How to Write an Effective Title for Your Resume With Examples

Titles for Resume | How-to & Examples | Resume.com

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To make your resume stand out from other applicants, consider using a title on your resume. Hiring managers will look through many resumes or use applicant tracking systems to sort out resumes for them, so you need to capture their attention. In this article, you can learn how to write an effective resume title and increase your chances of getting a job interview by introducing yourself in a unique way.

What are titles for resumes?

A title for your resume is a short statement that summarizes both your achievements and your skills as a professional. People may call a resume title a resume headline because it should go at the top of your resume, right below your contact information. Your resume title is the first thing hiring managers see, so write it to capture their interest so they will look at the rest of your resume. The purpose of a resume title is to introduce yourself as a qualified candidate to employers.

How to write a title for your resume

Here is how to write an effective title for your resume.

1. Firstly, relate it to the job

Make your resume title unique to the job you’re applying to. Most of the time, you need to write a new resume title for each application you send to employers. By personalizing your resume title to the role, a hiring manager is more likely to read the rest of your resume. Do this by adding specific skills and qualifications that make you a good candidate for the role. Tailor your resume to the industry you’re applying to.

2. Secondly, use relevant keywords

Applicant tracking systems use keywords to sort through resumes and find qualified candidates, so it is important to use relevant keywords, skills, and qualifications to show you are a good fit for the job. Read through the job description and pick out specific keywords that you could include in your resume title. Also, look through similar job descriptions to find additional keywords to include. For example, if you see the keywords ‘customer service’ and ‘retail,’ you could write ‘ Experienced Sales Associate With Three Years of Experience Providing Excellent Customer Service in a Retail Setting.’ By choosing relevant keywords, you can pass through applicant tracking systems and move to the next step of the hiring process.

3. Thirdly, keep your resume title brief

Your resume title should only be one sentence long. Hiring managers are more likely to read your resume title if it is concise. Leave out any fluff, jargon, or cliches and include details that have real meaning. For example, replace the phrase ‘go-getter’ with adjectives such as ambitious, industrious, or diligent.

4. Fourthly, make it sound interesting

Hiring managers look through many resumes that are similar to one another. Make your resume title stand out by writing something that makes you sound different from other candidates. Think of unique adjectives that you can use to describe yourself as a professional. Remember to choose an adjective that makes sense for the role you’re applying to.

Examples of unique adjectives for resume titles:

  • Attentive
  • Cooperative
  • Detail-oriented
  • Diligent
  • Disciplined
  • Energetic
  • Imaginative
  • Industrious
  • Insightful
  • Investigative
  • Multifaceted
  • Personable
  • Strategic
  • Thoughtful

5. Fifthly, write it in title case

Write your resume title in title case without a period at the end. Title case is when you capitalize every word except for articles, conjunctions, and prepositions under four characters long. Always capitalize verbs, even if they are under four characters. Are and Is are two common verb forms you should capitalize in your resume title.

6. Sixthly, use specific numbers if applicable

Use numbers and percentages to show employers exactly what you have accomplished. Include things like how many years of experience you have, how many team members you have led or how much you helped a company grow.

7. Finally, thoroughly proofread it before submitting

Sometimes written words sound better in your head than they do out loud. Read your resume title out loud to make sure it is grammatically correct and flows well. Likewise, do this with your entire resume. Then, have another person proofread your resume and correct any errors. Have them read the job description first so they can decide if your resume fits the job well.

By following these steps, you can write a resume title or headline that hiring managers will notice.

Resume title examples

Here are some example resume titles grouped by various industries.

Agriculture

  • Diligent Farmhand With Three Years of Experience Caring for Livestock
  • Industrious Farmer With Experience Taking Care of 300 Cattle Each Season
  • Innovative Agricultural Food Scientist Responsible for Creating Biodegradable Food Packaging

Automotive

  • Experienced Mechanic With Specialty in Foreign Sports Cars
  • Hard-Working Service Writer With Excellent Customer Service Skills
  • Attentive Car Washer and Detailer With Experience Detailing Over 500 Cars

Business

  • Cooperative Sales Manager With Experience Leading a Team of 20 Sales Associates
  • Strategic Data Analyst Creating Solutions for Better Data Management
  • Organized Office Secretary With an Aptitude for Client Relations

Construction

  • Highly Skilled Contractor Responsible for Leading Multimillion-Dollar Projects
  • Disciplined Construction Worker With Experience in Project Management
  • Experienced Brick Mason With an Eye for Perfection

Education

  • Passionate English Teacher With 10 Years of Experience Teaching Advanced English
  • Dedicated Teacher’s Aide With a Passion for Special Education
  • Knowledgeable School Librarian With Experience Leading a Literacy Program for Disenfranchised Youth

Finance

  • Personable Bank Teller With Excellent Customer Service Skills
  • Insightful Hedge Fund Manager Who is Passionate About Getting Clients the Best Return on Their Investment
  • Experienced Chief Financial Officer With 10 Years of Experience Working at a Fortune 500 Company

Foodservice

  • Experimental Executive Chef With a Knack for Creating Mouthwatering Recipes
  • Good-Humored Server With Two Years of Experience Working in Comedy Clubs
  • Friendly Hostess Skilled in Providing Outstanding Customer Service

Healthcare

  • Personable Medical Assistant With Two Years of Experience Working in Hospital Settings
  • Passionate Nutritionist With Specialty in Early Childhood Eating Disorders
  • Attentive Certified Nursing Assistant With an Interest in Working at Mental Health Facilities

Retail

  • Trendsetting Stylist With a Love for Women’s Fashion
  • Friendly Cashier With an Aptitude for Customer Service and Product Knowledge
  • Experienced Customer Service and Sales Manager With Experience Leading a Team of Sales Associates

Technology

  • Innovative Software Developer Responsible for Writing Award-Winning Code
  • Intuitive Web Developer Skilled in JavaScript and HTML/CSS
  • Helpful Software Support Specialist with a Five Star Customer Satisfaction Rating

Trades

  • Experienced Journeyman Electrician With Over 10,000 Hours of Work Experience
  • Hard-Working Plumber With a Specialty in Residential Piping
  • Passionate Veterinary Technician With a Love for All Animals

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