Resume Objective

So what is the resume objective anyway? It is a short statement at the top of your resume below the heading that tells the employer your goal and what you want in the job.

Some people advise to keep the objective simple and straight-forward, and others will tell you to make it powerful. Some will even recommend not to include an objective.

Although it is optional, you want to have an effective resume that hooks the employers' eye right away. So in order to let managers know you are passionate about that particular job, I do highly recommend that you include an objective.

The only exception to not use an objective is if you are applying for upper-level management. In this case, your summary and skills are the crucial parts.

And the question on whether to make it simple or powerful, it depends on the job you want.

Examples of a simple objective:

• To obtain a position as Sales Coordinator
• An entry-level marketing role
• An internship in the fashion field

Those are all okay if you simply don't have enough work experience and need an entry-level position.

However, to ultimately attract a manager's eye, a little detail goes a long way. So, instead, why not make your objective both simple AND powerful?

Options for a more efficient objective:

1. Incorporate both the position and industry of the job you are applying for. Examples:
• To obtain an entry-level marketing role in the field of fashion.
• To become an elementary school teacher in the private school sector.
• Seeking a human resources role in a university setting.


2. You can combine a positive task with the applying industry. Examples:
• To interface with customers in a highly, established auto dealership.
• To assist clients in a reputable physician's office.
• To help increase sales numbers in a high-end retail store.


3. For college students or graduates with not much background, you can start with a strong noun to utlimately announce yourself as a potential candidate. Examples:
• Campus newspaper editor seeking to write a features column for a known local news firm.
• President of the Student Senate looking to join the office of a district attorney.
• Honors graduate looking to earn an internship for a well-known ad agency.

Notice how these statements are a little more detailed but still straight-forward. That's how employers can see what your exact goals are rather than assuming you're going for just any job. That brings me to my next priority tip...

Stay away from words like "utilize", "advancement", "to grow", "opportunity", "my skills, abilities, experience", etc. These are too commonly used and will make your resume look like everyone else's.

Here are some examples of BAD objectives:

• To obtain a position at Mercedes.

Managers will think "What position??" The job is not specific, and although it includes the company's name, the employer will just think you want to work there only for the brand.

• To have a career-oriented position where my skills can be utilized to reach goals.

First off... "career-oriented" doesn't specify the position. And "reach goals"... what goals?? This is too vague, and it includes the word utilize which, as I explained earlier, is used too many times by other people.

• An office position with the opportunity for growth and advancement.

Well, everyone wants to advance in their job. But this is not specific and will make employers feel that you only want a job to get promoted.

• A dedicated worker with knowledge in customer service who can provide exceptional skills and operate in a fast-paced environment to the best of my abilities.

For one, this is too long. And two, there are too many general words and phrases. Overall, it's vague and still doesn't explain your immediate goal.

Additional Pointers:

It's okay to have multiple resumes with all different objectives if you're applying to more than one job. Most likely, you will have to.

Leave your specific qualities for the qualifications/skills portion.

Don't use a first-person basis, like I, my, me.

Overall, keep it short, specific, and straight-forward.

Ready to move on? Click on the next section -

Summary of Qualifications.

Or go back from Resume Objective to Main Outline