How to Write a Resume Title (+100 Examples for Any Job)

Imagine sending a job application without a resume. 

Would you show up at the office with a carrier pigeon?

Or say “Hi, I can do stuff… trust me?”

We can thank Leonardo da Vinci for saving us from such awkward alternatives.

Yes – the same genius behind the Mona Lisa created the world’s first resume in 1482. 

At age 30, this original Renaissance man wrote to Ludovico Sforza, the Regent of Milan, pitching himself as everything from a bridge designer to a sculptor to a water management expert. (diverse skill set!) 

This is what it looked like: 

While we’ve come a long way from da Vinci’s 543-year-old application, one thing remains crucial in modern resumes. 

Making a powerful first impression. 

This is where the resume title comes in – a short line at the top of your resume. 

Let’s explore what a resume title is, how it is different from a resume headline, and how to write one, along with 100+ examples across various fields. 

What Is a Resume Title?

In simple words, a resume title sums up your professional identity, core skills, and relevant experience in 5-10 words.

Like a movie title – it’s short, impactful, and enticing enough to make someone want to see more.

Before a recruiter takes time to guess what you do, your title gives them clarity right at the beginning. 

For example:
Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO & PPC Expert
Certified Project Manager | Agile & Scrum Professional

Did you understand core skills and professional identity after reading these two titles?

Exactly, that’s the purpose of resume titles. 

Why a Strong Resume Title Matters to Employers

Would you miss a chance to make an impression on someone who’s supposed to hire you for a job? 

Of course not. 

Resume titles are an important aspect of that first impression. 

Seriously—no one wants to dig through a resume to find key skills or expertise, especially when they have 100 more to review. 

Make it easy for recruiters, and when you do, you ease their decision-making process. 

A well-written resume title subconsciously signals professionalism and attention to detail. 

Recruiters appreciate candidates who respect their time since they have 6-7 seconds for a resume. 

But that’s not the only reason resume titles are important… 

It’s also a keyword magnet. As you might know, including relevant keywords boosts the chances of passing ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters. 

Now, let’s look at the flip side… What if you don’t add a resume title? 

A couple of things would happen:

• Your resume blends in, making you seem like just another applicant.
• You risk being overlooked by ATS software scanning for clear titles and keywords.
• Without a defined title, you come across as less focused, less serious, and less interested.

Not adding it might cost you an opportunity, so why take a risk? 

Resume Title vs. Resume Headline: Key Differences

Many people confuse these two – but they’re not the same. Let’s clear that up: 

The Resume Title clearly states who you are professionally. It follows this framework:

[Job Title] | [Core Skill/Expertise] | [Certification or Industry Focus (optional)]

For Example;

Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO Expert

Resume Headline explains why you’re valuable by emphasizing the value proposition. It follows this framework:

[Adjective + Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Field/Industry], achieving [Notable Achievement or Result]

For Example;

Creative Marketer with 5+ years of experience driving 150% ROI in paid ad campaign

How to Write a Resume Title That Stands Out

Writing a resume title for the first time might be confusing.

People Google tips, read countless articles, and somehow end up with too much information and no clear direction. 

One piece of advice seems good.. Then another looks just as promising. 

So you wonder, “Which one do I follow?”

That’s where technology steps in… or more specifically – AI. 

Using AI to write your resume title is fast, efficient, and more importantly, accurate. It eliminates the guesswork by:

✅ Pulling relevant keywords directly from job description

✅ Identifying your top skills with precision

✅ Ensuring your resume matches what recruiters and ATS software are scanning for

Pro Tip: The Undetectable AI Resume Builder analyzes job listings, extracts the exact hard and soft skills required, and generates a tailored resume title in seconds. 

However, while AI might help, you still need to understand the process.

Here’s how to write the resume title. 

Step 1: Keep It Concise and Relevant

When it comes to resume titles, less and effective is the only protocol. Otherwise, it would lose its context and might fire back. 

• Why brevity is key (ideally 5-10 words) 

Consider the resume title like a billboard on a highway.

The drivers (or in this case, recruiters or ATS) have to grasp the advertisement at a glance.

That’s why a resume title has to be short (5-10 word range) and effective enough that every word pulls its weight. 

It’s because the titles are not only for human readers but for ATS systems.

This length is perfect for both as well as all other devices like desktop, mobile phone. 

Examples of good vs. bad resume titles

Step 2: Use Keywords from the Job Description

Adding keywords is important but adding them strategically is more important.

Let’s break down how to identify and use the right ones.

Original Job Post: Seeking Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Cloud Architecture (AWS). Must have experience with microservices and CI/CD pipelines.

From this, we can extract three types of crucial keywords:

1. Role keywords: Senior Software Engineer
2. Technical expertise: Cloud Architecture
3. Specific technology: AWS

But don’t stop at one job posting. 

Cross-reference 3-4 similar positions and check the company’s career page to identify consistently used terms. 

This helps you spot industry-standard terminology that recruiters commonly search for.

After that, use this formula: 

• 1 Role-specific keyword
• 1-2 Specialization keywords
• 1 Industry/domain keyword

For example;

Senior Software Engineer | AWS Cloud Architecture

How ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan for resume titles

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to filter and rank resumes based on how well they match the job description. 

The resume title is one of the first sections scanned, and it plays a crucial role in determining if your resume gets through.

The ATS compares the keywords in your title with those in the job description.

Titles with relevant keywords positioned first (e.g., role and specialization) score better.

Best practices for including industry-specific keywords

DO’s:

# 1 – Transform generic titles into specific ones that define your role.

Before: Software Developer

After: Senior Software Engineer | AWS Cloud Architecture

# 2 – Use natural language flow 

Good: Cloud Solutions Architect | AWS Infrastructure

Bad: AWS-Cloud-Architecture-Solutions-Expert

DON’T’s:

# 1 – Avoid keyword stuffing 

Bad Example: Senior Software Engineer AWS Cloud DevOps Microservices Python Java

Why? 

It reads like a shopping list rather than a professional title

Pro Tip: Use vertical bars (|) or colons (:) for clean separation and try to match exact phrases from the job description

Step 3: Highlight Your Skills, Experience, or Industry

All three of them are the core of a strong resume title. 

They instantly convey your value and relevance to recruiters while staying ATS-friendly. the role. 

Use this formula to showcase your skills, experience, or industry.

[Job Title] | [Core Skill/Expertise] | [Certification or Industry Focus (optional)] 

Fill in the brackets and your resume title is ready. 

If you’re still unsure about any of the three components, simply go to AI Chat and say:

“Hi Chat, I’m a [your profession] with [years of experience] in [industry]. My key skills are [list them]. Can you help craft a resume title?” 

Once you get your AI-generated title, run it through the AI Humanizer to ensure it sounds polished and professional.

Test it out in the widget below!

Step 4: Avoid Generic or Overused Titles

Using generic, vague, or overly creative titles can hurt your chances of standing out and passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Here’s how to avoid common mistakes:

1. Use Specific, Standout Titles

If your title sounds like everyone else’s, it gets lost. Instead of blending in, be precise and specialized.

Instead of: Experienced Marketing Professional

Use: Digital Marketing Strategist | E-commerce Expert

2. Be Clear, Not Vague

Vague titles confuse recruiters and often fail ATS scans. Make your title direct and role-specific.

Instead of: Team Leader

Use: Engineering Team Lead | Cloud Infrastructure

3. Avoid Cliche Buzzwords

Terms like “results-driven” or “hard-working” add no real value. Focus on concrete skills or achievements instead.

• Result-driven
• Dynamic
• Go-getter
• Hard-working
• Detail-oriented

4. Include Only Relevant Skills

Stacking unrelated skills confuses recruiters. Keep your title focused on your primary expertise.

Bad: Marketing Manager | Developer | Project Lead

Good: Marketing Technology Manager | MarTech Expert

5. Avoid Overly Creative & Lengthy Titles

Creative job titles may be fun but can be unclear to hiring managers. Also, long titles waste space and lose impact.

Overly creative: Chief Happiness Officer → Employee Experience Manager | HR Operations

Too long: Experienced Senior Marketing Professional with Digital and Traditional Marketing Expertise → Senior Digital Marketing Manager | Omnichannel Strategy

+100 Resume Title Examples for Any Job

Information Technology (IT)

• Senior Software Engineer | AWS Cloud Architecture
• Full Stack Developer | React & Node.js Specialist
• Cybersecurity Analyst | Threat Detection & Prevention
• IT Project Manager | Agile & Scrum Certified
• Data Scientist | Machine Learning & AI Expert

Healthcare

• Registered Nurse | Critical Care & Emergency Services
• Medical Laboratory Technician | Diagnostics & Analysis
• Healthcare Administrator | Operations & Compliance
• Physical Therapist | Orthopedic Rehabilitation Specialist
• Clinical Research Coordinator | FDA & GCP Compliance

Marketing & Advertising

• Digital Marketing Manager | E-commerce SEO Specialist
• Content Strategist | Social Media & Brand Development
• PPC Campaign Manager | Google Ads & Conversion Optimization
• Marketing Director | 10+ Years in Consumer Goods (CPG)
• Creative Copywriter | Storytelling & Conversion Focused

Finance & Accounting

• Financial Analyst | Investment & Risk Management
• CPA | Tax Planning & Compliance Expert
• Senior Auditor | SOX & Internal Controls Specialist
• Budget Analyst | Corporate Financial Forecasting
• Treasury Manager | Liquidity & Cash Flow Optimization

Education

• High School Teacher | STEM Curriculum Developer
• Academic Advisor | Student Success & Retention
• ESL Instructor | Adult & Youth Learning Programs
• Instructional Designer | E-learning & LMS Platforms
• University Professor | Published Research in Economics

Sales

• Account Executive | B2B SaaS Solutions
• Sales Manager | Revenue Growth & Team Leadership
• Business Development Representative | Lead Generation Expert
• Retail Sales Associate | Customer Experience Focused
• Enterprise Sales Director | Fortune 500 Accounts

Engineering

• Mechanical Engineer | HVAC & Systems Design
• Electrical Engineer | Circuit Design & Troubleshooting
• Civil Engineer | Infrastructure & Project Management
• Chemical Engineer | Process Optimization Specialist
• Structural Engineer | Seismic Design Expert

Customer Service

• Customer Support Specialist | CRM & Troubleshooting
• Call Center Manager | Team Training & KPI Optimization
• Client Relations Coordinator | Problem-Solving Expert
• Technical Support Analyst | SaaS & Hardware Solutions
• Customer Success Manager | Account Retention Strategies

Human Resources (HR)

• HR Generalist | Benefits & Employee Relations
• Talent Acquisition Specialist | High-Volume Recruitment
• HR Manager | Compliance & Policy Development
• Learning & Development Coordinator | Staff Training Programs
• Compensation Analyst | Pay Structure Optimization

Logistics & Supply Chain

• Supply Chain Manager | Inventory & Process Optimization
• Logistics Coordinator | Route Planning & Efficiency
• Warehouse Supervisor | Safety & Team Management
• Procurement Specialist | Cost Savings & Vendor Relations
• Transportation Manager | Fleet & Compliance Oversight

Hospitality & Tourism

• Hotel Operations Manager | Guest Experience & Team Leadership
• Travel Consultant | Luxury & Corporate Bookings Expert
• Event Coordinator | Corporate & Social Event Planning
• Front Desk Supervisor | Customer Service Excellence
• Restaurant Manager | Staff Training & Cost Control

Apply to More Jobs Faster

Job hunting can feel like a full-time job itself. And just when you think you’ve found the perfect role, hundreds of others are applying too.

But what if you could skip the stress and apply smarter? 

Thousands of people are using AI for multiple different reasons, you can use it to simplify your job application process. 

1. Instantly Create Your Resume With AI

Upload your current resume and connect your LinkedIn profile. Our AI Resume Builder helps you write resumes which avoids manual edits. 

2. Personalize Your Job Search

Set your preferences and filters, and our AI Auto Job Applier will handpick the best-fit roles tailored to your skills and goals. 

With Auto Job Applier, a single click lets our AI handle the entire process. It:

✅ Save time
✅ Reduce burnout
✅ Maximize your chances of landing interviews

Why work harder when you can apply smarter?

FAQs

Conclusion

In the end, you’ve got milliseconds to make an impression on both human recruiters and ATS systems.

Think about it… Would you rather be another “Experienced Professional” in the sea of job applications or the “Digital Marketing Strategist | E-commerce Revenue Expert” who makes recruiters pause and take notice?

In the time it takes to sip your coffee, a recruiter has already decided whether to read your resume or not. Make those words count!

And if you’re still tempted to use “results-driven” or “dynamic” in your title, Well…. that won’t be helpful in any way.

Want to test your title? Read it aloud. If it sounds like everyone else’s, it’s time for a remix! Try our Resume Builder!