A resume objective is a concise and targeted statement that introduces you as the perfect candidate for the job you are seeking. But don’t take our word for it. The experts at indeed.com describe a resume objective as follows:
A resume objective (also called a career objective) is a one- or two-sentence overview of your short-term professional goals and explanation of why you’re seeking employment. Resume objectives are often placed at the top of your resume to capture the hiring manager’s attention and should make a strong case for why you’re the best candidate for the job
Is it necessary to include a resume objective?
The short answer is, yes. The resume objective speaks on your behalf and helps you get the interview by positioning you as a stand-out among numerous other submissions.
The resume objective should:
- Target the position you are applying for and reflect the skills listed in the job description.
- Detail your unique capabilities for the position. If you are changing your career path, explain how your previous experience and skills are ideally suited to the job.
- Clearly communicate your intentions for filling the position as described.
- Most importantly, get you the interview!
How does a resume objective differ from a summary statement?
While the resume objective is a brief overview of your qualifications and intentions, a summary statement offers a more in-depth review of your credentials and your goals for the job. Depending on your level of experience and the position you are applying for, a summary statement may be a better way to stand out in the crowd.
The goal of a summary statement is to display your work experience and history as the criteria for why you are the ideal choice for the open position. With that in mind, it’s important to customize the statement by referencing the keywords as described in the posted job description.
Finding your voice in the summary statement is also critical. An active voice expresses an air of confidence and control while also demonstrating skill and ability. The summary statement should convey, without apology, that you are the best candidate for the position.
Rose Miller, President of Pinnacle Human Resources, LLC shares her perspective on the resume summary:
Do not submit a generic resume or use a generic and impersonal summary. The summary is very important and should be reflective of a two-minute elevator speech. Address the company by referencing the job posting and the specifics in your background that make you a perfect fit…for at least an interview! The summary should be no more than six sentences and is more valuable than the cover letter. (Which is rarely read.)
Find your voice. Tell your story!
Beware of space filler, fluff, and ambiguity.
Whether you’re writing a resume objective or a summary statement, every word counts and it’s important to get your point across quickly and succinctly. Human resource professionals and hiring managers are not new to the resume review process, so please do not treat them as such. Adding overused terms can be a major turnoff and may just catapult your resume to the “thank you for your interest” pile.
To make a powerful impression, avoid using these common phrases:
- Highly motivated
- Decades of experience
- Self-starter
- Asset to your business
Save the “me, me, me” and get to the “who, why, and because”. Deliver the elevator pitch that you have practiced in front of the mirror. It needs to work for you in its written form so you can get the interview and wow them for the job.
We can help.
Understanding you and building your resume to get you the interview is what we do. Finding your voice is not just a line, it is the essence of creating a resume that will speak for you to get that interview. Give us a buzz at 518.280.6650 and let’s talk.
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