UI/UX Designer, seeking employment in a fast-growing tech startup. Solid experience with user-centered design principles, knowledge of responsive design, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Find UI/UX Designer jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for creative jobs

16. content writer.

Results-driven content writer with two years of experience writing for blogs and websites. Skilled in SEO, creative copywriting, and storytelling, looking forward to applying my skills and creative ideas to help XYZ build an engaged audience.

Find content writer jobs on The Muse »

17. Graphic designer

Creative graphic designer seeking an entry level-position in the education industry. Proficient with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and After Effects, quick learner with strong time management skills.

Find graphic designer jobs on The Muse »

18. Video editor

Outcome-oriented video editor, proficient with Final Cut, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Photoshop. Seeking employment in the entertainment industry where I intend to apply my extensive experience in storytelling and project management to create engaging stories.

Find video editor jobs on The Muse »

19. Social media manager

Experienced social media professional, seeking a manager position at a high-growth company. I bring my in-depth knowledge of social media strategy and five years of agency experience creating content that is engaging and exciting to the community.

Find social media manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for administrative roles

20. front desk.

Highly energetic tourism and hospitality graduate, looking for a front desk clerk position. 1.5 years of experience in customer service. Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to learn quick and adapt in fast paced environments.

Find front desk jobs on The Muse »

21. Receptionist

Looking for a receptionist position in the real estate industry. Three years experience in customer-facing roles, communication and leadership skills, ability to work with tight deadlines focusing on all aspects of a task or project.

Find receptionist jobs on The Muse »

22. Administrative assistant

Seeking an administrative assistant role in the healthcare industry. I bring five years of experience in customer service, advanced Excel skills, and ability to multitask to perform my duties in a timely and efficient manner.

Find administrative assistant jobs on The Muse »

23. Human resources

Human resources graduate, looking for an entry level human resources generalist position with ABC company to apply my strong verbal and written communication skills , analytical abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft applications to provide hands-on assistance to the HR team.

Find human resources jobs on The Muse »

24. Logistics

Logistics supervisor seeking a manager position at AABB company. I bring my extensive experience in global logistics operations and project management to enhance supply chain and logistics efficiency and achieve cost-effectiveness.

Find logistics jobs on The Muse »

25. Executive assistant

Seeking an executive assistant role at XYZ company. I'm an experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail to provide timely and high quality administrative office support to senior level leaders.

Find executive assistant jobs on The Muse »

26. Office manager

Experienced administrative assistant seeking an office manager position in a fast-paced work environment to apply my written communication skills, time management, prioritization, and planning abilities and provide exceptional service and foster professional growth.

Find office manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for sales jobs

27. sales assistant.

Problem solver and team player sales professional, seeking a sales assistant position in a challenging work environment. I bring my experience supporting high acquisition organizations, willingness to learn, and winning team spirit to support sales teams.

Find sales assistant jobs on The Muse »

28. Sales manager

Dynamic sales manager seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry to develop strategic sales plans and achieve revenue and market share objectives. Two years of experience in pharmaceutical sales plus three years of experience in general sales, excellent communication and leadership skills.

Find sales manager jobs on The Muse »

29. Cashier

Recent high school graduate looking for a cashier position at a company with a culture of recognition and excellence. One year of experience in retail sales, strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to represent the company in a professional manner.

Find cashier jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for finance careers

30. banking.

Seasoned relationship banker looking to secure an investment banking analyst position at Bank of America. 15 years of experience in the banking industry, advanced knowledge of banking transactions, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to develop and expand relationships with stakeholders.

Find banking jobs on The Muse »

31. Accounting

B.S. graduate in accounting seeking an entry-level accounting associate position to use my growth mindset, desire to learn, and organizational skills to ensure financial goals are achieved and foster professional development.

Find accounting jobs on The Muse »

32. Financial analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) looking to secure a senior position in a competitive and results-driven work environment. 10 years of experience in financial analysis in banking and technology industries, advanced Excel and SQL skills, and ability to articulate analysis outcomes and relevant insights.

Find financial analyst jobs on The Muse »

Key takeaways

Resume objectives aren't the favorite of most recruiters, but they still serve a purpose. If you're career pivoting, relocating, applying for your first job, or have a diverse professional background, an objective statement can help the hiring manager understand your career goals and how they align with the job opportunity.

However, in other circumstances, using a resume summary might be more appropriate. (Here are 20 resume summary examples to make writing your own easier .)

Who won the Biden-Trump debate? Biden's freeze draws age concerns

WASHINGTON – Presidential debates are always about expectations. And Thursday’s verbal sparring match between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was no exception.  

The stakes were highest for Biden who, at age 81, was already battling perceptions he is too elderly for a second term. Meanwhile, Trump, 78, was facing concerns from moderate and swing voters about his at times bombastic style.  

The biggest moment of the night came early, when Biden froze for several seconds while answering a question about the economy. 

That – and all of the many other gaffes of the evening − will be replayed on cable news shows and shared thousands of times on social media for weeks to come. But how will it influence the 2024 election?  

Here’s a breakdown of who came out on top and who fell short in the immediate aftermath.  

Trump showed more energy than Biden  

Experts USA TODAY spoke with said they saw sharp differences in the stamina of the two candidates on stage Thursday night, and they said Biden’s low-energy demeanor could hurt him for months to come.  

In one of the most defining moments of the debate, Biden took a prolonged pause and froze while answering a question about the economy. After stuttering, the president continued, but began talking about COVID-19 and Medicare. 

Even some of Biden's Democratic supporters felt his freeze on stage and his somewhat wooden performance tipped the scales in Trump's favor.

Trump sought to highlight Biden’s slower responses, at one point saying, “I really don't know what he said at the end of this, and I don't think he knows what he said, either."

Thomas Whalen, a presidential historian and professor at Boston University, said Biden was “looking his age,” while Trump was “more controlled and sticking to his talking points.” 

Aaron Kall, director of Debate for the University of Michigan Debate Program, suggested Biden’s pauses “could spur endless news cycles about (his) age and fitness to serve another term in office.” 

New debate format aimed to decrease chaos

If seeing Trump and Biden on stage together again didn’t provide enough deja vu, their matchup also marked the first time since 1960 that a presidential debate was held without a live audience . The last time was when John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon clashed.

The format was designed to eliminate immediate reactions to candidates’ remarks. Aaron Kall, director of debate for the University of Michigan, suggested it forced genuine responses rather than scripted statements from the candidates. 

Rather than rely on audience energy, Trump and Biden had to “trust their guts and instincts and previous debate experiences,” Kall said. 

The  use of muted microphones in the debate also nearly eliminated the type of candidate crosstalk that has plagued past debates, including most recently during the GOP primary. 

Georgia voters are central focus  

Trump and Biden weren’t the only ones in the spotlight Thursday night. All-important Georgia voters were, too. 

The location of the debate at CNN’s studios in Atlanta underscored Georgia’s role as crucial swing state in the election and served as a reminder that the candidate's messages − and bickering − will echo far beyond the stage. 

Biden won Georgia by just under 12,000 votes in 2020. But recent polling this year has shown Trump with a slight edge over his competitor in the key battleground territory. 

And the side-by-side comparison of the two candidates Thursday could very well sway the minds of undecided voters in the state. It was one of few opportunities the public will have to hear from the two men directly and judge for themselves who is the better pick for the country. 

Not to mention that the location gave both candidates an opportunity to campaign around the Atlanta suburbs. Trump called in to a local barbershop on Wednesday to talk with a group his campaign called the Black American Business Leaders Barbershop Roundtable. And Biden’s campaign said the president planned to attend watch parties across the city after the debate to talk with voters.  

Also of significance: The debate occurred only a few miles from the jail where Trump was booked last year on charges related to claims that he conspired to overturn the 2020 election.  

A major money boost for Democrats and Republicans  

Both major parties are expected to raise big dollars off Thursday’s affair. Similarly well-watched events have brought in the green for the two candidates.  

Biden’s campaign said he raised $10 million in the 24 hours after the State of the Union address. After Trump’s felony conviction in his New York hush money trial, his campaign said it raised $34.8 million in small-dollar donations.  

And both groups we’re leaning into their fundraising.  

Hours before the debate began, Biden’s team sent out a message telling supporters that he was “counting on” them to donate at least $30.  

“Tens of thousands of new supporters stepped up following my debates against Trump in 2020. And tonight, can’t be any different,” the message said.  

The Democratic Party of Georgia also hosted a watch party charging $24 per advance ticket. Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was similarly hosting a high-dollar event for Trump the night of the debate.  

Biden’s campaign said it had its best grassroots fundraising hours of the entire campaign leading up to the debate. 

False claims abound

Ashley Koning, director of the Rutgers Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, argued that “facts and truth” were the biggest losers of the night.  

Both Trump and Biden made false comments throughout the debate that largely went unchecked by the moderators.  

Trump repeated claims that the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s fault. Trump claimed he offered Pelosi “10,000 soldiers” to stop the attack. Pelosi’s office has said, however, that she never received such an officer and that she wouldn’t have had the power to refuse either way.  

The former real estate mogul also claimed the U.S. southern border is the most dangerous place in the world. There is no evidence to suggest this.  

Biden also made incorrect claims. At one point, he claimed he was “the only president this century ... that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world.”  

In 2021, during Biden’s presidency, 13 U.S. service members were killed in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan as thousands tried to flee the Taliban’s takeover of the country. 

RFK and third-party candidates absent from the conversation  

Noticeably absent from the CNN stage? Robert F. Kennedy Jr .  

Kennedy didn’t meet the qualifications for the debate, which required candidates to appear on a “sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote thresholds to win the presidency” and receive at least 15% in four qualifying national polls, according to CNN.  

In a three-way matchup with Biden and Trump, Kennedy receives 10.7% of the vote, according to a Real Clear Politics average of polling .  

Kennedy counterprogrammed the prime-time debate by answering the same questions as Biden and Trump live on a social media stream and on his website. But he remained largely out of sight for most voters on a night that centered on the two major party candidates. 

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4 takeaways from the first presidential debate

Domenico Montanaro

President Biden and former President Donald Trump participate in the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections at CNN's studios in Atlanta on June 27. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

If some people who listened to the radio in 1960 thought Richard Nixon won the presidential debate with John F. Kennedy, then maybe people reading the transcript of Thursday night’s match-up would think President Biden won.

But elections aren’t won in transcripts. The reality is, fairly or not, debates are often about optics — how the candidates present themselves, defend their records and parry attacks.

Fact check: What did Biden and Trump claim about immigration in the debate?

And that’s why so many Democrats are ringing the fire alarms after the first general-election presidential debate of 2024. The Biden campaign said the president had a cold to explain why he sounded so hoarse and weak. But Biden’s stumbles right from the beginning played into his biggest vulnerability — his age and whether the 81-year-old is up to the challenge of handling four more years in office.

There were issues for Trump, too, as he continued to spread falsehoods and bathe in the kinds of conspiratorial grievances that have turned off many voters.

Not much has changed the dynamics of this race; will anything that happened Thursday night make a difference either?

Here are four takeaways from the first Biden-Trump debate of this campaign:

1. First and foremost, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Democrats have to be wondering if they’d be better off with someone else as their nominee.

Neither candidate is the official nominee yet. The national political conventions haven’t happened — but it’s next to impossible that Democrats would replace Biden.

Still, given he delivered the kind of performance Democrats feared, party leaders, strategists and many voters, frankly, had to be wondering during this debate what it would be like if any of a handful of other Democrats were standing on that stage.

Biden got a bit stronger as the debate went on, especially on foreign policy. He had some one-liners, like calling Trump a “whiner” when Trump wouldn’t definitively say that he would accept the results of the 2024 election. But Biden often wasn’t able to show vigor or consistently convey what he wanted to say. He simply couldn’t deliver the kinds of happy-warrior blows with that toothy smile audiences have seen from Biden in years past.

“Sometimes the spin don’t spin,” one Democratic strategist texted midway through the debate when asked for reaction.

2. If how Biden sounded wasn’t bad enough, the visuals might have been equally as bad.

An important rule of thumb for candidates — and moderators — in debates is to be conscious of how things look, of how you look, of what people are seeing at home. And what people saw — and this was predictable — was a split screen.

What to know about the key policies that got airtime in the presidential debate

Biden wasn’t able to use that to his advantage at all, even as Trump doled out falsehood after falsehood. Instead, he looked genuinely shocked and confused, which is never a good look.

Trump and his base might not care about late-night comedy, but this week’s monologues are going to sting Democratic voters.

3. The format — and hands-off moderators — benefited Trump.

The muting of the candidates was likely intended to make the debate calmer and not allow Trump to run roughshod over the moderators or his opponent. But it had the effect of making Trump seem more sedate than usual.

Trump employed rounds of verbal jujitsu, in which he threw back his own vulnerabilities and directed them toward Biden. He was even able at one point, during a strange exchange about golf handicaps, to say, “Let’s not act like children.”

The moderation, or lack thereof, also allowed Trump to spread falsehoods and hyperbole without being interrupted or corrected. CNN indicated before the debate that the moderators were not going to play a strong role in fact checking the candidates, and they lived up to that.

They left it to the candidates, essentially, and with Biden unable to deliver in real time and the moderators declining to, the audience was left with a salad bowl full of rotten eggs and moldy lettuce that passed for facts.

4. This debate might not move the needle much, if at all.

Despite Biden’s struggles, which will understandably get the headlines, Trump had some difficult moments, too, especially in the second half of the debate.

In addition to spreading myriad falsehoods, he did little to credibly defend his conduct on and before the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol; he used the kind of hyperbolic and vituperative language that has long turned off swing voters; and showed why many are concerned about some of his positions on the issues, especially on abortion and how the U.S. should be represented on the world stage.

So despite Biden’s shortcomings, millions will still likely vote for Biden, anyway, because he’s not Trump.

The bottom line is: Americans have said they are unhappy with their choices, and, in this – the biggest moment of the 2024 presidential campaign yet — it was clear why.

Correction June 28, 2024

A previous version of this story referenced this week's live SNL episode but in fact the show is on its summer hiatus.