How to Write a CV Headline? [+45 Examples]

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Danuta Detyna, CPRW

Career Expert

Updated September 17, 2024

Reviewed by:

Caio Sampaio

Article Helpfulness:

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A CV headline is like a slogan in a commercial. It's punchy and designed to make the recruiters want more. Talk about making a great first impression!

Master the art of self-marketing and learn how to write a perfect headline for your CV.

This guide will show you:

What is a headline on a CV.
How to write a CV headline that grabs attention.
45 CV headline examples for various careers.
Why you should write a headline for your CV.

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Sample CV made with our builder—See more templates and create your CV here.

Looking for helpful tips about how to write your CV? There you go:

What is a headline on a CV?

A CV headline is a short sentence at the top of your CV presenting your professional strengths. It contains a CV title and highlights your work experience, relevant skills, and unique selling points. Its main purpose is to instantly catch the attention of the recruiters.

Here’s an example of a good headline for a CV: Passionate Nutritionist With Vast Expertise in Special Dietary Requirements

Is a CV headline and a CV title the same thing?

In short: no, they are not the same. A CV headline is a short sentence that contains a CV title. A CV title presents you as a professional in a few words, while a CV headline is longer and highlights why you’re a great candidate.

Why should you write a headline for your CV?

What would be James Bond’s CV title? Intelligence Officer

This CV title presents him as a professional, but there are many intelligence officers and only one 007. That’s why both you and Mr. Bond need a CV headline to make a killer (pun intended) CV.

So, if James Bond gave the CV headline a shot, it would probably look like: Fearless Intelligence Officer Who Saved The World Multiple Times. See how infinitely more attention-grabbing a good CV headline is?

All good, but what are other reasons besides standing out from the crowd? Let’s see:

1. It immediately grabs the recruiters’ attention

A CV headline is as eye-catching as Mr. Bond in a black tie. It summarises your CV in one attention-grabbing sentence and makes the recruiters want to know more about you.

Catching the hiring manager's attention is crucial, as, on average, a recruiter spends just 7 seconds looking at a CV.

2. A CV headline helps you get past the ATS screening

Just as Bond would effortlessly pass through any security system, a CV headline helps your CV get past the Applicant Tracking Systems in an equally smooth way. The key word is, well, “keywords” as a CV headline gives you more space to include the ones that ATS is looking for. That’s crucial since the use of technology by HR professionals is increasing, with most of them reporting using AI to support them at their jobs.

3. It highlights your experience and unique selling points

“I’m Bond. James Bond.” Talk about a guy whose elevator pitch needs just his name and a surname. Until you can do the same, stick to a slightly longer one. And that’s where a good headline for a CV comes in.

A CV headline not only presents your value as an experienced professional but is also a perfect starting point for crafting an elevator pitch. And just like an elevator selfie is a social media classic, an elevator pitch is equally needed in the professional world.

4. A CV headline is also suitable for less experienced candidates

Even before he became 007, Bond could use a CV headline to bring attention to his skills and work ethic. And that’s exactly what you should do if you don’t have much work experience. Present your top skills and other things that make you a perfect match for the job.

When making a CV in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional CV template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s CV builder will score your CV and tell you exactly how to make it better.

How to write a compelling CV headline?

First of all, be succinct and to the point. Leave writing long sentences to Ian Fleming’s successors. Okay, but what else should you keep in mind when creating a CV headline for your CV?

Place it at the top of your CV. It should go right under the CV header, which is the section that contains your name and contact information.
Write it in title case. This will make it even more eye-catching. You can use a free tool such as Capitalize My Title.
Tailor it to each application. It’s essential if you’re applying for different roles, but do that even when applying for similar positions at various companies.
Include keywords. Be precise and use the exact keywords the job ad mentions. Are they looking for a “social media ninja”? Then this is how you should describe yourself. Proper use of keywords can help you pass through the ATS.
Add powerful words. Consider starting your CV headline with a powerful adjective such as “enthusiastic”, “multilingual”, “dedicated”, etc.
Highlight your top achievement. If you have an impressive accomplishment, don’t hesitate to include it in your CV headline.
Consider mentioning skills. If you don’t have a jaw-dropping achievement or work experience long enough to specify it in your headline, focus on highlighting your relevant skills. That’s also a good idea when the job ad accentuates that some specific skills are crucial for the role.
Mention certifications. If the job requires any certifications, and you have them, don’t forget to reveal that in your CV headline.

Pro Tip: You can use this formula to make creating a headline for your CV easier: Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Impressive Accomplishment/Skill/Award.

45 attention-grabbing CV headline examples

Remember Bond’s CV headline? Granted, maybe you haven’t saved the entire world, but during your career, you’ve saved the day more than once. It would not have been possible without your unique qualities that a headline for a CV brings attention to.

Check out the examples below to get inspired and create an eye-catching headline for your CV:

Driven DevOps Engineer Who Worked for Google
Empathetic Nanny with +10 Years of Experience
Detail-oriented SEO Professional with 7+ Years of Experience
Meticulous Solicitor and Winner of the LexisNexis Award
Bilingual Office Assistant with 5+ Years of Experience
Graphic Designer Specialised in Mobile App Interfaces
Adaptable Customer Service Rep Skilled in Zendesk
Visionary Architect with 15+ Years of Experience
Versatile Content Strategist Skilled in SEO
Talented Music Teacher Specialising in Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele
Enthusiastic Fitness Coach Certified by ISSA
Strategic Business Analyst with 13+ Years of Experience
Dedicated Web Developer Specialising in Front-End
Strategic Executive Assistant with Exceptional Multitasking Skills
Certified Yoga Instructor Who Spent 6 Years Teaching Yoga in India
Multilingual Receptionist Fluent in Italian and French
Compassionate Nurse Practitioner Specialising in Geriatric Care
Resourceful Project Manager Delivering On-Time and within Budget
Motivated Marketing Specialist with HubSpot Certification
Creative Art Director with Award-Winning Advertising Campaigns
Skilled Electrician Experienced in Industrial Wiring Projects
Data Scientist with Proficiency in Machine Learning Algorithms
Customer Success Manager with a 92% Customer Retention Rate
Experienced Registered Dietitian with Diabetes Management Expertise
Bilingual Technical Support Specialist Proficient in French and German
Skilled Civil Engineer with Expertise in Infrastructure Projects
Motivated Team Leader with a Proven Track Record of Driving Performance.
Passionate Social Media Manager with a Track Record of Viral Campaigns
Energetic Event Coordinator Skilled in Planning High-Profile Galas
Dynamic Supply Chain Analyst with Advanced Excel Skills
Experienced HR Generalist Specialising in Talent Acquisition
Qualified Occupational Therapist Specialising in Paediatric Care
Accomplished Software Developer Proficient in Python and Java
Passionate Child Psychologist with +7 Years of Experience
Detail-Oriented UX Researcher Who Previously Worked for Instagram
Energetic Sales Representative with Excellent Communication Skills
Dynamic Elementary School Teacher Fostering Engaging Learning Environments
Qualified Financial Advisor Specialised in Retirement Planning
Motivated Sales Manager with a Track Record of Exceeding Revenue Targets
Talented Chef Who Has Worked at Two Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
Dedicated Waiter Awarded with the AAE by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
Empathetic Dentist with + 13 Years of Experience Specialising in Implants
Enthusiastic Teacher with a Background in Special Education.
Seasoned Financial Analyst with Expertise in Risk Management
Meticulous Accountant with Exceptional Attention to Detail

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your CV will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key takeaways

Now you know that your CV needs a headline, like Bond needs his Aston Martin. Let’s sum up before you go and write your own:

A CV headline is one short sentence at the top of your CV that proves why you’re the perfect candidate.
Its main goal is to catch the hiring managers' attention and make them want to read your CV.
You should always tailor your CV headline to a specific job offer.

Thanks for reading and bearing with all these James Bond references! If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to share them in the section below!

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