If you’re reading this in confusion, wondering just what a resume title is, then you’re in the right place.

Resume titles (or headlines) have replaced the objective statements of years past by giving employers the exact job type that you’re seeking—all up front and with great clarity.

In today’s competitive market, you’ll find that many executive recruiters want to quickly digest your resume to scan for key details. Often, this means that they’ll read just the top half of the first page to gather relevant facts, and will skim through the rest to hit the high points of your background.

In this area, many people use the section heading “Qualifications Profile.” However, you can replace this header with a resume title, which allows you to communicate your leadership brand and corporate level—all inside the prime “real estate” of the document.

If you have missed the chance to put a title on your resume, here are some pointers on how to construct one, what it should contain, and how using it can accelerate your job search:

1 - Display your ultimate objective.

For most people, a resume headline should contain the desired job title in simple, concise terms, making the need for a traditional “objective” statement unnecessary.

Essentially, you’re telling the reader that you possess sufficient qualifications for this role, and that further reading will offer proof of your skills and achievements.

As an example, a resume entitled Operations Director would be followed with a summary paragraph that describes proof of increased efficiencies and reduced costs—possibly with examples of individual achievements that support these claims.

For candidates pursuing a C-level executive role such as CEO, CIO, COO, or CFO, the title can be spelled out to provide additional keyword matches on the full words.

Of course, you’ll want to carefully brand your qualifications at the precise level that fits your expertise. You may need to insert a more general word, such as “Professional,” “Leader,” or “Executive” to give a broader idea of the jobs you’re pursuing, such as “Sales Executive” or “Financial Services Leader.”

2 - Expand it if needed—but with caution.

It’s common for executive leaders with many years of experience to target a wide variety of jobs. However, it’s never a good idea to use just a single resume to do the work of many, as this can confuse nearly every executive that reads your portfolio.

For example, if you’re an IT Director that plans to pursue either program leadership or CIO roles, you’ll need to target 2 very different audiences with your executive resume.

In the same manner, a sales executive who is torn between remaining an individual contributor or taking the next step to become a Director of Sales should also create 2 distinct resumes that convey related credentials and executive competencies.

Your best strategy in a case like this is to differentiate each variation by displaying the same work chronology, but shifting qualifications so that the most relevant components appear at the top of each resume. You’ll also need to tune the font, presentation style, and keyword content for each executive resume so that it fits the position type.

Each resume should, of course, contain a different heading or title that points the reader in the direction of your desired career goal.

3 - Conserve employers’ time.

If there’s one common factor to today’s job market, it would be speed. Jobs are posted online in a matter of minutes, professionals can quickly spot them, and—to the frustration of job hunters—resumes are scanned in just a few precious seconds.

It’s difficult for hiring authorities to figure out what you want to do without guidance. Adding a resume title virtually ensures that the reader can see the connection between the company’s requirements and your leadership career goals.

In addition, a resume title will save YOU time by allowing recruiters to pass on contacting you if they don’t require your executive skills—leaving you more opportunities to focus on your BEST fit for a new position.

In summary, all of the content on your executive resume deserves careful consideration and design, but the resume title is a key factor in gaining access to interviews—and delivering a strong and compelling brand message.

There’s no more strategic way to communicate your value, career level, and ultimate job target in as few words!