The perfect resume objective statement (with examples of what to do and what no to do)
Are you stumped on what to include in your resume objective statement? Don’t worry – we’re here to help! This blog post will give tips on crafting a great resume objective statement that will make employers notice. So keep reading to learn more!
What is a resume objective statement – and when do you need one?
A resume objective statement is a sentence or two of introductory text that appears at the top of a resume. The objective statement tells the reader what job you are applying for or what you seek for your career. It should also briefly explain why you are qualified for the position. For example, if you are an experienced salesperson, your objective might be to secure a job as a sales manager in a company that sells products you are passionate about.
While a resume objective isn’t required, it can be helpful to include one if you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience (for example, in a career change). That gives employers a better sense of who you are and what kind of work you’re interested in. It can also be helpful when you know the role you are seeking, as it shows how your skills and experience match the job you’re applying for.
However, suppose you have several years of experience or are applying for a general role. In that case, it’s probably best to leave the objective off your resume: it can work against you by making you seem less focused and prepared.
How to write a resume objective statement?
A great resume objective statement will clearly and concisely articulate your career goals and qualifications to an employer. It should be tailored to fit your specific situation, as no two job seekers are alike. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing your resume objective statement:
- A great resume objective statement will clearly state what job you are applying for and what skills and qualifications make you the perfect candidate for the position.
- The objective statement should be specific and tailored to the job you are applying for. For example, generic words such as “looking for a challenging career opportunity” or “seeking a position in a growth-oriented company” are ineffective.
- Your resume objective should be one or two sentences long and placed at the top of your resume under your contact information.
- Avoid using pronouns such as “I” or “me” in your objective statement.
- Be sure to proofread your resume objective statement carefully, as errors can give the impression that you are not detail-oriented or competent.
Resume objective examples for multiple jobs
A resume objective statement is a vital part of any resume. When writing a resume objective statement, it is essential to keep it concise and focus on what you can offer the company. Here are some examples of good objective statements for a resume.
For a recent graduate
A great resume objective statement for a recent graduate looks like this:
This statement is effective for several reasons. First, it highlights the relevant skills and experience that the candidate has. Second, it demonstrates that the candidate is motivated by more than just a paycheck – they want to use their skills to impact the company positively. Finally, it shows that the candidate is willing to take on responsibility and contribute to the organization’s success. These are all qualities employers value in employees, so this statement is likely to catch the attention of hiring managers.
For an aspiring intern
An intern’s resume objective statement should be specific, unambiguous, and concise. It should also be tailored to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for an internship in marketing, your resume objective statement might read:
This statement tells the employer that you have relevant experience for the role and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success. It is also important to mention any skills or qualities that make you a good fit for the internship. For example, you might say that you are “hardworking,” “creative,” or “detail-oriented.” Ultimately, your goal is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the internship and that you will be a valuable asset to their team.
For someone new to the workforce with no high school diploma
Job seekers without a high school diploma often face significant challenges when entering the workforce. One of the most important things they can do is write a clear and concise resume objective statement highlighting their skills and qualifications. A great resume objective statement for someone new to the workforce might look something like this:
This example is compelling because it plainly states what the job seeker is looking for, highlights relevant qualifications, and sets realistic expectations. Without a high school diploma, job seekers need to be extra careful to ensure their resume objective statements are straightforward, honest, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development. By following these tips, job seekers with limited experience can increase their chances of getting their foot in the door.
For a career change
Changing careers can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to learn new skills, but you also have to sell yourself to potential employers. A great resume objective statement for someone changing careers should highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience. For example, if you are switching from a career in education to a career in sales, you might say something like,
This statement showcases your relevant skills and demonstrates how your experience can be applied to a new field.
Here is another excellent example of a resume objective statement for someone changing careers:
This statement immediately shows that the candidate has relevant experience while also demonstrating their willingness to learn new skills and put them to use in a new field. In addition, this type of resume objective statement can be further customized to highlight specific qualifications that may be relevant to the new position. Ultimately, including a well-crafted resume objective statement is a great way to catch the eye of potential employers and give yourself a competitive edge when changing careers.
What you should avoid to do
A resume objective statement is meant to give the hiring manager a glimpse of your skills and abilities related to the job opening. Unfortunately, however, some job seekers take this opportunity to list their personal goals or make other statements that are not relevant to the job. Here are some examples of bad resume objective statements and what is wrong with each of them:
- “To get a job” – This is far too general and doesn’t say anything about what kind of job you’re looking for or what skills and experience you have.
- “To make as much money as possible” – Again, this is too general and doesn’t demonstrate your value to potential employers. In addition, it suggests that you care more about money than the actual job itself.
- “To climb the corporate ladder as quickly as possible” – This shows that you’re more interested in advancing your career than actually doing the job you’re hired to do. It also suggests that you might be willing to take shortcuts or cut corners to get ahead.
- “To work in a relaxed atmosphere with nice people” – This shows that you care more about your work environment than the actual work itself. It’s also very subjective – what one person might consider “relaxed,” another might find stressful.
- “To find a challenging position in a company where I can use my abilities and skills to grow and develop.” This statement is too general and does not demonstrate how you would be a good fit for the specific job.
- “I am looking for a position that will allow me to use my customer service skills.” This statement does not say anything about what you can do for the company, only what the company can do for you.
- “I am an experienced accountant looking for a position in a midsize company.” While there is nothing technically wrong with this statement, it is not very interesting and does not make you stand out from other candidates.
Another thing you should avoid is listing duties rather than accomplishments. Your objective should highlight what you have done in the past, not what you hope to do in your new role. Furthermore, ensure that your objective statement is clear and concise; long, rambling sentences will confuse your reader. Bottom line: when writing your resume objective statement, less is definitely more. Stick to facts, avoid fluffy language, and focus on what you can do for the company rather than what you want from them.
Conclusion
So, what is a resume objective statement? A resume objective statement is a brief (1-3 sentences), clear, and concise declaration of your professional goals. It should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for and showcase how your skills and experience make you the perfect candidate. In addition, it’s essential to keep in mind that your resume objective statement should be updated with each job application you submit – don’t use the same one repeatedly!
After reading this article, hopefully, you will feel confident enough to write your unique resume objective statement. If not, let us recommend you this excellent resume guide, which is full of detail that will make your resume shine.
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