Writing an Effective Resume Objective: 5 Ways to Do It

A resume objective statement is not necessary but, if written correctly, is a smart way to make your application stand out. Because it's strategically placed at the top of your resume (right below your name and contact details), employers can see it right away. If it impresses them, they're sure to read the rest of the resume, bringing you one step closer to landing a job interview!

What Is an Objective for a Resume?

Sometimes called a career objective, a resume objective is a quick rundown of your immediate professional goals and how these fit with your desire for employment. It typically consists of one or two sentences, convincing employers why you fit the role.

A resume objective differs from a resume or career summary, highlighting your educational background and work experience. The latter gives an overview of your competence, and the former states your career targets and the skills you want to acquire.

Why Is It Important?

A career objective is your formal opening statement and a useful selling feature. It is beneficial if you are:

• A first-time jobseeker

Are you a fresh graduate with minimal or zero work experience? By reading your resume objective, hirers can better see if your goals complement their job opening.

• Switching careers

Changing your work industry requires some explanation, which your objective can provide. Convince employers to hire you despite your different backgrounds by outlining your soft and transferable skills.

• Particular about your goals and potential contribution

Passionate about a specific career goal? Then go ahead and write it down in your objective. Make sure it fits the job description because that's the employer's top priority.

5 Tips for Writing a Resume Objective

Aim to make a good first impression by crafting a powerful resume objective. By quickly reading it, employers can instantly gauge your expectations and possible contributions to the company. Here are some tips:

1. Make it brief.

Remember that employers are constantly scouring applications to see which jobseekers are qualified. Your resume objective should be succinct and attention-grabbing. Hirers don't have the time and energy to read lengthy sentences, so eliminate unnecessary details and words like flowery adjectives. Write only two sentences at the most.

2. Convince that you're a good fit for the job.

It's good to talk about your goals but always put them within the context of how it benefits the company. Don't make it all about you; tailor-fit it to the job you're interested in. Emphasize your skills, education, and experience that match their requirements. Thoroughly read the job description and company website to better market yourself.

3. Keep it compelling.

Your career objective serves as your resume's introduction, so it's best to begin with a bang. Emphasize your major skills and strengths to give the hirer a reason to keep reading your resume. You can use keywords like results-driven, passionate, experience, and many more.

4. Highlight your passion for self-improvement.

A bachelor's degree isn't anything new, but adding extra-curricular activities to the mix means you're willing to go the extra mile. Mention certifications or additional classes you took to boost your competence, and this is crucial if you're changing careers.

5. Say what you can bring to the table.

Why should they hire you? Grab this opportunity to say what you can offer to the company. Putting your value proposition to the forefront directly addresses what hirers want. 

Write a Resume Objective in 4 Steps

We break down the process into four easy steps: 

1. Identify yourself.

Hold back with descriptive words by using just one or two adjectives relevant to the position. Remember to include a key part of your career objective statement – your primary qualification. Specify your career level to introduce yourself.

Examples:

"Resourceful business administration graduate…"

"Certified Public Accountant with proven leadership and organizational skills…"

"Published lifestyle blogger with PR writing background…"

2. State the role you are applying for.

State the job title or position you are applying for. It's best to be specific unless you send your resume to multiple companies or apply to a company with no particular position in mind. Remember that it's always best to customize your resume objective—and your entire resume, for that matter—for every company you apply for.

Examples:

"…pursuing an IT internship position"

"…seeking a position as sales associate"

"…looking for a part-time writing position"

3. Select relevant experience, skills, and knowledge.

Be picky about selecting an experience, skill or knowledge to include in your career objective. Your foremost concern should always be relevance, then package it as a career goal.

Examples:

"… to leverage my experience in technical writing."

"…to utilize my strong technical, analytical and team-building skills"

"…to integrate my knowledge in hardware and network troubleshooting."

4. Include how you can contribute to the company's goals. 

End with a benefit statement to drive your point home. This is when you leave hirers with a lasting impression because you clearly state your value as a future employer.

Examples:

"…seeking to contribute to the company's information technology division."

"…develop quality products and top-of-the-line services."

"…in creating beautiful, responsive and user-friendly websites."

If you combine everything, you can come up with a resume objective that looks like this:

“Hard-working BS Social Work graduate seeking a position as Community Welfare and Development Coordinator (NCR) to coordinate communication and action among multiple parties and implement social welfare programs.”

More Examples of Resume Objectives

Below are actual career objectives statements that can help you craft your own. The list includes sample career objective statements for some of the most in-demand jobs in Admin and HR, Engineering, Accounting, IT and Sales.

Administrative and Human Resource (HR) Jobs

• Highly dependable and organized individual looking for an Administrative Assistant position. Offering 3+ years of hands-on experience in providing high-quality managerial support, in-house coordination and inventory management.

• Highly skilled Procurement and Logistics Officer with leadership experience in search of a position in an established facility where I can use my people skills to assist in management and procurement operations.

Engineering Jobs

• Experienced Automotive Engineer looking for a position in the field of automotive servicing. I'd like to use my strong background in automotive assessment and analysis to cater to clients with vehicle diagnostic and repair needs.

• Civil Engineering graduate pursuing a CAD Operator position (or any related position) where I can use my knowledge and technical skills to help digitize work plans according to plan specifications and provide overall support to engineers with project implementation and other related tasks.

Accounting Jobs

• BS Accountancy graduate with good academic standing applying for a General Accounting position where I can use my knowledge and experience to ensure the delivery of all financial and accounting activities related to accounts payable, accounts receivables and general accounting.

• Certified Public Accountant looking for a Financial Analyst position where I can utilize my financial planning and strategy knowledge to perform finance-related work such as analysis, forecasting, report preparation, and other computational and reportorial tasks.

Information Technology (IT) Jobs

• Fresh Information Technology graduate looking for a technical support specialist position where I can use my advanced troubleshooting and multitasking skills in resolving technical issues and providing help desk support.

• Creative and highly reliable Computer Engineer looking for a Software Developer position focusing on web and mobile applications. I want to apply my excellent coding and problem-solving skills to create web and mobile applications based on agreed technical and design specifications.

Sales Jobs

• Ambitious and driven business graduate seeking a Sales Coordinator position to leverage my people skills in selling store goods and coordinating sales and administrative activities.

• Young and highly skilled marketing professional applying for Sales Associate position where I can utilize my excellent communication skills and persuasive sales ability.

Make Employers Remember You!

Start crafting that killer resume objective now and let employers know your best assets. Write about your credentials using our resume templates to attract your dream job!

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