Landing your dream job doesn’t happen by accident. If you’re in the market for a new role, you need to give yourself the competitive edge. Luckily, there’s a simple solution.
Writing a compelling CV headline gives you the opportunity to pique recruiters’ interest. It’s a short snippet that hits on the main reasons you are the perfect candidate.
Of course, getting your CV headline right takes practice. You need to consider what it is that makes you unique, then concisely convey that. Weaving your skills, awards, and experience into a catchy one-liner isn’t easy—but don’t panic. In this article, we will take a look at the following topics:
Thanks to this guide, you will have an in-depth understanding of how to perfect your CV headline—and get one step closer to career success.
Before you delve into how to write a CV headline, it’s worth getting up to speed on the terms. While CV headlines and CV titles sound similar, they are not the same. In fact, there are key differences you should know. Let’s quickly break it down:
The CV title sits neatly at the top of the page. Usually no more than a few words long, it simply describes you as a professional.
In fact, the title is often the same as some of your previous job titles. For example, your CV title may be ‘SEO Specialist’ or ‘SEO Expert’.
On the other hand, your CV headline is your time to shine. Much like an elevator pitch, this short sentence helps you sell yourself to recruiters. Chances are, it will include the same words as the CV title but with more detail.
You may want to include how much experience you have, any awards you’ve won, or additional training you’ve taken. For instance, your CV headline may be “SEO Specialist with 7+ Years of Experience Working for Google.”
Now that you know what a CV headline is, you may be wondering why it matters. Not every applicant will include this sentence on their CV. So, why should you bother?
The job market competition is tough. On average, 118 candidates apply for each new job posting. If you want to make sure that you land an interview, you need to stand out. The CV headline helps you do just that. This line tells a recruiter everything they need to know about you and what you bring to the table.
The CV headline also provides an opportunity to work relevant keywords into your CV, which can help if a company uses applicant tracking system (ATS) software to filter the top candidates. When writing your CV header, you can include keywords that both the recruiter and the ATS are looking for, giving your CV the best chance of landing on the hiring manager’s desk.
Don't forget to use reader-friendly fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in your header—and the rest of your CV.
Ready to get typing? Creating an interview-winning CV headline doesn’t have to be difficult. Nobody knows your professional experience quite as well as you do.
However, if you’ve got a case of writer’s block, we’ve got you covered. Fortunately, there’s a winning formula you can use to make your CV headline:
Powerful Adjective + CV Title + Your Experience Level + Training/Awards/Skills
For example, Dedicated Marketing Manager with 15 years of experience and an MBA.
You can mix up the above formula to include or leave out certain parts. However, it works as a guide to help you get started. Putting a spotlight on the above information should give recruiters a sneak peek of your experience.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Recruiters spend an average of seven seconds looking at CVs, so the words you use in your headline matter. Use powerful terminology to make your application stand out from the crowd.
Adjectives to consider include ‘determined’, ‘experienced’, ‘diplomatic’, ‘dedicated’, and ‘enthusiastic’. Don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet.
While the formula will help you structure your CV headline, you will also need some tips to perfect this art. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
CV space is valuable, so keep your CV headline short and punchy. Aim for between six and nine words as a golden rule. Get to the point. You can write a longer description of yourself and your experience in your CV personal statement or profile.
What is it that makes you perfect for this job? When you’re writing your CV headline, you need to consider your unique selling point (USP) and make sure your headline reflects it. Take a moment to think about what experience, training, or awards you have that other candidates may not.
Your CV headline is a quick introduction to your application, so it should be one of the first things a recruiter sees. This means where you put it matters more than you may realise. You need to place it below your name on the CV for maximum impact.
You might think that you will get this right straight off the bat. That could happen. However, you want to put the odds in your favour. The more options you have, the better chance you have of selecting the perfect one. Put pen to paper and get moving. Create a few drafts and see which one you like best.
Taking a one-size-fits-all approach is a mistake. Yes, it might save you time, but it’s less likely to land you an interview. Whenever you’re applying for a new job, take a look at your CV headline. Does it match the criteria mentioned in the job posting? Can you tweak it to better align with the language in the job ad?
Let’s take a look at some CV title examples for popular jobs. Here are 35 options that will give you a taste of what works as well as some inspiration as you write your own:
While you may not want to copy one of these CV headline examples word for word, they should give you some ideas. Why not take a shot at writing your own now?
Recruiters spend just seconds debating whether to progress a candidate’s application or send a rejection, so be sure to include an attractive and explanatory CV headline to catch their attention.
For best results, include relevant keywords and keep your headline short and punchy. Showcase the most relevant, compelling information. Our CV templates and CV examples give you a great starting point.