Should You Have a Running Header on Your Resume? The 2025 Guide to Getting Noticed

Meta Description: Wondering if you should use a running header on your resume in 2025? Get the definitive answer, see expert examples, and learn to write a headline that beats applicant tracking systems. Read our expert guide and get more interviews!

Introduction

You've perfected your work history, polished your skills section, and chosen the perfect font. But then you pause on a seemingly small detail: the header. Should you have a running header on your resume? Does it go on every page? Is a "headline" the same thing? This confusion can lead to critical mistakes that cause your resume to be overlooked by both recruiters and the software they use.

While other guides give you a list of examples, they fail to address the core of this question, leaving you with lingering uncertainty. This article provides the definitive answer. We'll not only clarify the difference between a running header and a powerful resume headline but also show you how to craft a headline that is optimized for the modern hiring landscape, backed by E-E-A-T principles of experience and expertise.

Resume Header vs. Resume Headline: What's the Real Difference?

First, let's clear up the confusion. The term "running header" traditionally refers to text that repeats at the top of every page in a multi-page document (e.g., your name and page number). A "resume headline," however, is a short, powerful statement at the top of the first page that summarizes your professional identity and value.

The Verdict: For modern resumes, you should avoid a traditional running header on subsequent pages. It wastes valuable space and can confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Instead, you should focus on creating a single, impactful resume headline on the first page. Nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen candidates, making this distinction crucial for your job search success Jobscan.

Why a Powerful Resume Headline is a Must-Have in 2025

A resume headline is no longer optional; it’s a strategic tool. Here’s why:

Grabs Recruiter Attention in Seconds: Hiring managers spend an average of only 7.4 seconds on an initial resume scan Ladders. A strong headline immediately tells them who you are and what you can do.
Provides Immediate Context: It frames how the reader should interpret the rest of your resume, positioning you as a specialist rather than a generalist.
Boosts ATS Compatibility: A well-crafted headline is rich with the keywords and job titles that ATS platforms are programmed to look for, increasing your ranking in candidate searches.

How to Write a Resume Headline That Gets You Interviews: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this numbered list to create a headline that works.

Start with a Target Job Title: Be specific. Instead of "Software Developer," use "Senior Java Developer" or "Frontend Engineer (React)."
Add a Key Area of Expertise or Industry: What is your specialty? Examples include "Specializing in SaaS Solutions" or "with a Focus on E-commerce Logistics."
Incorporate a Quantifiable Achievement or Top Skill: Use numbers to show impact. For instance, "Who Increased Lead Conversion by 30%" or "Certified in Agile and Scrum Methodologies."
Combine and Refine: Put it all together into a concise, single line.

Real-World Examples (The Good and The Bad)

To make this practical, here is a table comparing weak headlines with strong, optimized alternatives.

Weak Headline (Vague & Passive)	Strong Headline (Specific & Keyword-Rich)
Experienced Marketing Professional	Digital Marketing Manager with 8+ Years in SEO & Content Strategy
Hardworking Nurse	Registered Nurse (RN) with 5 Years of Experience in Emergency Medicine
Results-Oriented Project Manager	PMP-Certified Project Manager Who Delivered a $2M Tech Project On-Time
Customer Service Rep	Bilingual Customer Success Specialist Focused on SaaS Client Retention

The Ultimate Resume Headline Checklist

Use this bulleted list to ensure your headline is flawless.

Do: Keep it to a single, concise line.
Do: Use keywords and titles directly from the job description.
Do: Use title case (capitalize the major words).
Do: Place it directly below your name and contact information.
Don't: Use generic clichés like "Go-getter" or "Team Player."
Don't: Make it a full sentence with a period at the end.
Don't: Let it wrap to a second line.

Your Secret Weapon: JobSeekerTools

Ensuring your headline, skills, and experience align perfectly with the job description is the hardest part of resume writing. JobSeekerTools takes the guesswork out of the process. Our platform analyzes your resume against the job you want, providing an instant match score and actionable feedback to ensure you beat the ATS and impress recruiters.

Conclusion

To directly answer the question: no, you should not use a traditional "running header" on your resume. It's an outdated practice that can hurt your chances. Instead, every job seeker needs a powerful, keyword-rich resume headline at the top of their document. This is your single most effective tool for making a positive first impression, communicating your value, and ensuring your resume gets seen by the right people.

Visual Guides

The Anatomy of a High-Impact Resume Headline

Infographic showing the anatomy of a perfect resume headline and why you don't need a running header on your resume.

The Formula for Success

A high-impact resume headline can be broken down into a simple, powerful formula:

[Job Title] + [Key Skill/Specialty] + [Quantifiable Result]

Core Components Explained

1. Job Title

What it is: Your target role or the position you're applying for.
Why it matters: Immediately tells the recruiter or hiring manager if you're a potential fit.
Example: Senior Software Engineer

2. Key Skill/Specialty

What it is: Your primary area of expertise or a specific, in-demand skill.
Why it matters: Differentiates you from other candidates and highlights your unique value.
Example: Specializing in Full-Stack Development

3. Quantifiable Result

What it is: A specific, measurable achievement that demonstrates your impact.
Why it matters: Provides concrete evidence of your abilities and accomplishments.
Example: Increased application performance by 30%

Putting It All Together: Examples

Good: Senior Software Engineer
Better: Senior Software Engineer specializing in Full-Stack Development
High-Impact: Senior Software Engineer specializing in Full-Stack Development, increasing application performance by 30%.

ATS-Friendly vs. ATS-Rejected Headlines

Comparison chart detailing ATS-friendly resume headlines versus common mistakes that get resumes rejected, answering the question of whether you should have a running header on your resume.

Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

A well-crafted resume headline is crucial for passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Here’s a comparison of what works and what doesn’t.

Headline Comparison

ATS-Rejected Headline	ATS-Friendly Headline	Why it Works
Vague & Uninformative
Results-Driven Professional	`Digital Marketing Manager with 5+ Years of Experience in SEO & SEM`	Uses a clear job title and specific, keyword-rich skills.
Creative & Unconventional
Marketing Guru	`Senior Marketing Associate	Content Strategy & Brand Management`
Lacks Specificity
Experienced Salesperson	`Account Executive - SaaS & B2B Sales - Exceeded Quota by 20%`	Includes a specific title, industry keywords, and a quantifiable achievement.
Includes Unnecessary Elements
Resume of John Doe	`John Doe	Project Manager (PMP)

Key Takeaways

Keywords are King: ATS algorithms scan for keywords relevant to the job description. Use specific titles and skills.
Clarity Over Creativity: Avoid jargon, clichés, or overly creative titles that an ATS won't recognize.
Standard Formatting: Use clear, simple formatting. Avoid complex tables, columns, or graphics in your headline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a resume headline the same as a resume objective or summary? No. An objective states what you want, and a summary is a 2-4 sentence paragraph. A headline is a much shorter, title-like phrase that declares your professional identity and key value proposition. It is more direct and impactful.

2. Should my resume headline be identical on my LinkedIn profile? It should be very similar, but you have more flexibility on LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn headline can be slightly longer and more conversational. However, ensuring it contains your primary keywords and job titles is still critical for being found by recruiters.

3. Where exactly does the resume headline go? It should be placed at the very top of your resume, directly below your name and contact information (email, phone number, LinkedIn URL). It should be visually distinct, perhaps with a slightly larger font size or bold text, to serve as the title of your career story.