Within seven seconds, your resume is scanned through and tossed into the rejected pile, or taken into consideration for an interview.
The determining factors? Concise language, quantifiable achievements, and a jaw-dropping headline on the first page that will convince recruiters and hiring managers that you are truly a one-of-a-kind candidate.
We’re all familiar with the typical resume headline that reiterates your job title or industry, for example, “Technical Program Manager,” or “Experienced Sales Professional.”
But how effective are such headlines?
Stephanie Mulholland, Associate Director for Human Resources Recruitment at niche recruitment agency Hunter Savage, suggests that generic headlines do little to catch a recruiter’s attention, and can easily be passed over in favor of another candidate’s resume.
“If you want to catch a recruiter’s eye, be as precise as possible,” Mulholland advises. “Instead of a broad title like ‘Experienced Professional,’ opt for a more descriptive approach: ‘Human Resources Specialist With 5+ Years in Recruitment and Onboarding Strategies.’ This gives a snapshot of your expertise immediately.”
Best practice for writing your resume headline
When deciding how to craft your resume headline in a way that sells you and your unique set of skills and experiences, while compelling the reader to want to know more about you, you must first bear in mind that your resume is never designed to be a one-size-fits-all. It must be unique and tailored to specific postings, even if they are similar. Therefore your headline should adapt slightly according to the job posting.
Keep it succinct
Remember, this is a headline, not a paragraph like your professional profile/professional summary, so this should consist of a maximum of 10-12 words and get right to the point about who you are as a professional. It should not be a full-length sentence, but a brief synopsis captured in a phrase.
View it as your dramatically reduced elevator pitch. What do you want recruiters to know about you within a few seconds?
Personalize your headline
Ditch the generic headline on your resume for something a little more intriguing and captivating. You can also have fun with this and get creative with your choice of words, using metaphors, strong adjectives, and active verbs.
For example, you could say “Recruitment Whiz Discovering Rock Star Talent For Over 8 Years.” This demonstrates that you have actually taken time and effort to think your resume through and customize it for the hiring manager or recruiter.
Spotlight your unique value
“Everyone has a unique selling point,” Hunter Savage’s Mulholland says. “The trick is to find yours and make it shine in your headline. Maybe you’re known for boosting sales or streamlining operations in your previous roles. A headline such as ‘Sales Executive With Proven Record of 150% ROI Growth’ can make a recruiter stop and take notice.”
Use industry-relevant keywords
“In the age of digital recruitment, systems often scan for these before a human even sees your resume. Ensuring you incorporate them not only increases your chances of being noticed but also reaffirms your expertise in the sector. Your headline is the gateway to your professional narrative, so make it count.”
In addition, Mulholland reminds candidates to always ensure that the rest of the resume content supports and amplifies what is promised in the headline, incorporating keywords from the job spec throughout other sections as well.
Some relevant keywords you can use include certifications or licences. For example, a project manager could include their PMP certification or Lean Six Sigma belt, as this would differentiate them from other candidates who lack or failed to include these qualifications. Including licences and certifications tells hiring managers that you are dedicated to your role and to your professional development, a green flag for employers, especially in the technology industry.
Your resume headline may only be one factor in your entire resume’s layout and content, but if you apply a little creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, you can convince the employer that you are indeed a star candidate.
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