How to Add a Title to Your Resume

Writing A Good Resume Title

Be specific and concise. Since you have only a few words to include in your resume title, it is imperative that you make the title specific and relevant to your capabilities as well as the job you are applying to. A resume title that is very vague will say nothing about you, and a title that does not match the job title is likely to ensure rejection. Keep in mind that it is better not to have a title at all than to have a title that is irrelevant. Remember that a resume headline or title must only be a phrase and not even a full sentence and must communicate your value as a candidate. If you make the title longer than that, it would lose its value or purpose, and that is not desirable.

Make sure that the resume title matches the job description. It is very important that your resume title matches the job that you are applying for. One good way to ensure that this is done is to use keywords directly from the job offer. This way the recruiter will immediately recognize that your capabilities match perfectly with the job description. Keep in mind that you may need to write or tweak your job title to ensure that it matches each job that you apply for. This may mean some extra work, but the effort will be worth it if you end up being called for the interview or even getting the job .

Understand that a resume title is not always needed. When you are preparing or editing your resume for a job application always remember that the title is a desirable and not a mandatory portion of your resume. In fact, it may not suit your particular position, situation or even the job that you are applying to. At times it could even prove detrimental to your selection. For example, you have a varied experience a short title can be quite limiting. In these cases you may decide to drop the title and send your resume without it. That can work too, however, be sure to analyze the situation well before making your decision.

Look at examples of effective resume titles. When crafting your own resume title, it may be helpful to look at some examples of specific, eye-catching titles, such as the following: "Goal-Oriented HR Officer With Three Years Global Workforce Handling Experience" "Successful Marketing Manager with Multiple Product Launches" "Freelance Writer in Technology Domain" "Early Years Educationist with Experience in Handling Problematic Behavior Issues" "Bi-lingual & Detail-Oriented Secretarial Assistant"

Understanding Resume Titles

Understand what is meant by the term "resume title". A resume title is a short phrase that precisely describes your suitability to the job in question. It is the portion of your resume that catches the recruiter’s attention first and determines whether he or she will continue reading or not. It is a vital part of a good resume as it helps to differentiate you as a candidate from the rest of the applicants.

Know what a good resume title should include. It is important that your resume title is well-written and to ensure that it is attractive as well as relevant. A resume title is a brief phrase that describes your key competency, and preferably must be appropriate for the job you are applying for. It should be just a few words, not even a full sentence - like a tagline. Some examples of good resume titles include: ‘goal-oriented accountant with global accounting experience’ or ‘senior marketing manager with extensive online marketing campaign experience’. Of course, it's important to only highlight the capabilities that closely match the recruiter’s expectations for the role that you are applying for, as this will be crucial to your resume’s short listing.

Be aware of how the resume title can benefit your application. The most important reason for including a resume title is to grab the recruiter’s fleeting attention and make them recognize your suitability as a candidate. However, the resume title also makes the resume searchable (especially on online databases and job sites) and sets it apart from the pile of similar resumes lying in the database. Therefore, it is important to include relevant keywords in your resume. In absence of an interesting resume title, there is a significant chance that your resume will be overlooked or dismissed. By using the resume title to showcase your skills or experience, you are showing the recruiter that you are qualified for the job, before they even read the full resume.

Knowing When To Change Your Resume Title

Understand that it will be necessary to change your resume title over time. Resume titles play an important role in determining your success as a candidate when you apply for a job, as they showcase your capabilities from the very first glance. However, it is extremely important to keep your resume title updated, so that it reflects your growing capabilities as effectively and accurately as possible.

Change your resume title when you get a promotion. It may be necessary to change your title after a promotion, as your job position as well as your responsibilities are likely to change. Your new role may have a set of responsibilities that you never handled, or you may get some special skills that take your profile to a whole new level. In such a case, neglecting to change your resume title may get you overlooked for opportunities that you may be capable of handling very efficiently.

Update your resume when you have taken on additional responsibilities. When you are handed new possibilities at work, it is important to update your title to portray these enhanced capabilities. You may be given a new product to handle or a new geography to oversee, which can significantly enhance your personal profile. Whenever you gain experience that may be improving your chances to bag that dream job, just go ahead and display. However, you should refrain from over exaggerating relatively minor changes.

Rework your resume title when the current one loses significance. When you are applying a job that uses very specific skills or keywords, it is a good practice to tweak your title to showcase your fitment to this role. As mentioned in the section above, it is important to use keywords and phrases that are relevant to the recruiter with respect to the job being discussed.