When you create or edit your resume, you are asked to name your resume. The name you pick will be featured across the top of your resume in bold and colored text as the resume headline, so select a name that is memorable and professional.
Experts suggest learning about appropriate job titles before writing the resume title field. "First conduct a search for representative jobs that interest you," said Ginger Korljan, principal of Take Charge Coaching in Phoenix. "Whatever title you choose, the remainder of your resume should demonstrate why you are qualified for that position."
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
You are allotted up to 35 characters for the "resume name" field in the Resume Builder, so select your words carefully. Don't be afraid to use abbreviations to save space, and keep in mind that the goal of your title is to compel employers to keep reading your resume.
"An effective title includes your career objective and your strongest qualification; that could be years of experience, an industry credential or a job-related skill," said Pamela Hann, a workforce services specialist for the Kansas Department of Commerce.
"I would advise most clients to include at minimum their desired job target and the number of years of experience," said Joe Perez, owner of Seattle-based, resume-writing firm Writing Wolf.
Perez says that this is not the place to try to be clever or witty. "Employers want serious professionals who don't need to rely on gimmicks," he said. So avoid stunts like "Hire Me!" or "I'm Your Best Candidate!" and desperate pleas like "Out of Work and Need a Job." Also, steer clear of using your name for your resume title. "Jane Smith Resume" doesn't tell a hiring manager anything about your qualifications or job target.
Before and After Examples by Career Field
To get ideas about how you can craft your own resume title, check out these samples for a variety of industries:
Admin:
- Before: Secretarial Position Wanted
- After: Admin Assistant -- MS Office Expert
Sales:
- Before: John Doe for Hire
- After: Top-Ranked Pharma Sales Rep, 5 Yrs.
Technology:
- Before: Computer Programmer
- After: Sr. Programmer - Java/J2EE
Engineering:
- Before: Engineer
- After: Manufacturing Engineer -- Six Sigma
Nursing:
- Before: Nurse
- After: RN -- 10+ Years of ER Experience
Accounting:
- Before: Accountant
- After: CPA -- Accountant/Financial Analyst
Finance:
- Before: Finance Executive
- After: Bank Ops VP with F500 Experience
Arts/Design:
- Before: Graphics Designer
- After: Graphics Designer -- Adobe Suite/3D
Human Resources:
- Before: HR Professional
- After: HR Manager/SPHR/10 Yrs. Exp.
Retail:
- Before: Manager
- After: Big-Box Retail Manager--11 Yrs. Exp.
Marketing:
- Before: Marketing & Communications
- After: Marcom Manager -- Nonprofit Specialty
Public Relations:
- Before: Public Relations
- After: PR Specialist -- PRSA Certified
Education:
- Before: Teacher
- After: Elementary School Teacher/NYS Cert
Skilled Trades:
- Before: Brick Worker
- After: Brick & Stone Mason -- 6 Yrs. Exp.
Automotive:
- Before: Mechanic
- After: Diesel Mechanic -- WTTA L. II Cert.
Logistics:
- Before: Logistics Worker
- After: Logistics Manager -- 12 Yrs. JIT Exp.
Transportation:
- Before: Transport Industry
- After: Transportation Mgr. -- DMAIC Trained
Resume Titles for Special Circumstances
Career Change:
- Before: Technical Troubleshooter
- After: MCP Targeting Help-Desk Position
Military to Civilian:
- Before: Ex-Military Worker
- After: Army MP Seeking Police Officer Role
New Graduate:
- Before: College Graduate
- After: BSME Grad -- Available All Shifts
Workforce Reentry:
- Before: Stay-at-Home Mom Seeking Job
- After: Recruiter -- 10 Years of Experience
Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the Military.com Job Search section.
The Next Step: Get Your Resume Out There
Get your resume seen by companies that are seeking veterans like you. Post your resume with Monster.com.
