Exploring the evolving landscape of resume composition, we turn our attention to the resume objective—a concise introduction that once served as a key element in articulating career goals and suitability for a position.
While still relevant in certain cases, the resume objective is gradually being overshadowed by the more contemporary and increasingly preferred resume summary.
This shift reflects a broader trend towards succinctly showcasing one’s professional achievements and capabilities right from the start.
Here’s what we’ll unwrap in this guide:
- Understanding resume objectives: Get to the heart of what a good resume objective is and its purpose.
- When to use them: Discover the scenarios where a resume objective still shines as your best choice.
- When not to use them: Find out when you should definitely avoid resume objectives and what you can do instead.
- Choosing alternatives: Learn when skipping the objective for another strategy might work in your favor.
- Crafting your objective: Guidance on writing an impactful objective if you do choose to write one, bolstered by examples.
Create a strong first impression. A clever objective generator built into our AI resume builder condenses your experience into a single, powerful paragraph that is ideal for your desired positions.
Once you have your resume objective statement perfected, you might need help with the rest of your resume. That’s where our free online resume builder can help you iron out all the details.
But right now, let’s get into the details of what a resume objective is, when it might be beneficial to write one (or not), and how to construct yours. We’ll also see some real-world examples.
What is a Resume Objective?
A resume objective is a brief statement that highlights your career goals, intentions as a professional, and what you think you can contribute to a specific organizational role. It is designed to give the hiring manager a quick snapshot of who you are and how you’d fit in, including alignment between your goals and the company’s needs.
Resume objectives are short, usually one to three sentences in length. They are also referred to as an “elevator pitch”–a few quick statements you’d be able to share between floors on an elevator.
The resume objective is usually placed right at the top of your resume–below your contact information but before your skills list. That way, it’s one of the first things the hiring manager sees. Hopefully, it will entice them to give attention to the remainder of your resume.
When To Use a Career Objective On Your Resume
While some may argue that resume objectives have become less common in favor of career summaries, there are still circumstances where a resume objective can be the right choice for you.
Particularly for entry-level professionals or those undergoing career changes, resume objectives still have utility. Crafting an objective that highlights relevant skills, aspirations, and educational background can provide context when work experience is limited.
What the experts say about resume objectives
Margaret Buj, one of our career experts and a leading interview coach in the UK with international recruitment experience, emphasizes the value of resume objectives in these scenarios. She notes, “For entry-level professionals or those undergoing career changes, resume objectives still have utility. Crafting an objective that highlights relevant skills, aspirations, and educational background can provide context when work experience is limited.”
Resume objectives can arguably be useful if you are changing careers, are an entry-level candidate, a college graduate, or a student who hasn’t had any work experience yet.
In crafting your resume objective, it’s crucial to tailor it to the specific job and company you’re applying to, demonstrating how your objectives can contribute to their success.
Remember, the goal is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make a strong case for why you’re the best candidate, even before they delve into the details of your experience and achievements.
On the other hand, Dr. Kyle Elliott, our expert resume reviewer and Silicon Valley-focused Tech Career and Interview Coach, states that there is only one scenario for which he might recommend a candidate include an objective statement on a resume.
“The one instance in which you still might want to include an objective statement is if the company is accepting general interest resumes and the position you’re targeting is unclear,” he says. “However, even in this instance, you might instead consider listing your target role at the top of the document and then following it with a brief career summary that encapsulates your professional experiences, skills, and unique value proposition.”
When Not To Use a Resume Objective
In the evolving landscape of resume writing, the traditional resume objective has seen a decline in favor, particularly among certain groups of job seekers.
Let’s take a closer look at why a resume objective might not be the best choice for your resume.
The shift towards resume summaries
Recruitment is changing. Buj notes, “Resume objectives, once a standard component, have evolved in contemporary resume writing. While they traditionally stated a candidate’s career goals, resume summaries have gained prominence.”
This shift is due to the summary’s ability to immediately demonstrate a candidate’s value through a succinct capture of qualifications, experiences, and achievements.
For professionals with a wealth of quantifiable achievements and specific skills, a resume summary aligns better with contemporary resume trends, offering a dynamic and impactful introduction.
The case against objectives for entry-level candidates
A common misconception is that resume objectives are the only suitable option for entry-level candidates or recent graduates with minimal experience.
However, as Elliott argues, “In today’s day and age, a resume objective really isn’t necessary. Remember that it’s clear that your objective is to secure an interview for the job; otherwise, you wouldn’t have submitted your resume.”
“Even if you’re a recent graduate targeting an entry-level role,” Elliott suggests, “you likely have relevant experience, education, and skills you can include in your summary. Importantly, you can include unpaid experience, as long as you take time to explain how it’s relevant to a prospective employer.”
Combining Elements of a Resume Objective With a Summary
Buj acknowledges that for entry-level professionals or those undergoing career changes, resume objectives can still offer value by providing context when work experience is limited.
“The key is to consider the specific requirements of the job and industry when deciding whether to include a traditional objective, leaning towards the more dynamic and impactful resume summary in the contemporary job market.”
She provides an example of a more modern approach that combines a summary with an objective statement at the end:
Traditional objective
Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally.
Modern combination approach
Results-oriented marketing professional with a track record of driving a 20% increase in customer engagement through targeted digital campaigns. Possesses strong analytical skills and a keen eye for data-driven insights. Seeking to leverage expertise in a dynamic marketing role at [Company Name].
Modern Resume Objective Examples and How To Write Them
Armed with insights on the advantages and pitfalls of resume objectives, you’re now at a crossroads: to write or not to write one. Should you choose the path of crafting a more modern style of resume objective, this segment is here to guide you through how to write an objective in your resume.
Below, we provide you with illustrative objective resume examples to mold your very own persuasive resume objective. Tailored for everyone from freshers to those eyeing a career pivot, these samples shine a light on how to outline your strengths and goals to show your future worth.
Career objective examples for various situations
Would a resume objective statement look the same for a high school senior as for one changing careers after being in the workforce for several years? Not likely. Why?
- The individual changing careers has a professional background to draw from, so their resume objective might feature relevant skills built in a previous job, a professional achievement, or relevant past responsibilities, much like a summary.
- A high school senior’s resume objective might focus more on career goals combined with strong traits, academic achievements, and professional expectations.
Let’s move on to looking at some good resume objective examples that take a more modern approach for different situations.
Career change resume objective examples
First, let’s look at an Accounts Payable Clerk who wishes to transition into a management role. See how they use a metric to quantify one of their achievements in the objective for their resume.
Objective
Organized, successful accounts payable clerk seeking an opportunity in senior management in a corporate finance or accounting department. Handled 20+ accounts for high-end clients. Proven problem-solving, project management, and communication skills
This next candidate is an experienced wait staff who wishes to climb the ladder in their career.
Objective
Dedicated member of wait staff for five-star restaurants seeking to leverage the experience and a four-year degree in culinary arts to obtain a management position. Proven ability to deliver strong customer service and interact with a diverse public. Managed wait staff schedule, resulting in decreased short-staff situations over a six-month period.
Finally, this candidate is moving into a similar role, but they have remembered to emphasize their analytical skills in market research, understanding trends, and knowledge of consumer behaviors.
Objective
Proficient sales professional interested in utilizing successful collaboration and communication skills to design marketing strategies for a growing company. Accomplished background in market research, pricing, and negotiations. Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and promotional practices.
Entry-level resume objective examples
Now, let’s look at what a recent college graduate might include in their entry-level resume objective example. Remember, you can include relevant coursework!
Objective
Highly motivated, hardworking college graduate with a desire to start a career in the hospitality industry. Completed four-year degree studies in Hospitality Management, taking relevant courses in hospitality service management, revenue management, marketing, and food production. Background in bussing and waiting for family restaurants.
You can always include things like awards or honors you have achieved at college. In the case of this candidate, they made the Dean’s list a notable number of times.
Objective
Recent college graduate with degree in marketing interested in leveraging competence in copywriting and promotional campaign development. Exceptional skills in grammar and creative writing. Strong organizational, presentation, and critical thinking skills. Three times awarded Dean’s List in final year of study.
Remember that volunteering counts as relevant experience, too! Just because you weren’t paid, it doesn’t mean the experience is worth any less. Learn how to include it in this objective on resume example.
Objective
Recent MBA graduate with an aptitude for planning business strategies and developing professional development programs. Well-developed marketing and business communication knowledge. Served as volunteer manager for local Humane Society chapter, overseeing training and staff scheduling.
Beginner resume objective example
In this beginner resume objective example, the candidate clearly has a passion for IT, and includes their freelance experience to back up their abilities.
Objective
Motivated individual seeking the opportunity to showcase strong computer skills in an IT environment. Broad knowledge of computer programming, data management, and software development. Bringing exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with a background in self-study projects.
Outlining organizational skills and creativity is always a good idea when applying to work with children. They also include a relevant certification which is super important in this area of work.
Objective
Forward-thinking self-starter eager to obtain a position coordinating programs and activities for young learners. Infant and Toddler Specialization certificate qualified. Passion for working with children. Strong organizational, leadership, and creative skills, with a background in daycare settings.
This candidate also includes their relevant certification, as well as an impressive number of hours in a relevant skill.
Objective
Passionate, caring individual hopeful to secure an entry-level position as a health care assistant at FirstCare Medical Center. Knowledgeable in basic first aid, logged 1500+ hours with Honeywell First Aid Squad. CPR certified.
High school senior objective examples
This might only be a part-time role, but this student successfully outlines the relevant skills they have to be a Retail Assistant.
Objective
Ambitious, eager high school senior with a desire to work within the women’s clothing retail industry. Hoping to build upon customer service and decision-making skills. Dedicated and motivated to start in and grow within the industry to learn about current fashions and trends.
This student immediately mentions their honors on their resume objective statement, starting off on a strong footing.
Objective
Honors high school senior interested in a position highlighting my computer and artistic skills. Hoping to begin a graphic design career in which I will provide innovative websites for companies seeking to attract new customers and increase brand recognition and sales.
Mentioning a position such as being senior class president, or later in life including your fraternity or sorority, can demonstrate your communication skills, leadership abilities, and ability to work with others.
Objective
Current high school senior seeking a responsible position in the food service industry. Outgoing and eager to learn, with demonstrable verbal and customer service skills. Detail-oriented individual serving as senior class president.
Returning to the workforce objective example
Do you have a gap in your resume? These examples can help you with your own objective when returning to the workplace. Although, with a certain amount of work experience under your belt, it would be wiser to write a resume summary.
Objective
Former Lead Teacher seeking the same role at Forsyth Public Schools after three-year hiatus to raise children. Recently renewed teacher certification. Bringing exceptional creative and classroom management skills along with the ability to create strong lesson plans and engaging activities.
This candidate succinctly outlines their management skills in their return-to-work objective.
Objective
Returning Business Planning Manager interested in filling role at Sky Motor Corporation. Five-plus years as a freelance business consultant, with the proven ability to expand business opportunities through extensive marketing planning and employee development programs. Knowledgeable in forecasting, budgeting, project management, and market research.
Finally, this candidate clearly outlines the computer languages they are agile in using in the workplace.
Objective
Talented, ambitious web designer seeking to create interactive, innovative web pages for high-end clients at Mid-Term Solutions. Completed three successful webpage designs on a freelance basis while on extended maternity leave. Fully knowledgeable in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend processes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Resume Objective
We’ve considered some good examples of resume objectives. However, you will also want to avoid these common mistakes.
- Perhaps the most common error is making the objective too self-focused. You don’t want to focus just on what you want out of your career; you should balance your ambitions with the benefits you can bring to the company and their goals.
- Next, you want to avoid being too vague. A vague statement like “looking for a challenging opportunity at a dynamic company” really doesn’t provide any useful information. Instead, be specific about how your achievements make you a good fit.
- Similarly, you should avoid including or repeating obvious information. Stating the obvious takes up valuable space on your resume and may bore your hiring manager. For example, stating “I am applying for [name of position] at [name of company]” is unnecessary; the hiring manager already knows this from your application.
- Finally, don’t make your resume statement too long–it should only be one to three sentences. Avoid using buzzwords for the sake of it. You may think using lots of keywords is a good idea, but insincere use can sound hollow. Make sure your claims are backed up by facts on your resume.
Using a resume builder can help you to avoid these mistakes. How? First, the resume builder will format everything for you, allowing you to focus on content. Second, resume builders often offer sample content you can customize to fit your circumstances.
You may even be able to take advantage of AI-powered suggestions.
Resume Objective: Conclusions
The resume objective can still be a useful tool for those starting their careers or changing paths, but in the modern job market, we need to include a bit more information on our current qualifications rather than focusing solely on our future aims.
This guide has shed light on what an objective is, the arguments for and against using one, and insights and examples to help you craft an effective, more modern statement that highlights your ambition and suitability for the role.
Here are the points you will need to keep in mind going forward:
- A resume objective is one type of professional introduction that you can use on your resume that is based on your future aims over your past experiences.
- Writing an objective should only be considered by those with limited work experience or who have recently graduated.
- When writing a resume objective, make sure that it reflects your goals, the job’s requirements, and what you can offer the company.
- Remember, it might be better to opt for a resume summary instead. In general, career experts recommend a summary over an objective in today’s job market.
In some cases, a well-crafted, more modern resume objective that includes your qualifications as well as your future aims can grab a hiring manager’s attention, encouraging them to read on.
It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and show how your skills, goals, and what you can offer align with the company’s needs.
Build your perfect resume with ease
Craft the perfect resume effortlessly with our builder. Get started today!
Related Posts