Your resume is often the first impression that a prospective employer will have of you, so it’s important to make sure that it makes you stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by having a compelling resume objective.
But what exactly is a resume objective? And how can you write a great resume objective that will work for you?
In this article, we explore resume objectives and why they’re important. We provide tips on how to write one that will get you noticed, and share some examples that you can get inspiration from.
Let’s get into it…
Contents
What is a Resume Objective?
A resume objective is a brief statement that appears at the top of your resume to introduce yourself and highlight your career goals and objectives. It is forward-looking.
It’s typically only one or two sentences to explain what you’re looking for in a job or career, and what you can bring to the table.
RELATED ARTICLE: What is the Difference Between a Job and a Career?
Why is a Resume Objective Important?
A resume objective is so important because they:
- Give the employer an idea of what you’re looking for in a job;
- Showcase what skills and experience you can bring to the position;
- Help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar backgrounds and qualifications.
A well-crafted resume objective can make the difference between getting an interview and being passed over.
Another survey by CareerBuilder found that 70% of hiring managers want to see a clear career objective on a resume. This shows that a well-crafted objective can be an important factor in getting noticed by employers. (Source: CareerBuilder)
The job market is becoming increasingly competitive over time. More people than ever before now hold a college degree (Bachelors or higher). This means that being able to stand out from the crowd is more important than ever.
% of US Population Holding a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher)
In 2021, 37.9% of adults aged 25 and over had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 30.4% in 2011.
Source: United States Census Bureau
How to Write a Resume Objective
We’ve covered what a resume objective is and why it’s important. Now let’s take a closer look at how to write one.
Here are some top tips to help you craft a compelling resume objective:
1. Be Specific
Your resume objective should be very specific about the type of job you’re seeking, and what you can bring to the role. Avoid vague or general statements that could apply to any job.
“Seeking an exciting role in a dynamic company.”
“An energetic individual and a strong team player.”
“Looking for a Project Manager position delivering new digital products to insurance customers.”
“Managed teams of 10+ people, and delivered an increase in sales completion figures from 5% to 15%.”
Instead, be specific about the industry or job title you’re targeting and the skills and experience you have to offer.
2. Tailor Your Objective to the Job
When writing your resume objective, it’s important to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.
This researching company to understand what they’re all about. What is the company culture? What are their values? What is their mission?
You should also get a deep understanding of the skills and experience required for the specific role. The job advert or job description is your friend here. Use keywords from the job description in your resume objective to show that you’re an ideal match for the position.
According to a 2018 study by TheLadders, recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether to move on to the next candidate. By tailoring your resume objective to the job, you can make it clear that you’re a good fit for the position and increase your chances of getting noticed.
You can see from the screenshots below, taken from the study, that a large proportion of those 7.4 seconds is spent looking at the resume objective. So make it directly relevant to the role to maximize your chances.
Screenshots from The Ladders eye-tracking study
3. Highlight Your Achievements
Your resume objective is also an opportunity to highlight your major achievements and accomplishments. But remember point #2, and tailor them to the job.
For example, if you’re applying for a sales position and you have a track record of exceeding sales targets, include that in your objective.
4. Keep it Short and Concise
Your resume objective should be brief statement: one or two sentences at max. Keep it short and sweet, focusing on the most important points. A lengthy, rambling objective is likely to be overlooked by busy hiring managers.
5. Avoid Using First Person Pronouns
First person pronouns, such as “I” or “me” are too informal for a resume objective, so avoid using them.
Instead, use third-person pronouns such as “he” or “she.” This helps to maintain a professional tone and avoids making your objective sound too personal.
“I am looking to become a software engineer.”
“Seeking a software engineer role“
Resume Objective Examples
To help you get started, here are some examples of effective resume objectives:
“To obtain a marketing position at XYZ Company where I can use my experience in social media marketing to drive brand awareness and increase sales.”
“To secure a role as a software engineer at ABC Corporation where I can apply my skills in Java programming and agile development to create innovative software solutions.”
“To leverage my experience as a project manager to oversee complex projects at DEF Enterprises, delivering projects on time and within budget.”
As you can see, each of these objectives is clear, specific, and tailored to the job. They also highlight the candidate’s skills and experience, making them stand out from other applicants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-crafted resume objective can make a big difference in your job search.
It’s an opportunity to introduce yourself to the employer and highlight your career goals and objectives. When writing your resume objective, remember to:
- Be clear and specific;
- Tailor it to the job;
- Highlight your achievements;
- Keep it short and concise; and
- Avoid using first-person pronouns.
By following these 5 tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume objective that gets you noticed.
Your resume is your calling card, and your objective is one of the first things that a prospective employer will see. By taking the time to craft a compelling objective, you can make a great first impression and increase your chances of landing the job you want.
So why not start working on your resume objective today?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a resume objective always required?
Not necessarily. There is a school of thought that a resume objective can be an outdated addition to your resume, and that it takes up valuable space. Ultimately, it’s your decision as to whether it adds value to your resume and application.
Who should use a resume objective?
Everyone could benefit from using a resume objective. However, it is absolutely crucial for people looking to change career paths and for entry level roles.
In these instances, one would not necessarily have the prior experience to draw upon to demonstrate suitability for the role. Therefore, a forward-looking objective can help one’s chances of being considered for an interview.
What is the difference between a resume objective and a career summary?
A resume objective is a brief statement that appears at the top of your resume to introduce yourself and highlight your career goals and objectives. It is forward-looking.
A career summary also appears at the top of a resume, but is more focused on what you have achieved in your past career. It is backward-looking.
