Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?

Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives. While others say they should be an essential element on every resume.

So, how do you know who is right?

The simple answer is... no one is absolutely right. Your decision on whether to use resume objectives will depend on your circumstances, job search goals, and-in some cases-the person who reviews your resume.

We can make recommendations, but you'll have to make your own choice, based on your individual situation and preferences. But first, let's try to get a better understanding of the 2 different schools of thought on resume objectives...

THE NEGATIVE VIEWPOINT

Ask anyone who does not believe in using job objectives on resumes why, and they'll tell you it's because resume objectives are so often self-serving. In other words, they say what you want, but they usually fail to say how this is relevant to the employer. You see, the company that hires you is more interested in the potential benefits you'll bring to the organization, not how they can help you achieve your goals.

Another problem is that a narrowly stated resume objective can be limiting. The company may not even consider you for a position you'd love if you have clearly stated in your objective that you're only interested in one type of job.

Finally, most resume objectives are so vague as to be meaningless. Why waste valuable resume real estate with something that will not help (and may harm) your quest towards obtaining the coveted interview?

ON THE OTHER HAND...

There are many resume writing experts who passionately believe in using resume objectives. They cite the fact that employers want to be able to tell - in just a few seconds - what job you want to do for the company and what skills you bring to the table.

There is also a school of thought that says the lack of a written resume objective translates into a job applicant who doesn't really know what he or she wants.

Also, if you have a long or diverse job history, resume objectives can help sharpen the focus of your resume. This is also true if you are trying to switch to a career that is not strongly supported by your experience.

If you do decide to use a resume objective, though, you must make sure that it is not self-serving or too limiting, and that it is uniquely stated. Make it specific and work to reflect the employer's perspective, not your own. Demonstrate the value you'll bring to the organization.

ONE MORE OPTION An alternative to using resume objectives is to substitute one of the following at the top of your resume:

* Power statement. This is a summarization - in 1 sentence - of your most notable skills and accomplishments, items that are sure to arouse interest in a prospective employer. For example, "Highly- motivated, competent, and organized Administrative Support professional with a proven track record of teambuilding communications, resourceful problem- solving, and technical expertise."

* Profile or Career Summary. This is similar to a power statement, but might be 3 or 4 lines/1 to 2 sentences. It could even be bullet points. But the main intent is to highlight your main career accomplishments to date.

In the end, whether or not to use resume objectives is a highly personalized decision. But if you do use one, keep in mind that employers are mainly interested in what you can do for them. So be sure that your resume objective is employer- oriented and results-focused. Do this well, and you'll be on your way to your next interview!

Kathi MacNaughton, a freelance writer and editor, has years of management and recruitment experience. For tips & advice on writing powerful resumes, see http://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.com.< /a> Copyright 2004 Kathi MacNaughton. All rights reserved.

---

Career Change - Emotional Intelligence for Knowledge Workers?

Nowadays we can expect to survive the second half of... Read More

Resume Success Factors--What Exactly Is A Resume Anyway?

You know you're good...real good. The problem, though, is that... Read More

Make em READ Your Cover Letter Using This Killer Secret!

Got your attention? Great. That was my intention. Who wouldn't... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: What They All Tend To Miss

Sample resume objectives. When a harried and possibly panicked job... Read More

You Are Lucky in Your Career!

You Are Lucky in Being Satisfied in Your CareerJust for... Read More

Travel Light to Work

As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is... Read More

What To Do When You Get Caught Surfing By The Boss!

It has been a long morning and you need a... Read More

So you want to work at home

There are several ways to work from home. Some of... Read More

Necessary Psychological Skills When Working in the Executive Protection Field

The "hard" skills necessary for an executive protection specialist (EPS)... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part Two

Are you in denial about the lifelessness of your resume?... Read More

Conflicts With Your Boss Are Inevitable, But Can Be Healthy

If you are a pro-active, get-things-done type, sooner or later... Read More

College Labor is Available in Ohio

Ohio has always been big on education and that means... Read More

Death By Workers Compensation

Excerpt of Death By Workers' Compensation"The Bleeding Rose"In this Excerpt... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

Ten Things About Your Career Development

There are some tactics you can action whatever you wish... Read More

3 Cover Letter Secrets Revealed

Writing a cover letter can be like cleaning your garage... Read More

Behaviour To Climb The Stepping Stones To Career Success

The heading of this article could just as well have... Read More

Is Your Career Your Calling or Just a 9 to 5?

Do you remember your parents asking you what you want... Read More

Take Charge of Your Job Search: 12 Steps to Success

Despite what many people may say, a job search does... Read More

5 Characteristics of a Dynamic Loan Processor

Not everyone is cut out to be a mortgage processor.... Read More

Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

Petite Modeling: is There a Career for You?

PEtite modeling is a tough industry to break into. Especially... Read More

Ask Me No Questions, Ill Tell You No Lies

If only there were no questions involved in getting a... Read More

Kick-In-The-Pants Job Search

Believe it: three obstacles will hold you back from your... Read More

Avoid Mistakes and Gaffes in Your Job Resume

Having mistakes and gaffes in your job resume spell disaster... Read More