What Does An Effective Resume Objective Statement Look Like?
An effective resume objective statement may set a candidate apart from other job applicants. Employers use the resume to quickly assess a candidate, and an objective statement can briefly represent an applicant as an ideal worker. A job seeker may use the objective statement to show career goals, professional aspirations, relevant skills, and desire for the position in question.
Who should write a resume objective statement?
An objective statement typically works best for entry-level job seekers and applicants looking to switch careers. Often lacking relevant work experience, career changers and entry-level job seekers may need to clearly define career objectives to employers. Entry-level job seekers without any work experience may also want to use the objective statement to show passion for the job and a desire to begin a lasting career with the company. Career changers may use the objective statement to show transferable skills gained form a previous career.
What should the objective statement include?
The objective statement should rest at the top of the resume just below applicant contact information. Applicants should tailor the objective statement to match the position applied for. Job seekers should keep the objective statement brief but avoid being vague. To maintain a short and to-the-point objective statement, applicants should resist listing multiple career goals. Applicants should reserve in-depth descriptions of career aspirations for the cover letter.
The objective statement should begin with an immediate career goal. For example, the objective statement should start with, “To gain employment as a sales associate,” or, “To begin a rewarding career in the airline industry.” After stating the immediate goal, applicants should demonstrate skills by stating abilities relevant to the position. To demonstrate skills, applicants may state, “which will utilize my administrative and management experience,” or, “where I can provide exceptional customer service skills.” The objective statement should conclude by stating how the applicant will improve the company. Some ideal ending statements include, “to increase sales within the store,” or, “to bring new clients to the company.”
Is the objective statement a requirement for a resume?
Not all job seekers need to include an objective statement in a resume. As stated before, the objective statement best serves entry-level job seekers and career changers. Experienced workers looking to move into professional positions may want to replace the objective statement with a qualifications summary. A qualifications statement shows how an applicant possesses the skills necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the job.
