A resume objective statement is obsolete. It has already been replaced with a qualifications summary which serves as your elevator pitch. This is where you state why you are the best candidate for the role. However, there still are cases where the former should still be used. To know when, you need to learn first the differences between the two.
Objective versus Summary
An objective statement is the section which outlines your professional goal and career direction. It mainly shows the skills that make the candidate suitable for the role. On the other hand, qualifications summary is the gist of your professional accomplishments and experiences. It also includes the skills relevant to your target job.
Example:
When Should You Use a Resume Objective Statement
The questions below will help you dictate if you need an objective statement in your resume:
- Are you planning to change industry or position?
If you’re in the process of career change, an objective section is necessary. It’s included in career change resume tips. It allows you to state your goal about changing your career. Otherwise, you will confuse your hiring managers on your irrelevant work experience or educational background. They might assume your job search is random and you don’t have any target job. - Are you an entry-level applicant?
If you’re just starting out with your career journey, an objective for resume for freshers can be a big help. Since you don’t have an experience yet, you may just present your goal in achieving career growth. However, always back it up with your skills and knowledge you gained in school projects. This is to show them you can contribute to the company. - Are you an unemployed for a long time?
Being in a long-term unemployment creates a bad impression. It’ll happen if you don’t state the reason through a resume objective statement. Well, it doesn’t have to be directly stated. You can just show you are off to a new beginning. In addition, writing a winning cover letter can help you make the transition. It’s a tool used to state the reasons of unemployment, too.
MSN reveals Louisiana and Virginia are two of 25 cities that lost most jobs in 2018. This results to people searching for ways on how to write a powerful career objective statement to recover from the unemployment.
What Should You Include in a Resume Objective Statement?
Focus on your target employer’s needs. Remember: It’s not about you. Always stress what you can do for the company. To keep it short, aim for one to two sentences. Make it simple but striking by using action words.
Instead of saying: “Your company sales will be increased through my marketing skills.”
Just say: “To help your company increase sales through my marketing skills”.
Be cautious with the content and avoid common mistakes. These mistakes make hiring managers skip your application. In short, it’ll cost you the opportunity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Objective Statement
An objective section should catch the employer’s attention; or else, your profile will be put in the rejected pile. So, they’ll check the next candidate. To keep your chance, here are the common mistakes to avoid when you write your objective statement.
Being Too Simple or Generic
“To get a full-time position in a stable company” or “To get a job where I can use my experience and develop my skills” is too cliché. Employers notice the objective statement first in a resume. So, grab the chance to sell yourself with a thorough one. Make them notice you in just a few seconds.
You also have to tailor your objective statement for each role you’re applying to. Use the details in the job posting. These can be the job description and the required skills. Besides, these will help you pass most applicant tracking systems.
Making It All About You
Hiring managers are not interested in your personal goals.
Instead of saying: “To pursue a career growth by obtaining a challenging position and developing my skills.”
Just say: “To help the company increase its revenue by applying my expertise in marketing to the next level.”
The latter is company-focused. This should be the tone of your resume objective statement. Prove you can bring value to the company. Always focus more on what you can offer. Don’t highlight what you can gain from the company.
Forgetting to State Your Target Position
Without a target field or position, it’ll be hard for hiring managers to assess if you best fit the role. Sometimes they fill several positions at once. The easier they can tell your goal, the higher the chance they’ll invite you for an interview. Thus, use the details from their job posting.
Excluding Relevant Qualifications
Besides your target job or field, prove you’re the most suitable applicant for the post through relevant qualifications. You can do this by applying keywords used in the job requirements. These should match your qualifications. Hence, grab this chance to show your skills and achievements related to your dream role.
Adding False or Unrealistic Details
False info to impress hiring managers won’t work and won’t boost your chances. Resume lies can even harm your job search. Make sure the keywords really resonate with your qualifications. From there, maximize what you have to enhance them with powerful adjectives.
In summary, if you don’t have issues in your work history, then use a qualifications summary. However, if you are a career shifter, entry-level worker, and long-term unemployed job seeker, an objective statement will better suit you.
Are you now equipped to write a compelling resume objective statement that attracts your target employer? You’re not alone in your career journey. Our expert resume writers can help you get through it regardless of your situation. So, avail our professional resume writing services to help you land your target job soon!
