How to write a resume headline, with examples
The short answer
A resume headline is one line under your name, and on job portal profiles, that says what you do, at what level, in which field, and the strength that matters most for the roles you want. Use the titles and keywords your target roles use, provided they accurately describe your experience. Keep it to a single line and change it when you target a different kind of role.
Resume headline and resume summary
| Point | Headline | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Length | A single line. | A short paragraph. |
| Purpose | Identify your role, field and relevant strength at a glance. | Explain your experience, scope and supporting achievements. |
| Where it appears | Under your name and on job portal profiles. | Near the top of your resume, beneath the headline if used. |
| How often to change it | When your target role or emphasis changes. | When different experience or evidence matters to the application. |
A simple pattern
Start with a title or level you can substantiate, then add your field, the scope you handle and a relevant strength. Select the details that matter to your target role rather than trying to fit your entire career into the line.
Headline pattern
[level or title] + [function or field] + [scope] + [the strength that matters most for your target role]
Examples
Senior manager
Senior [function] manager | [team or regional scope] | [relevant strength]
[field] senior manager | [programme or operating scope] | [specialist capability]
Director, vice president or head of function
Director of [function] | [business or regional scope] | [relevant leadership strength]
[Vice president or head of function title you have held] | [field] | [scope] | [relevant capability]
Business head or executive
Business head | [field] | [business or market scope] | [relevant strength]
[Executive title you have held] | [function or field] | [organisational scope] | [leadership capability]
Career changer
[Current professional title] moving into [target field] | [relevant scope] | [transferable strength]
[Established field] professional targeting [new function] | [relevant experience] | [transferable capability]
Where to use it
- The top of your resume, directly below your name.
- Your job portal profiles, adapted to the available headline field.
- Your professional networking profile, consistent with your experience and target work.
Common mistakes
- Using a list of adjectives instead of describing your work.
- Writing a headline that could describe anyone.
- Claiming a title you have not held.
- Making the line too long to read at a glance.
- Keeping one headline for every kind of role.
FAQ
What is a resume headline?
A resume headline is a single line that introduces your professional identity and the work you want to be considered for. It usually appears beneath your name on a resume or on a job portal profile. It should identify your function, level and most relevant strength without making unsupported claims.
What is a good resume headline for an experienced professional?
A good headline names the role or level, the field and the scope that are relevant to your target job. Add a strength you can support with your own experience. Use clear terms from the target role rather than a list of adjectives.
How long should a resume headline be?
Keep it to a single readable line in the format you are using. Include only the details that help someone understand your fit at a glance. If a job portal sets a character limit, stay within it without squeezing in extra keywords.
What is the difference between a resume headline and a resume summary?
A headline is one line that identifies your role, field and relevant strength. A summary is a short paragraph that adds context about your experience, scope and achievements. The summary should develop the headline rather than repeat it.
Should I change my resume headline for each application?
Review it against each target role and change it when the function, level or emphasis differs. You can keep a headline that already describes the role accurately. Never add a title you have not held or a capability you cannot support.
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