What are Resume Objectives?
If you take a look at various samples of resumes and cover letters, you are likely to find several examples of resumes that have resume objectives at the top. Although they are optional, resume objectives statements have been around so long that many employers automatically look for one at the top of each resume. In fact, some executives say that resume objectives are “required” in all resumes. Of course, nothing is really required in a resume; it is just that certain people expect certain things—and usually that means whatever they have seen in the past. This is especially true for conservative organizations and people, who tend to be less interested in embracing change than, say, an artsy folk-music company.
That being said, there are some basic guidelines to follow when choosing your written resume objective. Resume objectives should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific position.
For years, guidance counselors and employment agents have been giving job-seekers lists of standardized resume objectives, and in a pinch, it would be okay to use one of those; but it would only be a good idea under the most dire of circumstances – such as you have one copy of your resume on hand, you don’t have access to your computer because you left your laptop at home, and the deadline for submitting your resume is only thirty minutes away. Why do I say that using resume objectives that have been around a long time is not a very useful idea? For precisely he reason that they have been around so long. Been there, seen that.
Some examples of standard resume objectives are:
To utilize my skills, experience, and education in a marketing office.
To secure a challenging position that allows me to put my computer skills to work.
What is the problem with these kinds of resume objectives? They are boring and generic. With today’s technology, there is little to no excuse for not tailoring resume objectives to the specific position. Let’s say you are sending your credentials into the sales departments at two companies – ABC Auto Dealer and XYZ Office Machines, Inc. If they received your resume, which included one of the above standardized resume objectives, would there be anything that indicates a desire to work specifically for ABC or XYZ? The answer, of course, is no, so it is always best to tailor your one-sentence resume objective to suit the company to which you are applying.