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!
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