50+ Career objective examples & how to write one

You are the right person for this job, you know it! 

But what if you don’t have the exact experience or background mentioned in the job ad? How can you show the recruiter that you can still be a good fit for the role and bring value to the company?

In today’s tough job market, your resume needs to catch the eye of the recruiter. This is where a well-crafted resume objective statement can be your secret weapon. By crafting an excellent career objective for your resume, you can:

• Get your resume noticed.
• Show that your goals and values align seamlessly with the company, and
• Persuade the recruiter that you’re the right fit for the job.

A strong objective statement increases the chances of your resume being noticed.

• Understanding the different types of resume objective statements
• Characteristics of good resume objective statements
• Tips for writing a great resume objective statement
• 50 examples of good resume objective statements by industry
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is a resume objective statement?

A resume objective statement is a short statement at the top of your resume and is also known as a career objective, professional objective, or objective statement. It is usually two to three sentences long and summarizes your competencies, career goals, and skills, painting a compelling picture of what you bring to the table.

What is the purpose of a resume objective statement?

In the fiercely competitive job market, a resume objective statement acts as a persuasive tool that helps recruiters see why you are a better fit for the job than other candidates. This statement should communicate your career goals and highlight your achievements, relevant skills, the skills you want to build, and the unique values you bring.

Why is it important to write a good resume objective statement?

A well-written resume objective statement can bring you one step closer to an interview and get the attention of recruiters. If you want to land a job that you feel is the best fit for you, add a strong and compelling objective statement to your resume which demonstrate that you are more than a list of qualifications on paper. This can make you stand out as a job seeker who understands the company’s unique needs and can contribute to its success.

An effective resume objective statement should be short and to the point, yet impactful. It goes beyond simply showcasing your competencies and accomplishments. It should persuade the recruiter that you have the skills, experience and mindset required to excel in the job and also align with the company’s vision or goals.

Understanding the different types of resume objective statements

Types of resume objective statements

Wondering what objectives to write for your resume? There are two main types:

A general objective statement provides a broad overview of your skills and goals. Take note that general does not mean generic! You still need to show what your career objective is and demonstrate the value you bring. You could write, “I am seeking a position where I can use my organizational and communication skills to contribute to the success of the company.”

Meanwhile, a targeted objective statement is more specific. It is tailored to fit the job you are applying for. For instance, you could write, “I am looking for a position as a software engineer, so I can leverage my experience in developing software applications to help the company achieve its goals.”  By tailoring your objective, you show recruiters that you made an effort to understand the job and demonstrate a genuine interest in the role you are applying for.

When should you use a resume objective statement?

You can add this statement to your resume, whatever stage of your career you are in while looking for a job.

If you are a  fresh graduate you may have little or no professional experience and are still developing skills. In such cases, a general objective statement can be a great way to demonstrate what your career goals and interests are. Show the energy and enthusiasm that you can bring to your work!

If you are switching careers or going back to work after a break, a targeted objective statement can boost your profile. It allows you to highlight the relevant, transferable skills and experiences that make you the best choice for the job.

If you are an experienced professional with a lot of experience, you might want to write a career summary on your resume instead. This is usually one paragraph long and should focus on highlighting your notable accomplishments. Alternatively, it can be a bulleted list that summarizes your accomplishments and work experience to date.

Characteristics of good resume objective statements

What makes a good resume objective statement?

Besides conveying how you can add value to an organization, a good resume objective statement should also be clear, concise, and informative. This is because it sets the tone for your entire resume, and should give a positive first impression to whoever reads it.

You can try using this format as a guide: 

Who you are + your skills or experience + the role that you want + what you can offer (experience, expertise) + how you can help the company (tasks you can do).

Examples of effective resume objective statements

Here are three examples of effective resume objective statements using the format above:

• Marketing professional with 4+ years of experience seeking a position as a marketing manager with XYZ Corp. Eager to help create successful campaigns by utilizing analytics and implementing innovative digital strategies that capture the attention of target audiences and maximize ROI.
• Experienced accountant seeking a senior-level accounting position at XYZ Corp. Seeking to leverage financial and problem-solving capabilities honed through 4+ of experience working for two Philippine Fortune 500 companies.
• An attorney with 5+ years’ experience in practicing tax and real estate law. Looking to assist the international clients of ABC Inc. in establishing successful businesses in the Philippines by delivering strategic counsel and ensuring compliance.

How to tailor your resume objective statement to the job you're applying for

The first thing you should do is read the entire job description carefully, and analyze the requirements and responsibilities. If you have time, research the company to know what it expects.

As you read and familiarize yourself with the job description, highlight specific keywords or phrases that stand out. You can use these same words and phrases from the job description strategically in your statement. This not only shows the company that your goals and skills align with what they seek, but also highlights your attentiveness. You can also add a few powerful and dynamic words to show that you are a strong applicant for the job.

Use your statement to emphasize that you have the desired skills, relevant experience, or characteristics that the company seeks. For instance, you can mention one of the company’s core values and connect it to your experience to show that you are aligned with them and reinforce your candidacy as a compelling choice for the role.

Tips for writing a great resume objective statement

Here are some tips to strengthen your resume's objective statement and ensure it stands out: 

• Be specific.  You can mention the special skills that you have, languages you are fluent in, a prestigious award, or your years of experience. State the exact job you want. When including a career goal, share a clear and specific goal that you are aiming for. This makes your statement strong. It shows that you understand the position you are applying for and are confident you can fill the role.
• Make it brief.  The first 15 to 20 words of your resume are important “because that’s how long you usually have a hiring manager’s attention,” said career strategist John Lees. An objective statement is usually two to three sentences long, as recruiters only need to see the most important information about you when they skim it.
• Highlight your relevant skills or experience (or both).  Focus on the skills and experience that make you the best person for the job. For example, you could write, “Seeking to leverage my written and verbal communication skills in English, Filipino, and Cebuano by delivering quality support service at ABC Inc.’s call center in Mandaue.”
• Show your value and the benefits that you can bring.  Show the recruiter the tangible value that you bring and what you can do to make a difference in the company. Emphasize how you can help the company achieve its goals. Mention one of the results you have achieved in the past and how that equips you with the capability to contribute to the company’s future success.
• Let your enthusiasm show. If you are excited about the job, you can say so. Use powerful words, like “enthusiastic” or “passionate”. Show employers that you can bring energy and fresh ideas to the role.
• Proofread carefully. Avoid typos and grammatical errors that could detract from the professionalism of your resume. Before sending off your resume, make sure you read it again. You can also ask a friend or relative to read your resume as a fresh pair of eyes might spot a typo or unclear sentence that you missed. You can also try running your objective statement over a grammar checker to see if there are any errors.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a resume objective statement

Even seasoned professionals make resume mistakes. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Failing to personalize the statement for the specific job you are applying for. Write a custom resume objective for each job application you submit your resume to. Don't use the same one for different roles and companies, as a personalized statement shows recruiters your attention to detail.
• Using cliches or generic statements. Steer clear of phrases like “hard worker”, “team player” or “seeking a challenging job” as these don’t say much and are overused. Recruiters come across dozens (or more) of resumes every day, so yours needs to stand out. A unique statement lets them know that you wrote the best resume you can to convey your individuality and distinct qualities.
• Writing overly long or vague statements. These can be confusing and hard to read. Be clear and concise in your objective statement by giving only essential information. This approach ensures that recruiters can quickly grasp your intentions and qualifications.
• Making false claims. Don’t lie on your resume, as this is unethical and could get you in trouble. Recruiters may also find out that you placed false information in your resume and take note of that, which could affect your job hunt and professional reputation.
• Exaggerating. Stick to the facts. Exaggerating your accomplishments can make people either skeptical or expect more than you can deliver. Instead of making grandiose claims, focus on highlighting your actual accomplishments and capabilities. For instance, rather than writing, “Amazing social media marketer that can make you a ton of money” you can write, “Adept at Facebook and YouTube marketing and analytics interpretation to help increase monetization.” 

50 examples of good resume objective statements by industry

Healthcare

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse with 4+ years of experience working in the Middle East seeking to leverage expertise in clinical assessment and evidence-based treatments in the pediatric department at XYZ Hospital.

Aged Care Worker

Aged Care Worker with 8+ years of experience providing compassionate care and support to elderly patients in the Philippines and New Zealand. Seeking to help improve the quality of life for patients at ABC Seniors Home through providing personalized care and companionship.

Nurse Practitioner

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with 12+ years of experience seeking to utilize strong clinical acumen at XYZ Hospital. Willing to work night shifts and holidays.

Medical Assistant (Clinical)

Certified Medical Assistant with 4+ years of experience providing both clinical and administrative support to medical personnel. With knowledge of medical terminology and nursing procedures. Seeking to bring expertise in medical support to ABC Family Practice.

Medical Assistant (Administrative)

Highly organized and detail-oriented Medical Assistant with 10+ years of experience in medical scheduling, workplace management, and patient communication. Seeking to join XYZ Healthcare to help support the facility’s administrative side.

 Technology

Front-End Developer

Seeking a Front-End Developer position at XYZ Technologies to leverage 5+ years of experience developing intuitive and visually appealing websites and user interfaces with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and JQuery.

Back-End Developer

Back-End Developer proficient in C++, Java, and Python. Able to create server applications and optimize SQL databases. Seeking to leverage 8+ years of coding experience for XYZ Technologies and willing to work night shifts or remotely.

Data Analyst

Data Analyst with 4+ years of expertise in data mining and analytics looking to assist XYZ Technologies by transforming raw data into actionable insights and recommendations that drive informed decision-making.

Business Analyst

Detail-oriented Business Analyst aiming to apply 7+ years of experience in designing business systems, researching industry trends, and developing business strategies to provide XYZ Technologies with systems that increase operational efficiency and revenue.

UX/UI Designer

UX/UI Designer with 10+ years of experience in interactive design, prototyping, and user experience seeks the opportunity to craft innovative and intuitive user interfaces for XYZ Technologies.

Finance

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Seeking a position as a Certified Public Accountant at CCP Co. where I can utilize my 4+ years of experience gained from working with two prominent Filipino audit companies to provide reliable financial statements, bookkeeping services, and tax advice.

Financial Advisor

Interested in a Financial Advisor position at CCP Co. that allows me to utilize my 5+ years of experience gained here and in the U.S. in providing custom investment, tax, retirement, and estate planning strategies to help clients meet their financial goals.

Loan Officer

Looking for a Loan Officer role at CCP Co. to leverage my 3+ years of experience at a major international bank in diagnosing suitable credit options and coordinating loan application processes. Thrives in a high-pressure work environment.

Actuary

Actuary with 7+ years of experience looks to leverage skills in providing actuarial advice and services and analyzing complex actuarial data to assist CCP Co.’s expansion of its insurance program.

Bookkeeper

Meticulous Bookkeeper with an MBA and 3+ years of experience reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports seeking a role as area manager for CCP Co.’s Davao branch to help it meet its collection goals.

Education

Early Childhood Teacher

Motivated preschool school teacher with a B.A Education and 5 years of experience teaching nursery and kindergarten students in a private school. I’m eager to leave a positive, lasting impact on young students at ABC Academy.

Primary School Teacher

Teacher with 10 years of teaching experience, current certification, and M.A. Education units. Seeking to cultivate an engaging and positive student learning experience at ABC Academy teaching Math and Science.

High School Teacher

Experienced high school teacher with 5 years of experience teaching Social Science and English, valid professional license, and an M. A. Education degree. Seeks to help students at ABC Academy transition well to senior high school by fostering critical thinking skills and creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.

Librarian

Qualified librarian with 8 years of experience in archiving, an M.L.S degree, and an advanced understanding of advanced library principles and practices hoping to take part in furthering literacy and knowledge at ABC Academy.

Principal

Educator with an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and 10+ years experience as assistant principal at a private school. Seeking Head Principal role at ABC Academy to assist with enrollment increase and curriculum revamp goals.

Customer Service

Sales Associate (Retail)

Reliable sales professional with 6+ years of experience in customer service and sales seeking a sales associate role at DEF Shop to utilize interpersonal skills to grow customer base and generate repeat sales.

Cashier (Retail)

Detail-oriented cashier with 5+ years of experience handling customer transactions in a fast-paced retail environment. With expertise in monitoring stock levels while maintaining accuracy in cash handling. Seeking role as head cashier of DEF Shop.

Call Center Representative

Call center representative with 3+ years of experience in providing customer service solutions and resolving customer inquiries seeking a role at DEF Online Shop to use technical skills in troubleshooting customer concerns via phone, email, and chat.

Customer Service Manager

Customer service specialist with 4+ years of experience as an assistant manager in leading and managing customer service teams seeks a manager role at DEF Shop to increase customer loyalty and drive revenue.

Technical Support Specialist (IT)

Highly motivated technical support specialist with 10+ years of experience in providing technical support to internal and external customers seeking a role at DEF Online Shop to use problem-solving skills to quickly diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues.

Marketing

Social Media Manager

Recent marketing graduate seeks a Social Media Manager position at DEF Shop to effectively leverage expertise in SEO, content analysis, and metrics reporting to drive traffic, customer engagement, and revenue growth.

Marketing Coordinator

Recipient of two Quill Awards for Best Advertising Campaign with 5+ years of experience in marketing and communications. Seeking a Marketing Coordinator role at DEF Shop to leverage content writing and sales strategy skills to provide effective marketing that increases sales and brand awareness.

Public Relations Specialist

Skilled communicator with 3+ years of experience seeks a Public Relations Specialist role at DEF Shop to use expertise in media relations and social media management in expanding public awareness to drive sales revenue.

Brand Manager

Professional with 5 years of brand management experience and a Quill Award for Best Advertising Campaign seeks a Brand Manager role at DEF Shop to leverage expertise in market research, corporate branding, and marketing communications to build brand awareness and performance.

Content Writer

Writer with 3+ years’ experience at a major newspaper and HubSpot content marketing certification seeks a Senior Copywriter position at DEF Shop to produce well-crafted, creative, and informative content for the company’s website and social media accounts.

Human Resources

Human Resources Manager

Veteran HR specialist seeks opportunity at ABC Corp. to leverage 8+ years’ experience in human resources, recruitment, and payroll here and abroad to bring value as a Human Resources Manager.

Recruiter

Motivated professional with 5+ years track record of over 500 successful placements in both corporate and non-profit organizations seeks to join ABC Corp. as a Recruiter in its Visayas workplace.

Benefits Coordinator

HR professional with 4+ years’ experience and an excellent track record eager to join ABC Corp. as a Benefits Coordinator, aiming to support the team in facilitating the utilization and distribution of benefits.

Training and Development Specialist

Aiming to ABC Corp. as a Training and Development Specialist to apply 6 years of experience delivering job-specific learning and development programs to over 2,000 trainees.

 HR Generalist

Seeking an opportunity at ABC Corp. to utilize 5+ years of Human Resources experience in an HR Generalist role, supporting employees, designing and implementing policies, ensuring compliance, and resolving conflicts.

Sales

Sales Manager

Sales executive with 5+ years’ experience, winner of two consecutive Salesman of the Year awards, seeks to join ABC Inc. to utilize expertise in team management, sales strategy development, and customer service to increase revenue and market share in its Central Luzon workplace.

Sales Representative

Sales Representative for over 3 years looking to join ABC Inc.’s international division to leverage organizational and customer service abilities gained working abroad.

Account Executive

Account Executive with 5+ years’ experience working for broadcast networks seeks to join ABC Inc.'s streaming news platform to use innovative sales strategies to increase monetization efforts.

Business Development Manager

Recent MBA graduate with 7+ years of work experience seeks Business Development Manager role at XYZ Inc. to utilize strong sales and networking abilities to identify and develop new sources of income.

Retail Sales Manager

Experienced sales executive seeks Retail Sales Manager role at XYZ Inc. to utilize sales negotiation, and product promotion skills to drive business growth and customer satisfaction.

Legal

Lawyer

Attorney with 6 years of experience in court litigation seeking to leverage a proven history of delivering successful verdicts for clients to contribute to JKL Law.

Paralegal

Underbar law graduate with 5+ years of experience in conducting legal research and analysis, producing high-quality documents, and managing projects seeking Head Paralegal role at JKL Law. Willing to work overtime and on weekends.

Legal Secretary

Legal Secretary with over 6 years of experience providing administrative support to judges and attorneys by transcribing dictation, filing legal documents, and preparing hearing briefs. Seeking role at JKL Law to leverage expertise in court documentation and procedure.

Contracts Manager

Highly organized Contracts Manager with a Master of Laws degree and 7+ years of experience in contract and vendor management, creating and maintaining contracts, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws is eager to contribute expertise to JKL Law.

Compliance Officer

Analytical Compliance Officer, fluent in Mandarin, with 5+ years of experience in legal and regulatory compliance matters. Seeking role at JKL Law to assist in implementing compliance procedures on behalf of Chinese clients.

Creative

Architect

Multi-awarded Architect, with M. A. Architecture degree and 8+ years of experience in providing innovative solutions for sustainable projects, seeks a role with QRS Studio to contribute to its mission to decolonize designs in Filipino residential and commercial architecture.

Graphic Designer

Recent multimedia arts graduate seeking Graphic Designer role with QRS Studio. With 2+ years of experience in using Autocad and Adobe Creative Suite to create high-impact visual designs for marketing campaigns in an educational setting. Available for weekend and night shifts.

Copywriter

Copywriter with 3+ years of experience writing captivating copy for digital and print campaigns seeking a role with QRS Studio to write marketing material to help boost brand awareness.

Art Director

Art Director with several advertising awards and 10+ years of expertise in developing inspiring and effective publicity campaigns seeks a challenging role with QRS Studio to lead design direction in fulfillment of the company’s mission.

Web Designer

Results-oriented Web Designer with 8+ years of experience in designing pixel-perfect responsive websites using HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap, WordPress, and Joomla seeks to assist QRS Studio in creating and maintaining an engaging and informative website.

Conclusion

A resume objective statement is found at the top of your resume. It is usually two to three sentences long and shares your main competencies, career goals, and skills. A well-crafted objective statement is an important part of your resume as it shows potential employers your career goals and objectives and what you can offer the company, so your resume can stand out. It is especially important if you are a fresh graduate just entering the job market, a professional with limited experience in the industry you are applying in, or changing careers.

It is important to understand the types of resume objective statements, when to use one, and the characteristics of a good objective statement. You can review the 50+ examples of resume objective statements for different industries to guide you as you write your objective statement.

Avoid the common mistakes people make as you write your objective statement, and remember the tips shared in this article for writing a great resume objective statement: be specific, make it brief, highlight your relevant skills or experience (or both), show your value and the benefits that you can bring, proofread, and let your enthusiasm show!

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a resume objective statement and a resume summary statement?
   ⁠A resume objective statement is two to three sentences and focuses on what you want to achieve in your career. It shows your future career goals and objectives. A resume summary statement, on the other hand, is longer, usually about a paragraph. It is a condensed version of your professional career so far and emphasizes your past professional achievements and experience.
   ⁠
2. Can a resume objective statement be too long?
   ⁠Yes, it can. A resume objective statement is only two to three sentences. In some cases, you can go up to four sentences. Anything longer can be harder to read and a recruiter might skip reading the rest of your statement.
   ⁠
3. Should I include a resume objective statement on my resume if I'm applying to multiple jobs?
   ⁠Yes, you should. Remember to write one for each job that you apply for so that it is specific and personalized.
   ⁠
4. Can I use the same resume objective statement for different job applications?
   ⁠You can use the same format for your objective statements, but it is a good idea to tweak them so that each one is tailor-fit to the job that you are applying for.
   ⁠
5. Is it necessary to write a resume objective statement if I have a lot of work experience? 
   ⁠If you have a lot of work experience connected to the job that you are applying for, you might want to write a resume summary statement instead. However, if you have a lot of work experience but are changing careers or industries, your experience might not connect to the role you are applying for. If that’s the case, then you’re better off writing a resume objective statement.

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