Resume Objective Examples and Writing Tips

Resume objective is a definite or precise expression of your employment goals which you usually list on top of your resume. It usually lasts 2–3 sentences. It is also used as a powerful tool to grab recruiter’s attention while outlining why you are the best. A well-crafted Resume objective should portray your intent and goals in alignment with job’s requirement. Dig into this article to get an idea of why it is needed. Also included are some Resume Objective examples and writing tips.

Given the massive number of resumes that one recruiter has to browse through, he has just a few seconds to scan yours. Nothing could be better if he quickly gets the intent of your job application just by reading first few lines of your resume.

In case you are providing a cover letter along with job application, make sure that cover letter also aligns with your resume objective.

A good and efficiently written resume objective will make a great first impression on the recruiter. And no one can deny the impact of the first impression. After all, they do count!!!

Is resume Objective outdated

Have you heard someone saying that resume objective is outdated or many recruiters don’t even bother reading them? I beg to defer on this. To a Resume, an objective is like a headline.

Do we get interested in reading an article without a headline? Not so much. Without a headline, a piece of writing or a document will be incomplete.

As a headline contains the essence of an article, objective does also carry the spirit of your job application. It serves the similar purpose.

Resume objective is losing its relevance because more often than not, we don’t include any helpful information on it. Not because it is indeed outdated or employer does not look for one.

When must you use a resume objective statement?

Although we suggest you to always use an objective statement, it is at times must. If your career path and experience is precisely in line with the job requirement, then you may skip it. For example, let’s say you are working as a chemist in a lab, and you are applying for a similar chemist role in another lab. In such case, your suitability is evident from your resume itself. In such cases, you may like to go without one.

But in all other cases, you should use one. Moreover, if you are not sure, include one.

Resume objective is must in following cases:

• When you are looking for a career change. It is important to emphasize what do you want.
• When you are new in the job market. Like a fresher when you don’t have any experience. A recruiter does not know what to expect from you.
• Your experience does not precisely match job requirement.
• You are returning to the job market after a break.
• When you are in desperate need of a particular job. You should do everything in your capacity and so why also not write a reasonable, compelling objective.
• When you are applying for multiple jobs. A clearly stated objective would help recruiter align you to proper job openings.

Be specific and precise

Given that we are recommending around 2–4 lines for writing your objective, it is vital that you be very specific and precise and focus on powerful resume keywords.

Not only you should be prudent in choosing right words, but also they should sound promising and powerful.

Equally important is to align them with the job description. That will require you to go into detail in the job advertisement, understand what company is looking for and also the overall culture of the company.

Get into the shoes of the recruiter and comprehend what he is looking. Read from his perspective and not yours.

• Suggested read: List of 50+ Action verbs and how to use them

The downside of using a resume objective

Are you surprised at this thought? Can there be a downside of resume objective? Can the presence of “Resume objective” diminish your chances of selection by recruiters?

The answer is yes. If the objective does not offer anything exciting or it does not have any connection with the job requirement?

Noone wants to just listen to you unless something is interesting to him. Employers care more about what they want not what you want. If you don’t align your thoughts in line what an employer is looking for then, that’s the worst you can do.

Moreover, you should never overdo it. Always Remember that your potential employer has just a few seconds to browse through your resume.

A resume objective can also ruin your chances of getting the job if it is boring, not tailored to the position and casually written.

Sample Resume objective examples

Resume objective should be short and targeted. It should summarise your achievements as well as target the position on the offer.

Here are some general resume objective examples which can give you an idea of how to write one.

• Certified Oracle Database Administrator and Computer science graduate with over ten years of experience in handling very large databases. Seeking to leverage my technical and professional skill to grow as technical lead in your company.
• Over 5 years Experienced Chef interested in joining your restaurant as head chef. Tons of experience in dealing with choosy and complicated customers. Can prepare all sort of dishes like Chinese, continental, Indian and Mediterranean in minutes.
• Chemist looking for an opening in your company <Company Name> where I can utilize my +2 years’ experience of running medicine outlet
• Finance Graduate with MBA with certification in Data Analytics. Fresh from college but with fresh ideas.
• Seeking a position as a junior editor for print media, utilizing my 5+ experience of award winner writing and editing skill

Over to you

Writing Resume and Resume objective is an art. You may have tons of relevant job experience, but then unless it is well articulated, you may not be even considered.

Be straightforward in writing your resume, especially objective in particular. Using minimal words, explain what you are and where you are headed and how your aspiration matches with that of a recruiter.

Connect with the recruiter and it will surely enhance the chances of your selection. If you have any problem with formatting a resume objective, write to us, and we will be happy to help.

Originally published at www.stemjar.com on June 28, 2018.