The resume headline: The small element that sets the tone for your whole resume

Did you know that a catchy resume headline can compel a hiring manager to read the whole resume? That is the power of a strong resume headline. When a recruiter scans your resume, it is the first thing they will notice about you. Write a catchy resume headline, and you will reel in all your readers.

The resume headline might be the shortest element on your resume, but it has a big impact on your chances of getting hired. An attention-grabbing, job-tailored resume headline will add much value to your resume. However, many professionals struggle to write an excellent headline for their resumes.

What is a resume headline?

It is a short sentence or tagline that rests at the beginning of your resume, below your name and grabs the attention of the reader. It is basically a very brief summary of your career which contains powerful job-related keywords. The purpose of this headline is to make recruiters and hiring managers curious enough to read the rest of your resume.

What’s the importance of a resume headline?

It isn’t easy to get noticed by hiring managers amidst the fierce competition in the job market. Every candidate is almost equally talented, making it difficult for you to make your unique mark in the hiring scene. A resume headline will help you here by:

• Grabbing the reader’s attention.
• Emphasizing your unique selling points.
• Allowing you to tailor your resume to the job.
• Providing you with an opportunity to brand yourself.
• Giving you a chance to mention why you are the best fit for the role.

How does a resume headline level up your resume?

A resume headline will increase the value of your resume. It will improve your resume and present it in a better light to employers. Here’s what the resume headline will do for your job search:

1. It will portray you as an expert in the field

The resume headline is a simple sentence that establishes your personal brand in just a few seconds. When you create a headline that outlines your expertise, you are making sure that potential employers view you as an expert in your niche.

2. It will help you grab the attention of employers

Not every candidate will add a headline to their resume. Once you add a resume headline, you will stand out easily among your competition and grab the attention of recruiters and employers.

3. It contributes to tailoring your resume for a job

Once you change the resume headline to match a particular job, you are setting the whole tone of your resume. It makes it easier for you to tailor your resume to a job description.

4. It helps you focus the employer’s attention

Let’s say that you have had a rather diverse career history. When you apply for a particular position, you want the employer to see the experience related to that role. The resume headline helps you do that from the very beginning of your resume.

5. It adds keywords to your resume

One crucial step to creating an ATS-compatible resume is to incorporate a good number of related keywords into your resume. The resume headline allows you to do that. Your resume will be more compatible with the ATS with the added keywords.