Do I need an objective statement on my resume?
We address this issue all the time as professional resume writers. When clients send us their resume for a free analysis, more often than not they have an objective statement leading off their resume. Well, what once was the standard is no longer considered as such. In fact, using an objective statement has become a dated trend in resume writing. If you want to bring your resume and essentially your career up-to-date there is a more powerful and results-generating solution to the objective statement. And since so many people are stuck in the objective statement rut, your resume is sure to stand out from the crowd if you go this route instead.
So, what should you do instead of an objective statement? To bring your resume to the top of the pile (and keep it out of the garbage cans of hiring managers everywhere) you need to integrate a high-impact personal branding statement and unique summary highlighting your value proposition. I’m betting a lot of you reading this are saying, “Huh?” To help clarify, I’ll show you a before and after example of what I’m talking about.
Before:
Objective: Seeking a mid-level Human Resources position that allows me to utilize my current knowledge while furthering my expertise to meet company goals.
After:
Forward-focused Human Resources authority with a broad-based skill set and a strong ability to identify and secure key talent to support corporate growth and initiatives.
You might be asking what the difference is besides the wording. Well, in the before example it tells what the candidate wants while in the after example it tells what the candidate can do. Would you really start off your job search by telling a hiring manager what you want? No, you would tell a hiring manager what you would do for them. It’s a subtle but key difference.
If you find yourself confused or unsure of how to apply this to your resume it may be time to call in the professionals. To make it easier, Great Resumes Fast is offering a New Year’s promo for an additional 15% off through the month if January. And as always, you can email your resume to info@greatresumesfast.com for a FREE resume analysis.
I enjoy your comments and find the tips useful. How can I have your service revue my resume? What is the cost of service?
Thank you,
Marv Kalor
Speaking as a financial & legal recruiter, I’d say you’re almost correct: “No” to the objective — correct, dated and the company doesn’t care about the candidate’s objective.
But what is needed is a Career Summary that demonstrates how the candidate’s experience aligns with the job he or she is applying for. Also include in that one’s accomplishments or brag points. To be most effective — you know, get read, Career Summaries have to be tailored for each job where one is applying and that includes using key words and phrases from the job description.
Obviously if the resume is general — not targeted to a specific job, the Career Summary still has to highlight strengths and accomplishments relevant to the industry where one’s career is.
Leave out soft skills and anything that can generate a, “Oh yeah, prove it,” thought in the HR or hiring manager’s mind.
David White
Chicago, IL
Hi Jessica,
Great topic and an important one. Also, keep the statement brief and to the point. No dissertations.
Keep up the good work.
Bill Morgan
The Job Swami Career Advice Site
http://www.thejobswami.com
I feel that both are correct. Before is for beginner level and after is for professional level. Beginner is a dreamer who can wish and Professional execute experience & skill.
Jessica,
I actually just wrote a post about this myself. I agree with you and David. I see so many resumes with objective statements that sound like they came right out of some manual they were given in high school. In fact, most people tell me they learned to write a resume in high school. Isn’t it interesting that resume writing isn’t taught in college? Maybe they offer it at the career centers, but it doesn’t seem like many are taking advantage of those services. Anyway, thanks for the post and letting me share.
Tina
Great idea, but will this work over the long run?
There is obviously a lot to learn. There are some good points here.
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case, great info…I will add a backlink and bookmark your site. Keep up the good work!