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

Create your CV now

Danuta Detyna, CPRW

Career Expert

Updated 14 May 2025

Reviewed by:

Caio Sampaio

Article Helpfulness:

Create a 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

Use this template 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.

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.

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.

Create my CV now

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:

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

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

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)