resume headline or summary examples

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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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 Write an Effective Resume Headline

Although resume headlines comprise only a few words, these one-liners are the first thing recruiters and hiring managers read. They explain at a glance who you are and what you bring to the table.

Customers Interviewed by:

How do you make your resume stand out to recruiters who spend an average of 7.4 seconds  reviewing your application? Enter the resume headline . This is the first thing recruiters and managers read. 

A strong headline hooks the recruiter’s interest and increases your chances of landing your dream job.

In this guide, you will learn how to write an attention-grabbing resume headline that will help you stand out and get interviews.

What is a resume headline?

A strong resume headline is a short statement at the top of your resume that proves your value proposition. 

With only a few words, the goal of these one-liners is to grab the attention of recruiters and show them what you bring to the table. 

When written effectively, they help recruiters and potential employers quickly decide whether you are a strong candidate. 

Here’s an example of a memorable resume headline:

Seasoned Sales Manager with 10+ Years of Experience in Driving Revenue

How to write a resume headline

No need to overcomplicate things! Resume headlines that pack a punch are easy to write.

This is the best way to structure your headline:

Job Title + Years of Experience + Top Skill / Accomplishment / Certification

Additionally, here are 8 key points to keep in mind when crafting a great resume headline:

• Begin with your current job title or your desired role.  Clearly state your job title or the position you’re applying for. This immediately shows recruiters what you’re aiming for.
• Highlight your years of experience and field.  When the job requires some degree of experience, showcasing your years of experience in your headline is critical. For instance, “Seasoned Financial Analyst with 10+ Years in Risk Management.”
• Showcase key strengths, certifications, or achievements . Quantify your standout  accomplishments  or feature one or two  key skills  or  certifications  relevant to the job. For example, “Project Manager | Spearheaded $5M Product Launch.”
• Use strong action verbs.  Use  action-oriented verbs  to highlight your impressive achievements. For instance, “Regional Sales Manager | Drove Revenue Growth by 45%.”
• Tailor  your headline to the job.  Make sure your headline matches the job description.
• Keep it short.  Aim for brevity without losing impact.
• Use title case when writing your headline.
• Include relevant keywords . Use keywords from the job description and include some in your headline.

Read more : 27+ Free Certifications to Add to Your Resume

How to find the right keywords to include in your resume headline

When you submit your resume, it usually goes through the applicant tracking system (ATS) , a software that makes it easy for recruiters to sift through hundreds of resumes quickly.

Through the ATS, recruiters can look for the top candidates by searching for specific keywords. Only those who match the keywords will be seen by the recruiters.

Keywords can be: 

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Other industry-specific words

Incorporating these keywords into your resume headline will increase your visibility.

Here’s how to easily find the right keywords:

• Check for technical skills , specialization, software, or industry jargon mentioned in the job description.
• Note the soft skills required for the job.
• Keep an eye out for keywords that are repeated frequently. This is a telling sign that the word is important and that recruiters will look for it in a candidate.

To save you time and ensure that you have the right keywords in your headline, you can use Jobscan’s resume scanner .

All you have to do is upload your resume into the tool and add the job description of the role you are applying for.

Jobscan will then give you a match score that shows how well your resume matches the specific job. It also outlines key improvement suggestions and gives you a list of keywords you need to include.

Here’s what it looks like:

All you need to do is work these highlighted keywords into your resume to improve your score and increase your chances of being seen by a recruiter.

Importance of an effective resume headline

A well-crafted and targeted resume headline can impact your chances of getting hired.

Here are 4 reasons why you should include one on your resume.

• Your resume headline is the first thing recruiters see when checking your resume. It is your elevator pitch, so you have to make it count.
• It proves to recruiters that you are a good fit for the job. It showcases your key accomplishments, skills, and the value you bring to the company.
• A high-impact headline makes you stand out from other job candidates. It helps you stay top-of-mind to recruiters.
• Over 97 percent of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS). The resume headline then is critical real estate, where you can put keywords recruiters might search for.

45 good resume headline examples for different jobs

Here are 45 examples of resume headlines to guide you as you write yours.

• Healthcare Project Manager with 8+ Years in Healthcare Administration
• Product Development Cashier and Customer-Centric POS Innovator with Retail Experience
• Finance Director with CFO Expertise in Budgeting and Forecasting
• HR Manager with 5 Years in Strategic Talent Acquisition and Employee Development | SHRM Certified
• Recruiter with Expertise in Sourcing Top Talent, ATS, and Talent Pipeline Management
• Customer Service Representative with 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Ratings
• Call Center Agent Efficient in Multichannel Support, CRM, and Phone Systems
• Saleslady with Experience in Retail Sales and Customer Engagement
• Mechanical Engineer with 5 Years of Experience in Innovative Machine Design and Optimization, CAD, and Prototyping
• Basketball Coach who is Passionate in Training Tomorrow’s MVPs
• Freelance Worker with a Diverse Skill Set for Flexible Projects
• SEO Specialist Driving Online Visibility and Ranking with Expertise in Google Analytics and Keyword Optimization
• Marketing Manager Crafting Data-Driven Marketing Campaigns and Digital Strategies
• Graphic Designer and Creative Visual Storyteller with Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud
• Civil Engineer with 11+ Years of Experience in Infrastructure Design, Construction, and Project Management
• Software QA Tester Ensuring Flawless User Experiences
• Environmental Consultant with 10 Years of Experience in Sustainability Solutions and Regulatory Compliance
• Legal Assistant | Supporting Legal Excellence | Research and Documentation Specialist
• Digital Content Creator with 9 Years of Experience in Engaging Audiences with Compelling Content
• Electrician with Proficiency in Electrical Systems and Safety and Code Compliance
• Supply Chain Analyst with Expertise in Optimizing Logistics for Efficiency, Data Analysis, and Forecasting
• Non-profit Program Manager Passionate to Drive Social Change through Effective Programs, Grant Writing, and Impact Assessment
• Experienced Cashier Delivering Top-Notch Customer Service and Accurate Cash Handling
• Retail Sales Associate with Experience in Customer-Centric Sales and Visual Merchandising
• Elementary School Teacher with 8 Years of Experience in Curriculum Development and Classroom Management
• Digital Marketing Specialist | Online Brand Growth and Engagement | PPC and Social Media Advertising
• Seasoned Data Scientist  Transforming Data into Strategic Insights with 15 Years of Experience in Machine Learning and Data Visualization
• Pharmacist | Ensuring Medication Safety and Patient Wellness 
• Restaurant Manager with 7 Years of Experience in Staff Training and Inventory Control
• Web Developer Skilled in Front-End and Back-End Development
• Seasoned Registered Nurse Specializing in Pediatric Care
• Social Media Manager with a Track Record in Building Strong Online Communities
• Electrical Technician Ensuring Safe Electrical Systems with Wiring and Troubleshooting Expertise
• HR Generalist Fostering a Positive Workplace with expertise in Employee Relations and HR Compliance
• Interior Designer Specializing in Space Planning and Design Solutions
• Technical Support Specialist Resolving Tech Issues with Expertise in Help Desk and Troubleshooting
• Market Research Analyst Uncovering Market Insights for Informed Decision-Making through Data Analysis and Consumer Trends
• Content Marketing Manager Engaging Audiences with Valuable Content, Adept in Content Strategy and SEO Optimization
• Registered Dietitian Promoting Nutritional Health through Personalized Dietary Counseling and Wellness Programs
• Non-profit Fundraiser Skilled in Donor Relations and Grant Writing
• High School Teacher with Expertise in Differentiated Instruction and Student Engagement
• Strategic Operations Manager with 10+ Years of Experience in Streamlined Supply Chain
• Experienced UX Designer who Improved User Engagement, Boosting Conversion Rates by 20%
• Senior Financial Analyst Who Enhanced Profit Margins, Delivering 12% Revenue Growth
• Seasoned Attorney and Litigation Specialist with Expertise in Contract Law, Negotiation, and a 90% Case Win Rate

To get started with your resume headline, you can check our comprehensive resume writing guide , resume templates , and resume examples .

Key Takeaways

Here are some key pointers you need to remember when writing your headline:

• Read the job listing and understand the job requirements before writing your headline.
• Start with your target role and then add relevant skills and impressive accomplishments.
• Incorporate resume keywords into your headline.
• Be sure to tailor your resume headline to the specific job you are applying for.
• To increase your chances of landing a job interview, you need to optimize the rest of your resume for the ATS.
• If you’re building your resume from scratch, try Jobscan’s free resume builder . There are no hidden costs and it allows you to build an ATS-compatible resume in no time!

Frequently asked questions

Resume headlines are most beneficial to candidates who have robust, applicable experience, but all job seekers can use them.

Entry-level applicants who don’t have relevant experience yet can use headlines to display soft skills, tool proficiencies, and winning attributes. Here is an example of a good headline for a resume with no experience: Personable Customer Service Representative Proficient with Call Tracking Software

Try to keep your headline to one line, preferably around ten words. Remember, this is just a title. You’ll have more room to display your skills and experiences in the other sections of your resume. So aim for brevity and clarity. If you feel like a headline doesn’t give you enough room, consider writing a resume summary instead.

Make sure your headline draws the eye’s attention by setting it in title case (capitalizing the words) and using a headline font that has a larger font size than the body of your resume.

Here are common mistakes you need to watch out for when crafting a compelling resume headline: 1. Stuffing too many keywords in your headline. 2. Having an excessively lengthy resume headline. Your headline should be specific and concise. 3. Not communicating the value you bring to the company. 4. Using buzzwords, cliches, and jargon. 5. Lying or exaggerating. If your headline piques a hiring manager’s attention, they’ll look for supporting evidence to prove you’re the ideal candidate. 6. Not tailoring your resume headline to the job posting. 7. Ignoring the needs of the company based on the job description. 8. Using fancy fonts and other creative formatting . While this might visually look good, the ATS won’t be able to parse this correctly. 9. Failing to update your headline and the rest of your resume regularly.

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More expert insights on this topic:

2023 Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Usage Report: Key Shifts and Strategies for Job Seekers

The Top 500 ATS Resume Keywords of 2024

How to Tailor Your Resume Job Description (With Examples)

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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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40+ Resume Headline Examples: Stand Out from the Crowd

• July 15, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

If you’re looking for effective ways to make your resume stand out, crafting a strong resume headline is crucial. A compelling resume headline serves as a concise introduction, capturing the attention of hiring managers and showcasing your unique value proposition. Explore these resume headline examples to inspire your own standout headline and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

What is a resume headline ?

A resume headline is a short, attention-grabbing phrase or sentence that highlights your experience, skills, and qualifications. It is typically placed at the top of your resume, just below your name and contact information. The purpose of a resume headline is to quickly capture the attention of hiring managers and make them want to read further into your resume. It serves as a concise summary of your value as a candidate and can help you stand out from other applicants.

Tips for writing a resume headline

1. ensure relevance to the position.

Take the time to carefully review the job description and identify the key experience, skills, and qualifications that are required. Highlight those that align with your own background and include them in your headline. Additionally, be sure to include the exact job title in your headline to demonstrate your specific interest in that role.

2. Incorporate keywords from the job listing

To increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS), include relevant keywords from the job listing in your resume headline. Look for critical requirements and recurring keywords in the job description, and incorporate them into your headline along with the job title. This will not only help you stand out but also show that you possess the necessary qualifications for the position.

3. Make your headline visually appealing

Your resume headline should visually stand out and immediately catch the reader’s attention. While it should be distinct from your name, it should still be one of the first things the hiring manager sees. Consider incorporating your headline into the overall design of your resume, placing it at the top of the page before your resume summary, and using a font size and style that differentiate it from the rest of the text. This will help make your headline visually appealing and draw attention to your key qualifications.

4. Keep it concise

A resume headline should be concise and to the point. It should be a brief one-liner that introduces your value as a candidate. Remember, you will have the opportunity to expand on your qualifications and skills in the body of your resume. Keeping your headline short and focused ensures that it serves its purpose of quickly highlighting your strengths without taking up valuable space.

5. Tailor your resume headline for each role

Take the time to tailor your headline for each position you apply to. While it may require some additional effort, customizing your headline demonstrates your enthusiasm and specific interest in the job. Incorporate the essential requirements that you fulfill into your headline, showcasing your relevant experience and skills. By doing so, you can make your headline more impactful and increase your chances of standing out to hiring managers. For example, if you are a project manager applying for a role that emphasizes event management, include your experience in event management in your headline.

Resume Template 150020 Download it here →

Resume headline vs. resume title

A resume headline is a brief phrase or sentence at the top of your resume’s summary section, highlighting your key strengths and qualifications. It grabs the reader’s attention and answers the question, “Why should we hire you?” By showcasing your impressive achievements and skills, it provides a concise overview of your value as a candidate.

On the other hand, a resume title is a straightforward statement, placed below your name and contact information, that states your professional title or job position. It helps the reader understand your area of expertise and establishes your professional identity.

Resume headline examples for different levels of experience

#1. resume headline examples for sudents.

• “Detail-oriented student with a passion for research and data analysis”
• “Creative and adaptable student with a strong background in graphic design”
• “ D iligent student with a 4.0 gpa and extensive leadership experience seeking internship in marketing”
• “ A ward-winning scholar with 3 years of research experience eager to contribute to scientific innovation”
• “ M ultilingual student with fluency in 4 languages and study abroad experience seeking international business internship”

#2.  Resume Headline Examples for  Entry-Level

• Recent graduate with strong coding skills and test strategy experience
• Ambitious recent graduate with a strong work ethic and proven leadership skills
• Motivated Entry-level professional with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Detail-oriented recent graduate with a track record of meeting deadlines and delivering quality results
• Energetic and enthusiastic entry-level candidate ready to contribute to a dynamic team
• Results-driven recent graduate with a passion for learning and a drive to succeed
• Personable customer service representative proficient in Zendesk (CRM) system

#3. Resume Headline Examples for  Mid-Level

• Experienced project manager with 5+ years, delivering 95% on-time project completion
• Financial analyst with 5+ years, improving profit margins by 15% annually
• HR Manager with 5+ years, reducing turnover by 25% through effective retention strategies
• Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaign management
• Experienced project manager skilled in cross-functional team leadership and process optimization
• Seasoned human resources specialist with expertise in employee relations and talent acquisition

#4.  Resume Headline Examples for Senior-Level

• Senior project manager with 15+ years, delivering 98% on-time project completion rate
• Seasoned financial executive with 20+ years, optimizing profit margins by 25% annually
• Senior HR Manager with 12+ years, reducing turnover by 30% through strategic retention initiatives
• Accomplished sales director with 10+ years, consistently exceeding sales targets by 30%
• Results-driven operations executive with a history of improving efficiency and reducing costs by $1 million annually
• Seasoned marketing director with a proven track record of increasing market share by 20% in competitive industries
• Senior software engineer with extensive experience in developing scalable solutions for enterprise-level applications

#5.  Resume Headline Examples for Managers

• “Strategic marketing manager with expertise in brand development and market penetration strategies”
• “Results-driven sales manager known for building high-performing teams and exceeding revenue targets”
• “Experienced human resources manager with a focus on talent acquisition and employee development strategies”

#6.  Resume Headline Examples for Customer Service  

• “Results-driven customer support specialist achieving a 30% reduction in average customer wait times”
• “Dynamic customer service professional recognized for achieving a 40% improvement in Net Promoter Score (NPS)”
• “Customer service supervisor ensuring 98% on-time delivery of Service Level Agreements (SLAs)”
• “Energetic customer care team lead facilitating 30% growth in customer service team productivity”
• “Customer relations specialist resolving 90% of customer issues within a 24-hour turnaround time”

#7.  Resume Headline Examples for Multiple Jobs

• “ A daptable team leader driving a 40% improvement in operational efficiency and cost savings in manufacturing and logistics environments”
• “ M ulti-skilled specialist recognized for achieving a 50% reduction in procurement costs and a 30% improvement in vendor relations in supply chain and finance sectors”
• “ D ynamic project manager delivering a 30% increase in on-time project delivery and a 25% reduction in budget overruns across it and construction projects”
• “ A daptive sales professional with a 40% growth in client base and a 35% increase in revenue generation across real estate and financial services”

#8. Resume Headline Examples for Nurse

• Skilled nurse with expertise in workflow optimization, leading to a 25% improvement in efficiency
• Dedicated nurse delivering excellence in patient care

#9. Resume Headline Examples for Engineer  

• Results-driven engineer with a track record of increasing efficiency and cost savings by 20%
• Experienced engineer with a strong background in project management

In summary, crafting a powerful resume headline is vital in today’s competitive job market. By using relevant keywords and showcasing your unique qualifications, a well-crafted headline can grab the attention of recruiters and set you apart from other candidates. The provided resume headline examples can serve as inspiration to create your own impactful headline that effectively highlights your skills, experience, and achievements.

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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 ."

CareerOneStop. " Applicant Tracking Systems ."

CV headline (99 examples + guidance)

You’ve probably heard that your CV needs a good headline in order to impress recruiters and encourage them to read your CV.

But what exactly is a CV headline, and how do you write a good one?

This guide will explain everything you need to know, and also includes 90 CV headline examples to help you get started.

What is a CV headline?

A CV headline (or title) is the very first sentence of your CV, and is intended to be a one line summary of what you can offer an employer.

It is a short punchy line that demonstrates your most important skills and experience , to reel readers in and make them notice your CV.

CV templates 

Why write a CV headline?

Recruiters and hiring managers see hundreds of CVs every day, and sometimes they will miss the good ones if they don’t capture their attention immediately.

So having a short sentence that proves your suitability for their vacancy at the  top of your CV , is the perfect way to ensure nobody skips past your CV.

A good CV headline will prove that you are a strong candidate within seconds of somebody reading your CV, which will lead to more responses and interviews for you.

CV headline examples

Summarising all of your skills and experience into one powerful sentence can be very challenging.

So, check out these example CV headlines for all industries and experience levels for inspiration and guidance.

Customer service

In customer service jobs you need to prove your service skills and experience quickly:

• Motivated customer service professional with 5 years luxury retail experience
• Junior customer sales assistant with work placement exposure
• Consumer technology expert with Google certification and a passion for customer service
• Call centre professional with expertise in travel and customer retention
• Customer support specialist with over 4 years experience in e-commerce sales
• Business and Management graduate with internship experience as customer service assistant
• Dedicated technical support wizard with a proven record of securing over 98% positive customer feedback
• Talented customer service manager with over 11 years experience in the insurance industry
• Bilingual customer service assistant with experience in travel and hospitality
• Results-driven customer service team leader with NVQ Diploma in Customer Services

Build your CV now 

Sales is a competitive industry, so it’s crucial to grab recruiters’ attention instantly:

• Results-driven sales representative who consistently exceeds monthly targets by over 25%
• Senior sales executive with over 10 years experience in pharmaceutical sales
• Recent graduate achieving 1st class honours in sales and marketing management degree
• Sales consultant with a proven track record of hitting and exceeding KPIs
• Accomplished regional field sales executive with 12 years in the automotive industry
• Talented sales advisor who excels in high-pressure environments
• Client account executive with 6 years sales experience within a ‘Big 4’ firm
• Trainee consultant with great communication skills and ability to form strong clients relationships
• Sales representative offering 14 years of diverse sales experience including automotive, recruitment and retail
• Gifted sales manager voted ‘Sales Manager of the Year’ in the 2021 Women in Sales awards

Project management

Project managers are required to meet objectives and get results, therefore they need to be able to showcase these skills effectively:

• Retail project manager with experience managing projects worth up to £1 million
• IT project manager with 7 years experience in computer science
• PRINCE2 qualified project manager with 4 years experience in digital marketing
• Project engineer regularly responsible for the health and safety of 50+ on-site workers
• Driven entry-level project manager who thrives in fast-paced work environments
• Passionate project coordinator frequently supporting teams of 100+ professionals
• Collaborative and creative assistant project manager with 2 years experience in business services
• Office manager and administration expert with strong time management and organisational skills
• Senior project manager who consistently delivers projects up to 22% below budget
• Highly organised regional office manager with experience of overseeing 20+ workplaces

IT jobs require a lot of technical skills and know-how, so it’s important to show recruiters you’ve got what it takes right away:

• Chief information officer with 15+ years experience voted ‘CIO of the Year’ in 2021
• A junior technician with experience in device testing and critical thinking
• Certified information systems auditor (CISA) with proven ability to develop and maintain audit software
• Successful hardware technician who can tackle the most intricate server issues
• Senior field technician with 8 years experience in the engineering industry
• Motivated entry-level field service engineer with commercial internship exposure
• Google certified cloud architect, proficient in 4 HTML, JavaScript, CSS and Python
• Help desk analyst with exceptional organisation and customer service skills
• Business analyst with over 9 years experience in investment banking and finance
• Experienced Java developer who excels in fast-paced working environments

Administrative roles keep the business world turning, so your CV must quickly display your meticulous administrative abilities:

• Organised and efficient personal assistant who has supported two FTSE 100 directors
• Approachable receptionist with 10 years experience in the hospitality industry
• Timely and organised claims administrator skilled in dealing with 20+ medical claims per day
• Buying administrative assistant with 5 years experience in the retail industry
• Multilingual administrator with 6 years experience in hospitality, helping customers from all over the world
• Award-winning customer service administrator with impressive communication skills
• Exceptional office manager, typically organising and overseeing 200+ employees
• Goal-orientated administrator with experience working for government institutions
• Vaccination administrative support professional who played a big role in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout
• Enthusiastic and highly-organised receptionist, proficient in data entry and analysis

School leaver

As a school leaver or student , you might not have a lot of experience, so focus on showing the employer what you do have to offer from your studies:

• Final year computer science student hoping to progress into a software developer role
• Enterprising A-level student studying graphic design and art, freelancing as a graphic designer
• Motivated second-year A-level student looking for opportunity to broaden retail experience
• Eager student in final year of A-levels seeking opportunity in customer support
• Young professional with exemplary educational record hoping to progress within the IT industry
• Aspiring historian, currently studying history and English literature at A-level
• Driven student currently working towards GCSEs with part-time experience in a hospitality role
• Final year A-level student looking for an exciting business and management apprenticeship
• A-level student and aspiring developer with experience in JavaScript and Python
• English language A-level student and part-time blogger, hoping to progress into digital marketing

Competition for graduate roles can be tough, so you need a headline that makes you stand out from the crowd:

• History graduate with internship experience as a museum assistant
• Modern language graduate, proficient in four languages, including Spanish and German
• Nursing graduate with 2 years experience as a healthcare assistant
• Recent graduate with a 2:1 in marketing, currently undertaking an internship as a digital copywriter
• People-orientated HR graduate with strong communication and people skills
• Fashion intern and recent graduate, leaving Brighton University with a 1st in textiles and 3D design
• Business graduate with 3 years experience as a research analyst
• Recent mathematics graduate looking to gain experience in the finance and accounting industry
• Creative and organised graphic design graduate with freelance experience
• Primary education graduate with work experience as a teaching assistant

Finance requires critical thinking , financial and accounting skills so you need to prove you’ve got way it takes quickly:

• Experienced financial analyst able to cut a company’s spending by up to 15%
• Junior finance administrator with 2 years experience in the retail industry
• Recently graduated accounts assistant looking to gain experience in the e-commerce industry
• Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) proficient in taxation, financial reporting and auditing
• Financial consultant who has helped over 20 startups raise their required funding last year
• Accomplished accountant with the proven ability to increase departmental efficiency by 30%
• Financial planner with 10 years experience in investment banking
• Award-winning senior accountant voted ‘Senior Finance Leader of the Year’ in 2020
• Results-driven finance manager with 16 years working in the public sector
• Approachable, enthusiastic mortgage adviser with excellent customer service skill

For teachers , to promote your excellent educational skills, you need to craft a powerful headline that grabs the recruiter’s attention:

• Friendly KS3 science tutor with excellent communication skills and tailored teaching approaches
• Level 7 accredited practitioner with experience teaching children with SEN
• Trainee teaching assistant with 2 years experience teaching at primary school level
• KS2 class teacher passionate about giving children the best possible learning opportunities
• Biology teacher with over 10 years experience teaching in secondary schools
• Education support administrator helping to underpin the student experience through key administration support
• Classroom assistant with experience supporting pupils with learning difficulties aged 10-15 yrs
• Education studies graduate hoping to gain some experience as a teaching assistant
• Upbeat, proactive and forward-thinking headteacher with 25 years experience
• English teacher with a proven record of helping students perform better than their predicted grades

How to write a CV headline

The job market can be competitive, and when you’re up against a lot of talented candidates, you need to do everything you can to stand out. A punchy and engaging headline is the perfect way to show the reader you’re the ideal candidate.

To do this, you should do the following…

Research your target jobs

You need to start by identifying the type of role you’d like to pursue. The job titles may vary slightly from company to company, but you need a good understanding of the job role you hope to secure.

Then, you can begin carrying out some research on the key industry and job requirements.

Looking at online advice and similar job descriptions , you can start to make a list of the most desirable skills, qualifications and experience that your particular role requires. You can then use these keywords in your headline (and throughout your CV) to highlight that you’re a good fit.

Keep it short and sweet

Sitting within your profile or personal statement , your headline plays a very important role early on in your CV. If done right, it will grab the recruiter’s attention and encourage them to keep reading the rest of your application. It gives the reader a chance to start building a good first impression of you within seconds, and given that recruiters are busy people, this is crucial.

Though it may be tempting to try and cram in as much information as you can about why you’re so great, the perfect headline must be informative whilst also being short and sweet. So, our advice would be to keep your headline to just one punchy sentence, ideally no more than 10-12 words.

Quick tip: You can save space and add some design flair to your CV by adding some icons to symbolise the contact details in your header (These are automatically added in our quick-and-easy CV Builder )

Tailor to your applications

Tailoring your CV to each job you apply for helps to highlight how your key skills and experience match the specific role being advertised. It also shows employers you’re serious about working for them.

And the same rules apply to your CV headline.

No matter how many jobs you’re applying for, you must create a new headline for each role. This is so that it carefully reflects the skills, qualifications and/or experience the employer is asking for.

This shows that you’re a good fit for the position and that you’ve done your research, boosting your chances of securing an interview.

Highlight your highest level of achievement

Your achievements are testimony to your skills, abilities and commitment to your career. Therefore, including your highest level of achievement in your headline gives recruiters an early indication of your impressive skills and accomplishments.

This can also be a great way to stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Remember, your headline is your chance to grab the recruiter’s attention, so don’t water this down with any old fact about yourself – shoot for the stars! Put your biggest and best accomplishment first to really grab their interest and encourage them to keep reading.

Add some numbers

Showcasing your achievements by including figures helps the recruiter to understand in a quantifiable way how you’ve added real value to businesses in the past.

This applies throughout your CV but can be particularly attention-grabbing in your headline.

For example, you can quickly prove you have the required amount of experience by saying ‘over 6 years in the industry’. Or perhaps you can show your results by adding ‘proven track record of surpassing monthly targets by 45%’.

So wherever you can, you should try to use specific figures to showcase your skills, but definitely try to get some in your headline.

Avoid clichés

Finally, as we’ve said multiple times, your headline is your chance to stand out, so if you resort to using cliché CV terms, it will be a big mistake .

Recruiters are bored of the same overused phrases that don’t really provide any information about you or your skills.

After all, anyone can write that they are a ‘hard worker’ or ‘team player’, but it’s far better to demonstrate why you are these things through key achievements, skills and figures.

This makes it much easier for the recruiter to see why you’re a strong candidate and means they won’t be bored by your application.

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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Management Resume Summary: 15 Examples to Help You Write Your Own

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Management Resume Summary: 15 Examples to Help You Write Your Own was originally published on The Muse , a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.

As the first section recruiters see, your resume summary should highlight your top accomplishments and skills, tailored to the specific position you’re applying for. This is especially important for management roles, where a standout management resume summary can help you get noticed in a competitive job market.

Let’s break down what a manager’s summary should include and give you templates and resume summary examples to help you create a standout one for various roles.

What is a resume summary?

A resume summary is a concise section at the top of your resume that offers a snapshot of your professional profile. Unlike a detailed resume experience section , a good summary for a resume provides a high-level overview of your most significant accomplishments , skills , and qualifications.

The goal is to capture the attention of hiring managers and recruiters by highlighting your key strengths and achievements in a few sentences or bullet points. It acts as a quick pitch to persuade employers to continue reading and consider you for the role.

Get that resume summary out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

Resume summary for management: how is it different?

A manager resume summary is a focused version of a resume summary that highlights qualifications and experiences specific to management positions. It emphasizes your leadership skills , strategic thinking, and ability to deliver results in areas like project management, office management, operations, general management, or retail management.

How to write a management resume summary

Your resume summary should not only showcase your qualifications but also set the stage for the rest of your resume, demonstrating to potential employers why you are the ideal candidate for their management position.

Follow these tips when writing your management resume summary:

1. Keep it brief

A resume summary usually has three to five sentences or a few bullet points. It helps hiring managers quickly see if you’re a good fit for the job without having to dig through your whole resume.

2. Highlight your leadership skills

Emphasize your experience in leading teams, managing people, and overseeing projects or operations. This could include examples of how you motivated your team, resolved conflicts, or achieved team goals.

3. Emphasize strategic planning and execution

Highlight your ability to develop and execute strategies that contribute to organizational success. Mention specific strategic initiatives you’ve led or contributed to, and how they impacted the company’s bottom line.

4. Demonstrate operational management skills

Showcase your expertise in managing day-to-day operations, optimizing processes, and ensuring efficient workflow. This could involve experience with budgeting, resource allocation, or process improvements.

5. Include quantifiable achievements

Include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your effectiveness as a manager. For instance, if you’re writing a project manager summary for your resume, you might mention increases in productivity, revenue growth, or successful project completions.

(Here’s how to quantify your resume bullets —even if you don’t work with numbers.)

6. Personalize industry-specific knowledge

Tailor your resume summary to reflect the industry you’re applying for. This can include specific industry-related skills, certifications, or knowledge of best practices. It should also include keywords and skills relevant to the job description, making it easier for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs) to identify your resume as a match.

Resume summary template

Here’s a general resume summary template you can use:

[Adjective] and [adjective] management professional with [number] years of experience in [industry]. Proven ability to [relevant skill] and [relevant skill] to achieve [specific result]. Adept at [specific management activity], with a strong focus on [key area of expertise]. Looking to leverage my expertise in [desired role] at [company name].

15 resume summary examples for management roles

Need more inspiration? Check out these 15 well-crafted management resume summary examples for different types of managers—one of them might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Example #1: Project manager resume summary

Detail-oriented and strategic project manager with 10 years of experience in IT and software development. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multimillion-dollar projects to successful completion. Adept at risk management and resource allocation, with a strong focus on meeting project deadlines and budget requirements. Looking to leverage my expertise in agile methodologies at XYZ Tech.

Find project manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #2: Office manager resume summary

Organized and proactive office manager with over 7 years of experience in administrative support and office operations. Demonstrated success in streamlining office procedures, improving communication, and enhancing overall efficiency. Skilled in team management and office software, looking to bring my strong organizational skills to ABC Corp.

Find office manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #3: Operations manager resume summary

Results-driven operations manager with 12 years of experience in manufacturing and logistics. Expertise in optimizing production processes, reducing costs, and improving quality control. Proven track record of leading teams to exceed performance targets and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Seeking to apply my operational leadership skills at DEF Manufacturing.

Find operations manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #4: General manager resume summary

Visionary and dynamic general manager with 15 years of experience in retail and hospitality. Known for driving business growth and enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic planning and team development. Skilled in financial management and operational efficiency, eager to lead the expansion of GHI Retail.

Find general manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #: Retail manager resume summary

Customer-focused retail manager with 8 years of experience in high-end fashion retail. Proven ability to increase sales through exceptional customer service and staff training. Strong background in inventory management and merchandising. Looking to bring my retail expertise to JKL Fashion Store.

Find retail manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #6: Assistant project manager resume summary

Efficient and supportive assistant project manager with 5 years of experience in construction. Known for assisting in the successful completion of projects by managing schedules, coordinating teams, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Seeking to contribute to the ongoing success of MNO Construction.

Find assistant project manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #7: Marketing manager resume summary

Innovative and strategic marketing manager with 9 years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Proven track record of developing and executing marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness and drive sales. Skilled in data analysis and customer segmentation, looking to bring my marketing expertise to PQR Marketing Agency.

Find marketing manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #8: Sales manager resume summary

Ambitious and results-oriented sales manager with 10 years of experience in B2B sales. Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth, developing sales strategies, and leading high-performing sales teams. Adept at relationship building and market analysis, seeking to leverage my sales expertise at STU Corporation.

Find sales manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #9: Human resources manager resume summary

Compassionate and strategic human resources manager with 12 years of experience in employee relations and talent acquisition. Proven ability to develop and implement HR policies that improve employee satisfaction and retention. Skilled in conflict resolution and performance management, eager to join the HR team at VWX Enterprises.

Find human resources manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #10: Financial manager resume summary

Detail-oriented and analytical financial manager with 10 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting. Expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and risk management. Proven ability to optimize financial performance and provide strategic insights. Looking to bring my financial expertise to YZ Finance Group.

Find financial manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #11: Product manager resume summary

Innovative and customer-centric product manager with 8 years of experience in product development and lifecycle management. Proven track record of launching successful products and driving market penetration. Skilled in market research and cross-functional collaboration, seeking to apply my product management skills at ABC Tech.

Find product manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #12: Hospitality manager resume summary

Guest-focused and organized hospitality manager with 10 years of experience in hotel management and customer service. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Skilled in staff training and event planning, looking to bring my hospitality expertise to DEF Hotels.

Find hospitality manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #13: Logistics manager resume summary

Proactive and efficient logistics manager with 7 years of experience in supply chain management and distribution. Proven ability to optimize logistics operations, reduce costs, and improve delivery times. Skilled in inventory management and vendor relations, eager to join the logistics team at GHI Logistics.

Find logistics manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #14: IT manager resume summary

Tech-savvy and strategic IT manager with 9 years of experience in IT infrastructure and project management. Proven ability to lead IT teams, manage budgets, and implement technology solutions that drive business growth. Skilled in cybersecurity and network management, looking to bring my IT expertise to JKL Tech Solutions.

Find IT manager jobs here on The Muse

Example #15: Customer service manager resume summary

Empathetic and results-driven customer service manager with 8 years of experience in customer support and team leadership. Proven ability to improve customer satisfaction and reduce response times through effective training and process improvements. Skilled in CRM software and conflict resolution, seeking to join the customer service team at MNO Services.

Find customer service manager jobs here on The Muse

Key takeaways

Your resume summary is a critical component of your management resume, serving as your first impression to potential employers. Use the examples and template provided in this guide to craft a compelling resume summary that showcases your management expertise and sets you apart from the competition.

Resume Objective Examples With Tips and How-To Guide

What Is a Resume Objective?

Should i include a resume objective, are resume objectives helpful during a career change, should i use a resume objective to explain an employment gap, how to write a great resume objective, resume objective examples, resume objective examples by job title, frequently asked questions about resume objectives.

The opening section sets the tone for your resume. To generate interviews during the job search, it’s important to grab the hiring manager’s attention as quickly as possible. In the past, job seekers typically relied on a resume objective to introduce themselves to prospective employers. In recent years, however, the hiring process has evolved in a myriad of ways. This guide will explore the resume objective and assess its value within the contemporary job market.

A resume objective is a concise opening statement that explains your career goals and why you’re applying for a particular job. While resume objectives were widely used for many years, they’re now considered outdated by most resume writers and recruiters. In its place, job seekers in today’s market have adopted what is referred to as a professional summary, profile, or summary of qualifications.

The primary reason for this shift is that a resume objective focuses on the candidate’s goals, whereas a professional summary demonstrates why the candidate is qualified for the job they’re applying for. A resume’s main goal is to generate interviews, and the best way to make a positive impression on the hiring manager is to emphasize the potential value you can bring to their organization.

The short answer is no in most cases. Not only does the resume objective take the emphasis away from your qualifications, but it risks making you appear dated in the eyes of potential employers. Even when writing a resume for a grad school or internship application, you’ll be better served by simply building a strong summary that emphasizes your most impressive academic achievements and relevant skill sets.

At a cursory glance, one might think this is a situation where having a resume objective might be useful. It does present an opportunity to explain your desire to transition into a new field. However, once you look deeper, the same drawbacks continue to emerge.

The truth is hiring managers aren’t interested in learning about your long-term career goals when reviewing your resume. They understand that you’re interested in the job because you’ve applied for it. Rather than explaining your objectives, emphasize relevant experience and qualifications from your previous industry that will allow you to excel in the new position.

This is another unique circumstance where the idea of a resume objective appears more suitable. Employment gaps can be incredibly challenging to overcome in the competitive job market, and providing context for the hiring manager seems like a viable strategy. Unfortunately, this approach tends to make the gap even more glaring and diverts attention away from your qualifications. An employment gap is better addressed during the interview and, in some cases, even the cover letter. It should never be the first thing you draw attention to on your resume.

While we can’t recommend using a resume objective, if you do opt for this approach, there are ways to heighten its impact. Rather than only highlighting your career goals, create an objective that emphasizes how your unique background and skills can create value for potential employers. Also, mention something specific about the company and why you’re seeking this opportunity. This allows you to tell some of your story while also demonstrating how your qualifications align with the roles you’re targeting.

New graduate

A recent graduate with a degree in web design, specializing in user experience (UX) design, front-end development, and graphic design. Seeking a position with Pantheon Technologies to apply user-centered design principles in a forward-thinking work environment centered on innovation and real-world solutions.

A recent nursing graduate with entry-level work experience specializing in patient relations, post-anesthesia care, and process improvement. Seeking a registered nurse (RN) position with University of Pennsylvania Hospital to deliver exceptional patient-centered care and grow as a medical professional within one of the nation’s leading hospitals.

A recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in economics, specializing in finance, financial modeling, accounting principles, and risk assessment. Seeking an internship position at Vanguard to forecast long-term business outlooks and identify financial risks for clients at one of the world’s largest investment firms.

Career or industry change

A military veteran with over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, fleet management, and procurement. Seeking a position at Olsen Manufacturing to transition from a military career to the private sector. A proven track record of overseeing multi-million-dollar supply chains to support military operations.

A server with seven years of professional experience specializing in upselling, client relations, customer service, and communication. Seeking a sales representative position with Morgan Electronics to transition from the hospitality industry to a sales career at an industry-leading technology company.

An event manager with eight years of experience advertising, planning, and executing virtual events. Seeking a marketing coordinator position with Cadence Inc. to transition from the events space to a digital marketing career. Adept at developing impactful marketing strategies to drive customer engagement.

Seeking advancement

A software developer with seven years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features and software solutions to enhance the UX. Seeking a technical project manager position with Aiden Corporation to advance into a leadership role.

A construction worker with eight years of experience supporting commercial and residential projects, including construction, home renovations, and landscaping. Adept at coordinating with diverse teams to execute complex projects on-time and under budget. Seeking a construction manager position with Ajax Construction Co. to further leadership growth.

A principal with nine years of professional experience specializing in policy development, program management, educational leadership, and school administration. Seeking a superintendent position with the Swarthmore School District to drive the success of students and teachers at one of the state’s highest-performing districts.

Administrative assistant

A results-driven medical administrative assistant with five years of experience specializing in office administration, calendar management, and patient relations. Seeking a position with St. Mark’s Medical Center to apply administrative expertise in a fast-paced clinical setting at one of the state’s finest hospitals.

Office manager

A dynamic office manager with eight years of experience supporting daily operations and managing calendars for C-level executives. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to enhance client communications and administrative functions. Seeking an office manager position with Allied Marketing Corp. to transition into a leadership role.

Sales representative

A sales representative with four years of experience specializing in cross-selling, cold calling, lead generation, and client relations. A strong history of developing customer relationships and identifying appropriate products based on client needs. Seeking a sales representative position with State Farm to continue career growth at one of the best insurance providers in the U.S.

Account manager

An account manager with six years of experience within the technology industry, specializing in business-to-business (B2B) sales and Software as a service (SaaS). A proven track record of exceeding sales quotas and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve the sales process. Seeking a position with Starlight Inc. to drive revenue growth in a fast-paced startup environment.

Software developer

A software developer with six years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features to enhance the UX. Seeking a developer role with Cubix to provide valuable contributions to cutting-edge software solutions.

Software engineer

A lead software engineer with eight years of experience developing innovative software solutions for enterprise customers. A proven track record of executing multi-million-dollar technology projects. Seeking a software development manager position with Genetech Solutions to fuel leadership growth at one of the world’s best innovators in the technology space.

Digital marketing specialist

A digital marketing specialist with seven years of experience specializing in brand messaging, Google Analytics, and SEO strategy. A proven track record of executing digital campaigns to enhance user engagement and drive market penetration. Seeking a digital marketing manager position at Impossible Foods to drive brand awareness for a leading plant-based food company.

Marketing manager

An experienced leader and brand marketing professional with over 10 years in health care, specializing in content marketing, brand messaging, and ad campaigns. A strong history of guiding dynamic marketing teams to execute high-impact digital campaigns. Seeking a marketing manager position with Better Help to raise awareness of mental health resources.

A customer service manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in continuous improvement, client relations, and cross-functional leadership. A proven track record identifying opportunities to enhance the customer experience and improve satisfaction ratings. Seeking to advance into a customer service manager role with TD Bank.

Customer service representative

A customer service representative with six years of experience supporting sales teams and turning cancellations into satisfied customers. Seeking a customer service team lead position with Astound Broadband to enhance client retention for a premiere internet provider.

Registered nurse

A registered nurse (RN) with over seven years of clinical experience providing quality care to critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU), oncology, and surgical units. A strong history of identifying opportunities to drive patient-centered care and improve clinical operations. Seeking a position at Columbia University Hospital to grow as a health care professional at one of the nation’s leading hospitals.

Medical surgical nurse

A certified medical surgical nurse with eight years of experience specializing in surgical care and patient education. A strong background of collaborating with interdisciplinary health care teams to deliver patient-centered care within high-volume acute care environments. Seeking to advance into a nurse manager position at St. Mark’s Medical Center.

A senior immigration lawyer with seven years of experience managing and navigating complex immigration, citizenship, and asylum cases. A strong history of serving as a client advocate and consistently achieving high approval rates. Seeking a position with Rosenberg LLP to provide exceptional legal services to clients at a reputable immigration law firm.

An associate attorney with four years of experience specializing in regulatory compliance, court litigation, legal research, and environmental law. A proven track record of navigating complex legal landscapes to obtain favorable outcomes. Seeking a position at Nelson Legal Associates to manage high-value cases related to environmental regulatory violations.

Project manager

A construction project manager with eight years of experience overseeing large build-outs and commercial construction projects valued at up to $25 million. A strong history of leading diverse construction teams and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Seeking a superintendent position with Ranson Construction Inc. to advance at one of the state’s top firms.

Technical project manager

An information technology (IT) project manager with 10 years of professional experience managing and building cross-functional teams from the ground up to execute multimillion-dollar enterprise-level projects. Seeking an IT director position with Cadence Technologies to advance as an industry leader at a company centered on innovation and real-world solutions.

HR recruiter

A human resources (HR) recruiter with six years of experience specializing in talent acquisition, recruiting, sourcing strategies, and learning and development. A proven track record of running high-impact recruitment initiatives to drive the retention of top talent. Seeking an HR manager role at Deloitte to grow within one of the nation’s leading financial firms.

Human resources specialist

A results-driven HR specialist with eight years of experience coordinating and enhancing HR operations. A proven track record of developing HR programs to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Seeking an HR manager role at Accenture to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruiting initiatives at an enterprise-level company.

Graphic designer

A senior graphic designer with over 10 years of experience specializing in brand messaging, digital marketing, project management, and UX design. A proven track record of defining high-impact visual solutions to drive brand awareness and sales growth. Seeking to advance into a digital design manager position with Arkline Inc.

UX designer

A UX designer with six years of experience specializing in UX research, design systems, user interface (UI) prototyping, and user-centered design. A proven track record of managing UX teams to develop design solutions for an unparalleled UX. Seeking a UX manager position at Ascension Inc. to drive innovation at one of the nation’s best web solution providers.

Should I use a resume objective instead of a summary? -

In most cases, it’s best to avoid using a resume objective in today’s job market. Career objectives have been largely phased out in favor of professional summaries, as they divert the focus of your resume away from your relevant qualifications and skills.

Why are resume objectives considered outdated? -

Resume objectives are considered outdated because they aren’t an effective way to grab the hiring manager’s attention quickly. Discussing your career goals is a topic much better suited for the interview, as your top priority should be marketing your skills and experience to potential employers.

How can I write a great resume objective? -

While it’s not advisable to clutter your resume with unnecessary details about your long-term career objectives, if you choose to include one, explain why you’re interested in this particular company and how you can provide value to their team.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

How To Write an Executive Resume [Template + Samples]

3 key takeaways

• Your executive resume should showcase your leadership impact with specific examples, quantifiable metrics, and key achievements.
• Tailor your resume to show your experience and skills align with the company's culture, mission, and values.
• Use Teal’s Resume Creator to craft an executive resume tailored to C-suite roles with AI.

In 2011, Harvard Business Review found that once a certain professional level was reached, functional and technical skills didn’t matter as much as strategic leadership skills and business fundamentals.

Having a resume that quickly conveys your leadership skills, strategic vision, and far-reaching impact is essential if you want to break into the C-Suite. Executive job seekers need resumes that tell a compelling story about how their leadership impacted business growth.

This guide breaks down each step, from picking the right resume format to tailoring your resume for specific executive positions.

Struggling to land interviews? Create a resume fit for an executive with Teal.

Understanding the executive resume

An executive resume is a targeted, professional resume designed to showcase an individual's success in high-level roles. Executive resumes are used by current executives looking for a lateral move in the C-suite or those in VP-level, or similar, positions looking to take that next step in their careers with a chief-level title.

Unlike standard resumes, executive resumes emphasize the ability to lead people to reach a goal. For companies hiring executives, culture fit is a non-negotiable. Therefore, executive resumes focus on leadership achievements and alignment with a company mission.

At the executive level, transition from proving your technical skills to proving your leadership skills. Ensure you show a clear leadership growth progression. Tailor your jobs to meet the requirements on executive job descriptions. With Teal’s Resume Builder, you can quickly create strategic resumes tailored to every job.

What to include in an executive resume

Executive resumes should be immediately identifiable at first glance—well-organized with common resume sections like contact information, work history, and skills.

These resumes should also contain a headline with your executive job title, examples of your leadership achievements, and an executive profile tailored for each application. Your executive resume should communicate your leadership skill set and experience—quickly. 

Here's what hiring managers want to see on an executive resume:

• Leadership ability
• Business impact
• Company alignment

Like all resumes, executive resumes need to include basic information about you:

Contact information

• Professional summary

Work experience

Here are some additional sections to include in an executive resume:

Executive summary

• Certifications and training
• Awards, honors, and projects
• Volunteer work

To optimize your executive resume, include each of these sections:

Your name is the most important information on your resume. It should be the first thing you see: at the top of your page, biggest font, boldest type. This is part of your personal brand.

Don't make employers search for how to get in touch. Follow your name with your email address, phone number, location, and LinkedIn profile. If you have a personal website or online personal portfolio, you can finish this section with a link in your resume . 

Reuse this contact information section on your cover letter.

Your resume work experience will make up most of your resume real estate. Teal recommends 15 resume accomplishments throughout your whole resume. Front-load your most recent and relevant accomplishments. Many executives, especially ones with many years of experience, struggle to remove previous companies from early in their careers. However, hiring managers are most interested in your most recent work, so you can cap your experience at a decade.

When you have climbed the corporate ladder, the trick to writing an effective professional experience section is to show how your efforts made an impact. Use metrics to quantify your impact. Numbers are great on a resume because they easily translate from one role to another. You can be sure everyone understands your contributions caused a 20 percent increase in sales revenue.

Each bullet point should instead be a highly specific key accomplishment that is a direct result of your work. Keep these focused on key business metrics like increasing revenue, decreasing costs, saving time, gaining accounts, and similar metrics. 

Teal's AI Achievement assistant uses a combination of action verbs, metrics, and needed project context from your job history to create compelling bullet points to highlight your top achievements for every job.

As a professional with work experience, your education should be at the end of your resume. In some cases, you can put your degree in a two-column resume template instead. An executive resume should always lead with work experience. 

Skills and competencies

At the executive level, your senior management skills are more important than your technical skills. A hiring manager needs to know you can inspire people. Add your soft skills throughout your summary, work experience, or resume headline, as long as they support your leadership experience.

Your skills section should focus on your most relevant skills, like process improvement, business development, strategic planning, critical thinking, and key executive skills, like change management or restructuring. You can mix in a few soft and hard skills, like public speaking and industry knowledge.

A strong resume summary pulls out key skills, projects, and wins from the resume body to create a snapshot of your career highlights. You can think of it as your elevator pitch to market yourself for an executive position.

To transform a basic resume summary to an executive summary, position yourself as an expert in one key skill. Relate your key achievements. Use numbers to prove your business impact. Frame out a story of how your expertise in this skill or subject has a repeatable track-record of success.

Resume headline

A compelling resume headline is a powerful tool for executives. Most people don't include one, and many others simply use a job title. Your resume headline should be an attention-grabbing value proposition. What compelling statement will entice someone to give you an interview and end your job search?

Think about your target position, as well as your personal philosophy or personal branding statement based on your years of experience. It's a clever place to preview your key accomplishments related to your strategic direction ability. You can include phrases like “award-winning” or “proven track record.” 

Your headline should include your target job title and your most enticing qualifications. Here are some examples:

• Visionary CEO with 10+ years’ experience leading Fortune 100 companies 
• Chief of Technology Officer specializing in DevOps, generative AI, and strategy
• Dynamic financial leader with a proven track record of revenue growth in new markets

Leadership training and certifications

This is an additional section that other candidates applying for the same position may not have. If you have additional certifications or training that better qualify you for executive positions, this can be a great differentiator for hiring managers.

Consider technical certifications, leadership development courses, and leadership training such as Creative C Leadership or Kellogg Management.

Awards and projects

If you have several awards that are all relevant to your job search, you can make a section for those awards and projects associated with a professional development organization or other professional affiliations.

This is where you list leadership achievements like “Business Leader of the Year, [Organization], [Year]” or “Spearheaded alumni association silent auction to raise 25k in 2019.”

Volunteer experience

You don't have to include this section, but if you have the experience it is a nice differentiator. This is where you should mention your senior director role or position on the board of directors for a nonprofit. Keep it relevant to your ability to lead people or champion causes.

How to address leadership achievements on a resume

Unfortunately, executive resumes often fail to focus on recent achievements or don't prioritize the right ones for the new role.

1. Display a proven track record of leadership

Show, don't tell. An executive resume should include several achievement examples. Each bullet point should highlight a highly specific key accomplishment that is a direct result of your strategic direction as a vice president or senior director.

Examples of leadership achievements

• Led a successful negotiation for a $100 million credit facility at a 2% lower interest rate than the industry average, enhancing the company's liquidity and investment capabilities.
• Led a global marketing team across five regions, aligning efforts and achieving a unified marketing message that contributed to a 18% year-over-year revenue growth.
• Managed a marketing team of 20 professionals, achieving a 51% increase in lead generation through the optimization of inbound marketing tactics.

2. Show results from your business development initiatives

Use numbers to communicate the value in your professional background. Excellent business leaders prove their impact on their resumes. Think about increasing revenue, decreasing costs, saving time, gaining accounts, and so on. Back up all your achievement claims with quantifiable evidence.

Examples of business development achievements

• Cultivated a high-performance finance team through strategic hiring and targeted professional development, leading to a 20% increase in departmental productivity and efficiency.
• Spearheaded the adoption of marketing automation and CRM tools, resulting in a 25% increase in marketing efficiency and a 20% uptick in sales conversions.
• Championed a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that increased online sales by 35% within the first year of implementation.

Teal’s AI Resume Achievements tool can write leadership achievements as metric-rich accomplishment statements for you.

3. Align your executive experience to the job description

In addition to your experience and qualifications, your resume should show your alignment with a specific company’s values and mission. The will help you stand out from the other candidates.

Common challenges when writing an executive resume

The most common challenge executives have when writing their resumes is having too much information.

Executives should understand better than most that time is money.  More words does not mean more impact. In fact, it's often the opposite. The easier it is to understand what you're capable of achieving, the more interest you'll receive.

Here are 10 items that don't belong on your resume, and how to fix them:

1. Anything other than your name on the first line

Include your name only, with no credentials or job titles.

2. A resume objective

Use a resume summary or executive profile instead.

Your degree, school, and its location. 

4. Graduation year

Your degree, school, and its location. ‍

5. Your street address

Include city and state only.

6. Your company email

Use a professional personal email address that your current employer can’t access.

7. Experience from 10+ years ago

Keep your executive resume focused on your recent experience.

8. A job title as a headline

Use a resume headline that incorporates your target job title and key qualifications.

9. Typos and mistakes

Use spell check and proofread your resume meticulously.

10. Too much detail

Use white space and bullet points to ensure your resume is user friendly.

Executive resume tips

To craft an executive resume that stands out, focus on your leadership achievements and align them with the company's mission and values. An effective resume will emphasize specific examples of strategic leadership and measurable business impact, highlighting your ability to lead and drive results.

1. Keep your format simple

Your executive resume must be as simple as possible. Most of the mistakes above have to do with overly complicating your resume. This will muddy your message. Stay laser-focused on why you’re the right potential C-level, senior executive, or vice president. You can expand on your notable achievements in your cover letter.

2. Cater to an ATS

Simplicity is key for online applications, which use applicant tracking systems (ATS). Professionals in recruitment and human resources use these systems to parse your resume. It generates a standard report for the hiring manager, making it easy to compare many candidates. 

3. Focus on your experience, not your age

The other theme you must avoid is ageism. If you detail the year you graduated or the year you got your first job, you open yourself up to age-related discrimination that could cost you an interview. Keep the focus on your recent leadership accomplishments and relevant experience.

4. Proofread

Use a word processor to spell check your resume. Mistakes are easy to make but will hurt your job search. Look for common typos spell check won’t catch, like “manger,"

Pro Tip: The Teal AI Resume Builder has spell check built in to help you avoid embarrassing typos.

5. Be sure each section is clearly labeled

All of the sections within your executive resume should be clearly labeled except your contact details. The labeled headings will help applicant tracking systems parse your resume correctly for human resource use. You don’t need to include sections that aren’t relevant to you.

You may also move the sections around. Arrange your resume logically. Keep your most compelling information at the top. Remember you want your most impressive achievements to be on the top half of your first page.

There isn’t a specific number of words or pages you need to limit yourself to, but if you’re curious about how long a resume should be , aim for two or three pages.

Executive resume template

The easiest way to get started with your executive resume is using a proven template. The best executive resume templates are simple, polished, and modern without being flashy or outdated. Here are some resume templates from Teal's library to consider.

Formatting an executive resume

Use a clear layout.

Hiring managers need to fill job vacancies fast, whether it's a sales rep or a new chief executive officer. Recruiters will scan your resume in seven seconds so your name, job titles, and impact need to be immediately obvious to earn a closer look. Keep your layout simple.

Recruiters tend to skim resumes in an F pattern, starting at the top, then the first section, then down the page. This visual scan takes seconds. Some executive recruiters favor a Z motion, preferring a more thorough review for hiring at this level.

Organize chronologically

The executive style resume format is organized and targeted. The most logical format for highlighting leadership experience on an executive resume is to use a reverse-chronological resume . By listing your professional experience chronologically, starting with your most recent position, you keep your most recent accomplishments top of mind.

The benefit of the revers-chronological format is that your most impressive work is typically recent and, thus, listed first. This is in line with the F pattern scanning technique, ensuring that your key achievements are noticed quickly. 

Two page maximum

High-level resumes have a lot of information. They describe many years of experience in three pages or fewer. 

The top half of your first page is your most valuable real estate. Make sure your name, headline, and summary are precisely calibrated to reach your goal. There’s advice for how to do this further down in this article.

Example executive resumes

Here are several samples of senior executive resumes with various job titles from Teal's library of 1,500+ resume examples .

Executive resume sample: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Why it works

This executive resume example is tidy while still being exhaustive. It's easy to find job titles, education, certifications, and skills within a few seconds.

Look at the top half of the first page (only one page is shown). The name is the first thing that stands out. The professional summary is brief, including plenty of keywords and metrics expected on a chief financial officer resume.

The career experience shows this executive's current position held, Chief Financial Officer, and quickly demonstrates experience in financial restructuring, financial planning, and business development. Similar to the executive resume summary, these bullet points include several eye-catching numbers to prove impact.

A right column displays the required skills and the executive's MBA degree. This is a great example of strategic planning to satisfy a job description.

Executive resume sample: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

This layout uses lots of negative space. White space can strategically draw the hiring manager's eye to certain information. This executive resume example uses white space around the job title, making it seem important.

The experience section of this resume example uses white space to emphasize the companies and job titles. Each bullet point uses white space at the end of the second line, making the accomplishments easier to skim.

There is no skills section on this page. This is strategic planning, showing off the experience by default. Whereas an executive resume example for a Chief Information Officer or Chief Operating Officer would have a dedication hard skills section, this Chief Marketing Officer knows her work experience is more intriguing.

Executive resume sample: Vice President of Marketing

A VP of Marketing knows the power of a strong personal brand. This resume example incorporates color, font styles, and clever positioning statements to showcase her extensive marketing expertise. The professional summary incorporates tailored key skills and precise job functions. The language throughout the resume is optimized and deliberate, as you would expect of a senior marketing manager.

This resume sample uses the right amount of color to make the headings pop. Your resume doesn’t have to be black and white, but keep your colors subdued. Again, you want to keep the focus on your accomplishments. Steer clear of bright colors. Use a dark green, purple, or blue instead. A bold maroon can work well, too. Make sure it shows up well on screen and on paper.

Keep the design elements like bullet points and color very simple to ensure the focus stays on your work, not your resume. Let your impact make an impression, not your document borders. 

Pro tip: use the same personal branding elements on your resume, online profiles, and cover letter. Your name will be one common theme, so style it the same way each time, e.g. Tina Miller vs. Tina J. Miller. Teal's Resume Builder and Cover Letter Generator can automate this for you.

More executive resume examples

Did we miss your job title target? Here are several more executive resume samples to references as you create your own:

• Chief Information Officer Resume Examples
• Chief Operating Officer Executive Resume Example
• Chief Technology Officer Executive Resume Example
• Chief People Officer Resume Examples
• Chief Administrative Officer Executive Resume Example
• Chief Revenue Officer Executive Resume Example

Does your resume look similar to these executive template samples? If not, follow along for a guide to write an executive resume with AI.

How to write an executive resume

The easiest way to create a senior executive resume on a professional template is to use a pre-formatted template. That way, you don’t have to worry about consistent formatting or designing a modern resume layout; the builder tool covers that, freeing you up to focus on the content.

Here’s how to build your resume in minutes with Teal's AI Resume Builder:

1. Upload your resume

Teal will parse your contact information, skills, experience, and education. Your information will populate automatically in the correct section. If you don't have a resume, you can upload your LinkedIn profile using the URL instead. You can edit any of the sections as needed.

2. Choose a professional template

Now that your content is in the builder, you can quickly preview your resume on several modern, professional templates. You can customize all the options.

3. Optimize your resume with the resume analysis tool

Your resume analysis will identify missing information, such as your location or phone number. It will also give you information about how to improve your existing resume. For example, it will recognize if you have more than 15 resume accomplishments. It will call out if your professional summary needs to be shorter.

You can edit the suggestions yourself or use AI features to rewrite it. Your score will improve as you change your resume.

Teal’s Resume Analysis will automatically identify errors and show you how to fix them on your resume.

Once you've written your full career history with metric-rich achievement statements and resume summary using Teal's AI, you can edit your skills.

4. Tailor your resume a the job with a match score

Once your resume looks right, copy and paste a job description for your ideal executive position. Teal will compare the job description to your resume and give you a match score . Don't worry if this score is low to begin with. Tailoring your resume to the job description will improve the score quickly.

If you’re missing relevant skills, Teal will highlight them. If you have those skills, you can add them to your resume immediately. Look to add soft skills to your resume summary and work experience. Add technical and hard skills to your skills section. The more you add, the more options you can select for future applications.

Go beyond excellent job fit by researching the company. As a potential company leader, your resume should reassure the recruiter that you can further a company mission. For example, if you want to be the chief executive officer of a struggling company, your resume should showcase your ability to manage crises, carry out your strategic vision, and your history of leading during a successful corporate restructure.

Tell a compelling story with your executive resume

An impactful executive resume is a great tool for a successful job search. Catch hiring manager's eye with a clean, professional resume layout that highlights your alignment to an executive role and company. Your resume must be more than a list of previous jobs; you need to tell a compelling story of your leadership prowess, strategic vision, and ability to motivate people to drive significant results under your guidance.

Streamline your efforts by using Teal’s AI Resume Creator . It ensures your resume is polished and tailored for every application. With easy to use AI features like the Achievements assistant, Professional Summary Generator, and Resume Analysis tool, you can write and optimize your resume efficiently in minutes, not days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should an executive resume cost.

The average executive resume is $200 to $2,000+. A professional resume writer will spend hours crafting your resume. You should have at least one intake phone call with your assigned executive resume writer to discuss your goals and experience and one review phone call after your resume draft is delivered.

Alongside your executive resume, you’ll get other professional documents that use the same visual branding. The deliverables will change based on what service you pick, but will likely include at least a cover letter and recommendations for your LinkedIn profile introduction. Executive resume writing takes time. This whole professional package takes several days to craft, so expect to compensate accordingly. For a faster, more cost-effective option, try Teal's resume AI . You can tailor your resume to every job with AI for $9 a week

What is the best format for executive resumes in 2024?

The best format for executive resumes today is a reverse-chronological resume format. It has a simple, modern layout that is easy to scan. It is well organized with clear sections and a logical flow of information. It makes good use of white space and bulleted lists. A resume in 2024 includes contact information, a resume headline, a resume summary, professional experience, skills, and education. Executive resumes should focus on leadership achievements and numerical results.

Is a three-page executive resume too long?

A three-page executive resume is not necessarily too long; however, it should be concise and relevant. The key is to ensure the first page is compelling enough to engage the reader and include only information pertinent to the target role. For those with extensive experience, it is acceptable to extend beyond two pages, provided each section adds value and demonstrates clear achievements and qualifications relevant to the desired position.

Caitlin Proctor

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