My Account

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy. Tap “Cookie Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept All”.

Settings Accept

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

Choose type of cookies to accept

Analytics

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

Performance and Personalization

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

Advertising

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

Necessary

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here.

Save preferences

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

Create your CV now

A CV headline is like the tagline of a great ad — short, impactful, and crafted to spark interest. It's your first shot at making a memorable impression on recruiters.

To stand out in a crowded job market, you need to master the art of self-promotion. That starts with writing a compelling CV headline.

In this guide, you'll learn:

  • What a CV headline is and why it matters.
  • How to craft a headline that captures attention.
  • 45 standout CV headline examples across different industries.
  • The key benefits of including a headline on your CV.

Want to save time and have your CV ready in 5 minutes? Try our CV builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ CV templates and create your CV here.

Create your CV now

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

Need expert tips on crafting your CV? You're in the right place.

What is a headline on a CV?

A CV headline is a brief, impactful statement positioned at the top of your CV that showcases your key professional strengths. It includes a clear title and emphasizes your experience, relevant skills, and unique value. The goal? To grab the recruiter’s attention right away.

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’re not the same. A CV title is a brief phrase that defines your professional identity in just a few words. A CV headline, on the other hand, expands on that by adding a short sentence that highlights your key strengths and explains why you’re a strong candidate.

Read more: CV Layout: How to Lay Out Your CV

Why should you write a headline for your CV?

What would an ideal CV title be? Marketing Specialist

This title clearly defines the profession, but it doesn’t do much to set you apart. After all, there are countless marketing specialists. That’s why a strong CV headline is essential—it gives your CV that extra edge.

A powerful headline for this role might look like: Creative Marketing Specialist with Proven Success in Driving Brand Growth. Notice how much more impactful and attention-grabbing it becomes?

But aside from standing out, why should you include a headline? Let’s explore:

1. It captures the recruiter's attention right away

A CV headline is as striking as James Bond in a tuxedo. It condenses your entire CV into one compelling sentence, sparking the recruiter’s curiosity to learn 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 increases your chances of passing the ATS screening

Just like Bond smoothly breezes through any security system, a CV headline helps your resume navigate past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) with ease. The secret? Keywords. A well-crafted CV headline gives you extra space to include the specific terms ATS looks for. This is especially important as more HR professionals are using AI to assist in their hiring processes.

3. It highlights your experience and unique strengths

In the professional world, a powerful elevator pitch can set you apart. A CV headline acts as a condensed version of that pitch, offering a quick snapshot of your experience and what makes you unique.

It’s an ideal way to grab attention and spark curiosity about your qualifications. Just like an elevator selfie is a social media classic, having a clear and engaging elevator pitch is essential for leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.

4. A CV headline is also beneficial for candidates with less experience

You don’t need a long work history to make an impact. A CV headline can help you draw attention to your strongest skills, work ethic, and potential. If you're early in your career or changing fields, use the headline to showcase what makes you a great fit for the role—whether it's your abilities, passion, or relevant achievements.

Read more: What Should a Good CV Look Like?

Making a CV with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide, use ready-made content tailored to your job and have a CV ready in minutes.

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

How to create an impactful CV headline?

Start by keeping it clear and concise—save the long-winded sentences for novelists. But beyond brevity, here’s what else to consider when crafting a compelling CV headline:

  • Position it correctly. Place your headline at the very top of your CV, directly below your CV header (the section with 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 role. Customise your headline for every job you apply to—even similar positions at different companies.
  • Include keywords. Mirror the language in the job description. If they’re seeking a “social media ninja,” and that fits you, use that term. This boosts your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  • Add powerful words. Start with a compelling adjective like “motivated,” “bilingual,” or “results-driven” to immediately convey your strengths.
  • Showcase your top achievement. If you have a standout accomplishment, highlight it to add credibility and impact.
  • Emphasise your skills. If you don’t have a jaw-dropping achievement or work experience long enough to specify it in your headline, focus on highlighting skills most relevant to the job—especially those specifically mentioned in the posting.
  • Mention certifications. If the position requires certain certifications and you have them, include those in your headline for immediate relevance.

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

You may not have saved the world, but chances are you’ve made a real impact in your career more than once. Those moments of success are thanks to your unique strengths—and a strong CV headline is the perfect place to highlight them. It's your chance to shine and show what sets you apart right from the start.

Take a look at the examples below to help you craft a standout CV headline:

  1. Results-Driven DevOps Engineer with Experience at Google
  2. Compassionate Nanny with Over 10 Years of Experience
  3. Detail-Oriented SEO Specialist with 7+ Years of Proven Success
  4. Award-Winning Solicitor Recognized by LexisNexis for Excellence
  5. Bilingual Office Assistant with 5+ Years of Administrative Expertise
  6. Creative Graphic Designer Focused on Mobile App Interfaces
  7. Adaptable Customer Service Representative Skilled in Zendesk
  8. Visionary Architect with Over 15 Years of Industry Experience
  9. Versatile Content Strategist with Strong SEO Expertise
  10. Skilled Music Educator Specializing in Piano, Guitar & Ukulele
  11. Certified Fitness Coach with Enthusiasm and ISSA Credentials
  12. Strategic Business Analyst with 13+ Years of Insightful Analysis
  13. Front-End Web Developer Dedicated to Clean and Responsive Design
  14. Executive Assistant with Exceptional Organizational & Multitasking Skills
  15. Certified Yoga Instructor with 6 Years Teaching Experience in India
  16. Multilingual Receptionist Fluent in Italian and French
  17. Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with a Compassionate Approach to Care
  18. Resourceful Project Manager Known for On-Time, On-Budget Delivery
  19. Marketing Specialist with HubSpot Certification and Results-Driven Focus
  20. Award-Winning Art Director Behind Memorable Advertising Campaigns
  21. Skilled Electrician Specializing in Industrial Electrical Systems
  22. Data Scientist with Advanced Machine Learning Expertise
  23. Customer Success Manager with a 92% Client Retention Rate
  24. Registered Dietitian with Specialized Knowledge in Diabetes Care
  25. Technical Support Specialist Fluent in French and German
  26. Civil Engineer with Proven Experience in Large-Scale Infrastructure
  27. Performance-Driven Team Leader with a Record of Boosting Productivity
  28. Social Media Manager Known for High-Impact Viral Campaigns
  29. High-Energy Event Coordinator with Experience in Luxury Galas
  30. Supply Chain Analyst with Expertise in Advanced Excel & Logistics
  31. HR Generalist with a Focus on Effective Talent Acquisition
  32. Licensed Occupational Therapist Specializing in Pediatric Therapy
  33. Software Developer Proficient in Python, Java & Scalable Solutions
  34. Child Psychologist with 7+ Years Supporting Youth Mental Health
  35. UX Researcher with a Track Record of Success at Instagram
  36. Sales Representative with Outstanding Communication & Results
  37. Passionate Elementary School Teacher Creating Dynamic Classrooms
  38. Certified Financial Advisor Specializing in Retirement Strategies
  39. Sales Manager Consistently Surpassing Revenue Targets
  40. Accomplished Chef with Experience at Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
  41. Award-Winning Waiter Recognized by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
  42. Experienced Dentist with 13+ Years Focused on Dental Implants
  43. Dedicated Educator with Expertise in Special Education Programs
  44. Financial Analyst with Deep Knowledge in Risk Assessment
  45. Precision-Focused Accountant with Strong Analytical Skills

Read more: How to Write a CV: Guide & Tips for 2025

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:

matching set of cv and cover letter

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key takeaways

By now, it’s clear—your CV isn’t complete without a headline. Let’s quickly recap before you start crafting your own:

  • A CV headline is a concise sentence at the top of your application that highlights why you're the ideal candidate.
  • Its primary purpose is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and encourage them to read more.
  • Always tailor your CV headline to the specific job you're applying for to make the best impression.

Thanks for reading! If you have any feedback or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments below.

About Zety’s Editorial Process

Our editorial team has thoroughly reviewed this article to ensure it follows Zety’s editorial guidelines. Our dedication lies in sharing our expertise and providing you with actionable career advice that offers you real value. Every year, the quality of our content attracts 40 million readers to our site. But that’s not all – we conduct original research to gain a detailed understanding of the labour market. We take pride in being cited by top universities and leading media outlets in the UK and worldwide.

Sources

Rate my article: cv headline
Article Helpfulness: 5 (1 votes)
Thank you for voting
Danuta Detyna, CPRW
Danuta Detyna is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer and career advisor writer who specializes in everything related to crafting resumes and cover letters. She has extensive experience in the field and is dedicated to providing practical and effective advice to help you advance your career. Drawing on her legal background, she places great emphasis on thorough research and accuracy when creating career guidance articles. Her ultimate goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve greater professional satisfaction.
Linkedin

Similar articles

CV Header: Examples, Template & Design

CV Header: Examples, Template & Design

Your CV header is the first thing hiring managers see. It’s also the only part that connects the rest of your CV back to you. Get it right with our proven CV header template.