Attention-Grabbing Headlines & Summaries: How to Make Your Resume Stand Out!

Headlines and intros. We see, hear and read them everyday. On the news, on the web, in our emails, out and about on billboards and signs. They’re everywhere. Headlines and intros (or slogans) are so prevalent we’ve become desensitized to them. To get our attention, they have to be really good… and relevant!

This is especially true in the world of resume writing. Recruiters and hiring managers quickly sift through hundreds, or even thousands of resumes — usually with the help of an ATS or related screening software. Whether it starts with a long list or short list, most of the time they go through them the same way. Desensitized and uninterested, until that one headline or summary comes along and wakes them up from their slumber.

As a job seeker, I know how challenging it can be to stand out in a sea of resumes. One of the most crucial elements of a successful job application is a well-crafted headline and summary. These two elements can make or break your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Since it’s the first thing they see, they are like a gateway to the rest of your application, and they need to be compelling enough to make the employer want to read on.

A strong headline and summary not only highlights your skills and experience, but should also demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Not an easy task. But we can help.

In this article we’ll discuss:

1. Strong Headlines vs Weak Headlines (with Examples)

2. Strong Summaries vs Weak Summaries (with Examples)

3. Tips for Writing Attention-Grabbing Headlines and Summaries

4. Examples of Attention-Grabbing Headlines AND Summaries

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Strong Headlines vs Weak Headlines

A strong headline should be concise, clear, and relevant to the job you are applying for. It should also showcase your unique selling proposition and highlight your most impressive achievements. A weak headline, on the other hand, is the opposite. Unclear, obscure, too general. It can make you look unprepared or simply uninterested in the job you are applying for. It may also make it difficult for recruiters and hiring managers to understand why you have applied for the position. In other words, you will be labeled a resume spammer?! 😮

Examples of Strong Headlines

Here are some examples of strong resume headlines for different types of positions:

Sales Executive: Award-winning Sales Executive with a Proven Track Record of Exceeding Targets and Driving Revenue Growth
Software Developer: Highly Skilled Software Developer with Expertise in Full-Stack Development and a Strong Focus on User Experience
Human Resources Manager: Results-Driven Human Resources Manager with a Talent for Attracting, Retaining, and Developing Top Talent
Financial Analyst: Detail-Oriented Financial Analyst with a Strong Background in Financial Planning, Analysis, and Reporting
Customer Service Representative: Customer-Focused Representative with Exceptional Communication Skills and a Proven Track Record of Resolving Complex Issues
Graphic Designer: Creative Graphic Designer with a Passion for Designing Engaging Visual Content and a Strong Attention to Detail

Examples of Weak Headlines

Here are some examples of weak resume headlines for different types of positions:

Sales Executive: Looking for a Sales Executive Position
Software Developer: Software Developer with Some Experience
Human Resources Manager: HR Professional Looking for New Challenges
Financial Analyst: Recent Graduate Seeking Financial Analyst Position
Customer Service Representative: Customer Service Professional Seeking Employment
Graphic Designer: Graphic Designer with Basic Skills

Strong Summaries vs Weak Summaries

A summary is the statement or opening section that follows your headline. It summarizes your skills, experience and qualifications in no more than a few sentences. A strong summary should represent a snapshot of your career and highlight your most impressive achievements to date. A well written summary can help you stand out and make a great first impression. It can go a long way in demonstrating strong written communication skills (a valuable skill in any setting!).

It can help recruiters and hiring managers understand what you have to offer and why you are a good fit for the position. It can save them time and effort by providing them with the information they need to make an informed decision, or decide if they should continue reading.

Like a weak headline, a weak summary is just as likely to be ignored and may make you appear unprofessional or uninterested in the job you are applying for.

Examples of Strong Summaries

Here are some examples of strong resume summaries for different types of jobs:

For a Sales Representative:

Results-driven sales representative with 6 years of experience in exceeding sales targets and building strong customer relationships. Proven ability to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, negotiate and close deals, and drive revenue growth. Skilled in consultative selling, market research, and CRM software.

For a Software Engineer:

Highly skilled software engineer with 8 years of experience in full-stack development. Proficient in multiple programming languages including Java, Python, and JavaScript. Expertise in designing and implementing scalable and secure applications, as well as troubleshooting and debugging complex issues. Strong understanding of Agile development methodologies.

For a Human Resources Manager:

Results-oriented human resources manager with 10+ years of experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, as well as managing HRIS and payroll systems. Proven ability to build strong relationships with employees and stakeholders, and drive organizational culture and values. PHR certified.

Examples of Weak Summaries

Here are some weak examples of resume summaries for different types of jobs:

For a Sales Representative:

Looking for a sales representative position where I can use my skills to grow the company’s revenue.

This summary is too vague and generic. It doesn’t provide any specific information about the candidate’s experience or skills. It doesn’t use metrics or any hard numbers to demonstrate value.

For a Software Engineer:

Seeking a software engineer position where I can apply my programming skills and learn new technologies.

This summary is too generic and doesn’t provide any specific information about the candidate’s experience or skills. It doesn’t show how the candidate can add value to the company.

For a Human Resources Manager:

Seeking a human resources manager position where I can utilize my HR skills and experience.

This summary is too generic and doesn’t provide any specific information about the candidate’s experience or skills. It doesn’t differentiate the candidate from other applicants.

Tips for Writing Attention-Grabbing Headlines and Summaries

Remember, your headline and summary are the first things your reader will see, so make them count.

Use Keywords and Action Words

I always use relevant keywords and action words in my headlines and summaries. It grabs the attention of potential employers because I’m using their own words from their job posting. I use strong action verbs like achieved, created, and managed to introduce my skills and experience which I expand upon in the rest of my resume.

Keep it Short and Sweet

When it comes to headlines and summaries, less is more. I try to keep headlines to one line and summaries to no more than three sentences. This makes it very easy for employers to quickly scan my resume and understand my essential qualifications.

Make it Specific and Relevant

I always tailor my headlines and summaries to the job I am applying for. I make sure to highlight specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the position. This can often be the easiest part because I get to take details directly out of the job ad and add them into the resume and cover letter. This also shows employers that I have taken the time to understand their needs.

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Employers want to see results, so I always make sure to highlight my accomplishments in my headlines and summaries. I will include specific metrics such as percentages or dollar amounts within my Work Experience or Achievements section (if I’m including one) to demonstrate the impact of my work. This helps to show my value as a potential employee to the prospective employer.

Examples of Attention-Grabbing Headlines AND Summaries

I’ve provided examples of attention-grabbing headlines. I’ve provided examples of attention-grabbing summaries. But what do they sound like when you put them together? Here are a few examples of attention-grabbing headlines and summaries that you can use as inspiration:

Headline: Award-Winning Marketing Manager with a Proven Track Record of Driving Sales

Summary: As a marketing manager with over a decade of experience, I have consistently delivered exceptional results for my clients. My expertise in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns has helped me win multiple industry awards. I am confident that my skills and experience make me the ideal candidate for any marketing role.

Headline: Results-Driven Sales Professional with a Passion for Closing Deals

Summary: With a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building strong relationships with clients, I am confident that I can add value to any sales team. My ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities, combined with my passion for closing deals, has helped me achieve outstanding results throughout my career.

Headline: Creative Graphic Designer with a Flair for Visual Storytelling

Summary: As a graphic designer with a passion for visual storytelling, I have a keen eye for detail and a talent for creating compelling designs. My experience in both print and digital media, combined with my ability to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues, has helped me deliver outstanding results time and time again.

As you can see, these headlines and summaries are concise, specific, and highlight the candidate’s unique skills and experience in relation to the position. By crafting a headline and summary that showcases your strengths, you can make a strong first impression and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to resume headlines and summaries, there are a few common things you want to avoid doing.

Being Too Generic

I’ve seen many resumes that are way too generic. They use the same phrases and buzzwords that everyone else is using. This can make your resume bland and blended into the crowd, and not standing out as it should be.

Instead, try to use specific examples of your accomplishments and experiences. As I said earlier, numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements can come later. But you can still get specific. This will make your resume more memorable and impressive.

Focusing Too Much on Job Titles

Another common mistake is focusing too much on job titles. Your job title doesn’t necessarily reflect your actual responsibilities or achievements.

Instead, focus on the specific tasks and projects you’ve worked on. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and highlight your skills. This will show potential employers what you’re capable of, regardless of your job title.

Using Clichés

Finally, avoid using clichés in your headlines and summaries. Phrases like “team player” and “detail-oriented” are overused and don’t really say anything about your abilities or achievements.

Instead, try to use more specific language that describes your skills and accomplishments. Use words that show you’re proactive, creative, and results-oriented. This will make your resume more interesting and memorable.

Final Thoughts…

By following this advice, you can create headlines and summaries that effectively communicate your value to prospective employers. These two short, opening sections of your resume can set the tone and determine whether employers will consider taking your relationship to the next level, or dumping you at their inbox.

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