The top portion of your resume is its most valuable real estate. Simply titling the document “Resume” is a missed opportunity to capture a hiring manager’s attention. A well-crafted header and title should immediately signal your professional identity and relevance for the position you are applying for.
Your Name and Contact Information
Your name should be the largest text on the page, serving as a clear identifier for the document. This design choice establishes a professional hierarchy and makes your name memorable.
Beneath your name, provide only necessary contact details. This includes a professional email address, your phone number, and a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio. It is common practice to omit your full physical address; your city and state are sufficient. Avoid using unprofessional email addresses, as this detracts from a polished image.
What Is a Resume Title?
A resume title, or headline, is a concise phrase positioned below your name and contact information. Its function is to act as a professional branding statement, immediately informing a recruiter of your professional identity and value.
This title is distinct from a resume summary or objective. A summary is a brief paragraph of your skills, while an objective states career goals. The title is shorter and more direct, delivering a quick snapshot of your expertise and making your resume’s purpose clear at a glance.
How to Write an Effective Resume Title
To write an effective resume title, start by analyzing the job description. Identify the specific job title and the most mentioned skills or qualifications to ensure your title aligns with the employer’s needs.
If your experience is a direct match, use the exact job title from the listing in your resume title. You can enhance this by adding your level of experience, using terms like “Senior,” “Lead,” or “Junior” to provide context.
To further strengthen your title, highlight a specialization or a quantifiable achievement. For instance, adding “Specializing in SaaS Sales” or “with 8+ Years of Experience in Digital Marketing” provides immediate depth. This specificity transforms a generic title into a strong statement of your qualifications. Remember to tailor this title for every application.
Resume Title Examples
For Entry-Level Candidates
For those starting their careers, the title should focus on the desired role and academic background. An example is “Recent Finance Graduate Seeking Analyst Role.” Another option is “Aspiring Graphic Designer with Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite,” which highlights specific skills.
For Mid-Career Professionals
Professionals with established experience should use titles that reflect their expertise. A strong title could be “Senior Marketing Manager with 7+ Years in B2B Campaign Strategy.” Another example is “Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) Specializing in Agile Methodologies.”
For Career Changers
When changing professional fields, the title must bridge past experience with future goals. A title could be “Accomplished Sales Executive Transitioning to a Customer Success Management Role.” Another example is “Experienced Educator Pursuing a Career in Instructional Design,” which clearly states the intended direction.
For Senior-Level Executives
For high-level roles, the title should convey leadership and strategic impact. An example is “Chief Financial Officer with a Record of Driving 20% Revenue Growth.” Another is “Vice President of Operations with Expertise in Global Supply Chain Optimization,” which communicates strategic capability.
What to Avoid in Your Resume Title
Avoid using generic buzzwords like “Results-Oriented Professional” or “Hard-Working Team Player.” These clichés take up space without providing specific information about your skills. It is also unhelpful to state the obvious with phrases like “Seeking Employment” or “Resume of John Smith,” as the document’s context makes this clear.
Be truthful in your title. Exaggerating your experience or claiming expertise you do not possess can disqualify you during the screening process.
Maintain a professional tone, as humor or casual language can be misinterpreted. Always proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes, because even a small error can create a negative first impression.
Naming Your Resume File
The name of your resume file is the first information a recruiter sees when you apply online. A clear file name is important for both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human recruiters, as a file named “resume_final_v2.docx” can get lost.
Adopt a simple formula to ensure your resume is identifiable. A best practice is “FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf”. To tailor it further, you can use “FirstName-LastName-JobTitle-Resume.pdf,” which shows you have customized your application. Always save and send your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and operating systems.