Sample Resume Objective

Bad Advice About Resume Objectives Abounds

When I was writing resumes, the most common problem I saw with those who wrote their own resume, and I use the term “wrote” loosely here, was that their objectives stank. They either had a weak resume objective, if any, or left the objective out entirely, saying that they had “read somewhere” that someone advised not to include it. Or worse, they had a “friend” who told them not to. Truth is, every resume needs an objective. A resume without one is unfocused and weak.

Less Than Ten Seconds To Make An Impression

You only have 10 seconds or less to make a favorable impression and answer part of the employer’s question. That’s why your objective has to be focused and keyed into what his needs and wants are, not yours.

Sample Resume Objective Don'ts

Here are some sample resume objectives that don’t make the grade:

Management

Ok, so what now? What part? What position? What it is you want to do? A one-word objective says nothing.

Seeking a position in marketing with an opportunity for advancement.

An advancement to what? Of course you’ll want a position that offers a path up the ladder, but stating it like this will make an employer wonder if you consider his position just a stepping stone and that you’ll be gone as soon a the next opening occurs elsewhere.

A career with a progressive organization that will use my education, skills, abilities and experience in an executive capacity, where I can effectively contribute to operations in any capacity that best matches my skills and experience.

Yiee! What career are you shooting for? It’s not the employer’s task to figure out what you want, but to tell him that you’re the best for the job. This one is so vague and long that no one would take the time to read it all, and if they did they would still be at a loss as to what the applicant wants.

Good Objective Examples

An employer is always concerned with two things: the bottom line and the bottom line. So always talk about what he wants and his concerns. Use these examples below as general guidelines.

Purchasing manager where my skills and experience can be effectively utilized for increased profitability.

Software telesales where my seven years experience can increase the bottom line.

Customer service representative where my customer relations skills can be utilized to smoothly handle customer complaints and improve company image.

Sales management where my experience can be effectively utilized to increase product sales volume by developing a dynamic team.