Let’s Talk About Your Resume Header – It’s More Than Just Your Name
Hey everyone, welcome back to Day 12! We’re diving into a critical part of your resume today – the header. I know, it might seem basic, but trust me, this small section can make a BIG difference. Think of it as the storefront of your personal brand. You wouldn’t open a shop with a messy, uninviting window, right? The same goes for your resume.
Did you know that recruiters and hiring managers often spend just a few seconds – some studies say as little as seven! – initially scanning a resume? That’s not a lot of time to grab their attention. Your header is prime real estate; it’s the first thing they see, and it needs to make a strong, positive impression.
It’s more than just your name and contact information; it’s an opportunity to showcase your professional identity and make it easy for recruiters to connect with you. So, let’s make sure yours is working as hard as it can for you.
To help you with this, we’ve created two helpful resources. Steven has put together a short video explaining why your resume header is so important, and we’ve also included an article with more details and examples to help you recreate yours. Check them out!
Article:
Key Components of an Executive-Level Resume
Video:
Create a Headline-Worthy Resume Header
Don’t Waste Those 7 Seconds!
While most people simply list their name and contact information, your header can do so much more! Think of it as prime real estate – a valuable opportunity to showcase your unique value proposition and grab the reader’s attention.
Here’s how to optimize your resume header:
- Go beyond the basics: Instead of just stating your current title, add a concise tagline that highlights your key skills and areas of expertise.
- Mirror the job description: Incorporate keywords, themes, and even the exact job title from the job posting to show you’re a perfect fit.
- Showcase your value: Use your tagline to address the employer’s potential pain points and demonstrate how you can solve their problems.
Examples:
- Instead of: John Doe, Project Manager
- Try: John Doe, Project Manager | Delivering Complex Projects On Time and Under Budget
- Instead of: Jane Smith, Marketing Director
- Try: Jane Smith, Marketing Director | Driving Brand Growth Through Innovative Campaigns
Ready to create a header that captures attention and gets you noticed?