Resume Objective Examples

When developing a resume, many people benefit from having a variety of resume objective examples from which to choose. The old one-sentence standby of “to obtain a job in the “X” field” doesn’t adequately describe the applicant’s goals or desire to make a career change, accomplishments or suitability for the open position. More importantly, it doesn’t inform the employer on what the applicant can do for the company.

Every aspect of a resume has to form a bridge between an applicant’s specific experience and the requirements and interests of the company. Whether resumes are scanned by a keyword system or a busy HR director, the fact is that many resumes are handled for only a minute before being put into one of three piles: yes, maybe and no.

This is what that brief header at the top of the resume accomplishes: standing out from everyone else.

Certain nuances of the application process continue to evolve. A decade ago, no resume was complete without a resume objective statement, a one line summary of an applicant’s career direction. However, just as there are different types of resumes, there are now different ways to position the applicant’s career goals and intent while keeping a company's goals in mind to ensure your resume lands at the top of the yes stack.

• If you choose to include a resume objective, there’s only one thing to remember. Employers expect the objective to answer one question: is this person going to use his or her skills to benefit our company? That’s it. So resume objectives need to immediately answer that question in a language familiar to the employer.

• Many applicants find success by foregoing an objective and instead opting for a professional summary, a vehicle that serves to provide an overview of an applicant’s qualifications. This is an especially good option for executive or managerial resumes.

• A more modern take on a resume objective example is a combination of the two: a brief summary of skills that zeros in on why this applicant will help the success of the company while still highlighting career goals. This style is often helpful for individuals changing careers or with multiple areas of expertise.

No matter what option you choose, always customize the objective or summary to the specific position, even if this means constantly changing the resume with each new prospect.

When writing a student resume, a lack of work experience is not a barrier to presenting oneself as an individual serious about work and willing to put forth the effort.

Types of resume objective examples might include the following:

For a general retail position: To gain an understanding of how to provide good customer service and to obtain knowledge of the day-to-day operations of (industry/type of service).

If some goals are in motion: Responsible high school student with a genuine love for animals seeking part-time employment with a veterinary hospital to better understand animals and their owners in preparation for veterinary school.

Since many college graduates search for employment in their majors, this is one of the best references to include in the objective as well as any applicable experience.

For example:

• Recent political science honors graduate and former member of university student senate seeking a position requiring intuitive research capabilities and constructive policy formulation. Hands-on floor experience on Capitol Hill and in Senator Tom Harkin’s (D-IA) office; responsible for organizing Take Back the Night campus rally.
• Campus newspaper editor and journalism major seeking to join the Kansas City Star’s editorial team to expand experience through a metro/community beat and feature writing.

Customization is particularly important for career profesisonals. Just to say "looking for growth and advancement" does not demonstrate how your skills will directly impact the company.

Consider these resume objective examples as guidelines to answering that employer’s question: what’s in it for me?

• Innovative fundraising professional for various nonprofits and universities. Meets and exceeds campaign goals through consistent donor relationship development, incremental giving strategies and decisive planning with campaign and agency directors. Seeking to manage an advancement team focused on growth potential and cultivation of relationships.
• Seasoned marketing professional intent on raising awareness of Kroger’s capabilities and increasing visibility within the community.
• Shift foreman and quality and safety control specialist in agricultural manufacturing desires to implement cost control measures and technological advancements through a plant manager position.

• Use keywords and language found in job advertisement.
• Tailor each resume objective to fit the position.
• If you can’t provide a direct benefit statement objective, consider doing a professional summary..

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