By: Shawn Cox
Submitted: 2011-07-30 15:33:05 | Word Count: 614
Purpose of an Objective In A Resume
The primary purpose of an objective is to describe the job you want and qualifications you have. Your objective must motivate the reader to keep reading your resume. It must to be clear, concise, exciting and readable within 30 seconds.
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Traps to Avoid
It is tempting to write vague, open-ended objective statements to "not miss any chances". Doing so will more likely result in your appearing undirected and unclear about the type of job you want and/or what you have to offer. It's a must that you avoid these vague, meaningless phrases at all cost.
1. challenging position
2. opportunity for advancement/growth
3. entry level/full-time
4. a progressive company
5. fast growing organization
6. dealing with people
Writing Formula
Step 1: Begin your objective statement with the position title, occupational field, area of interest, or type of organization you want to apply for.
Step 2: Follow this with 1-3 (possibly more) qualifications you offer of interest to the employer. Examples include:
1. Prior experience
2. Skills/skill sets you want to use
3. Areas of knowledge
4. Areas of expertise
5. Educational background
6. Interests/values
7. Personal traits
Here's some examples:
Management Trainee position. Can contribute well-developed speaking and writing skills, knowledge of marketing techniques, and understanding of consumer behavior
Securities Agent offering the ability to expand client base, solve complex problems, and motivate individuals
Advising position utilizing student service experience and a proven ability and commitment to apply excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Assistant Product Manager position using business education, marketing experience and well developed communication skills and detail orientation
Accounting position where strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and producing timely results are rewarded
Staff nursing position utilizing previous health care and clinical experiences
Mechanical engineering design co-op using vast mathematical, analytical and technical skills with interest in using CAD. 3
EXPANDED OR BULLETED OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS
If your objective statement goes over three lines, we would recommend using 3-5 bulleted points. Other options include summary or highlights sections.
OBJECTIVE #1
Information resources position using proven abilities to successfully:
1. Manage conversion projects of manual to computerized information systems
2. Use various database software and solve software interface problems
3. Build teams and communicate with people varying in technical knowledge
4. Apply effective and creative website development and maintenance strategies
OBJECTIVE #2
Architecture position with a firm specializing in educational facilities. Offer:
1. Design and drafting experience from prior architecture internship
2. Ability to combine creativity with appropriate attention to detail
3. Capability to work independently and within a team
4. AutoCad 2000, Form Z, PageMaker, and 3D Studio experience
5. Completion of three educational facility designs
OBJECTIVE #3
Conference and Program Planning position using prior conference planning and project management experience.
Relevant achievements:
1. Coordinated four semi-annual student organization conferences increasing attendance by 30%-40% from prior years
2. Developed media marketing packages for print, radio and campus cable
3. Integrated use of e-mail and organization web-sites for registration and publicity
4. Supervised teams of two to fourteen people to achieve specific goals
5. Designed and produced program brochures
OBJECTIVE #4
Management position focusing on customer service and staff development.
1. Proven work ethic and high level of responsibility
2. Ability to work independently, within a team, and supervise others
3. Experience effectively handling and coordinating multiple tasks
4. Ability to make quick and accurate decisions
5. Well-developed organizational skills 4
Bottom line… Whether or not to list an objective on your resume is a highly personal decision, but a decision in favor of the objective is worth considering because many employers like to see them.
