Some job applicants choose to include a for resume objective on their resume. A resume objective sets out your career goals. It can be as simple as providing your desired job title, or it can show where you’ve been and where you want to go in your career. When should you use a goal, and when can it be unique to your resume?
Some people say that resume goals are no longer necessary; at best they are necessary and at worst they are outdated.
What is a Resume Objective?
A resume goal IS a statement of your employment goals, usually listed on your resume. The goal of a resume is usually one or two sentences.
When to Use a Resume Objective
Again, some professional experts consider resume objectives to be obsolete, while others find them valuable. However, there are times when a resume objective can be very helpful. Any time you want to emphasize that you’re ambitious, that you know what you want for a career, or that you have the skills for the job at hand, you could do worse than a resume goal.
A resume objective can explain why YOU are qualified for the job, even if you don’t have much relevant experience. A goal can be especially helpful when you’re making a career change.
Match Your Objective to the Job
The most effective target is one that fits the position YOU are applying for. Indicate what type of career you aspire to and what skills and experience you have that make you ideal for that career. The purpose of a resume can also include where YOU have been in your career and where YOU want to go.
For example, you could move on to some of your past accomplishments, and then move on to accomplishments you want to achieve in the future (ideally, accomplishments you want to achieve for the company you’re applying to).
Note: Ultimately, setting a goal is optional, but it can help convince employers that you know what you want and are strong in the industry.
How to Write a Strong Resume Objective
When you include an objective on your resume, it is important to match the objective of the resume with the position you are applying for.
Be Specific
The more specific you are, the better your chances of being considered for the position you are interested in. It’s a good idea to write a new resume objective for each position you apply for.
Important: When creating your resume objective, you should call on the specific skills and experiences that are directly related to the job.
Use Keywords
Another effective strategy is to include job opportunity keywords in your resume objective. Not only can this increase the chances that your resume will be caught by a company’s applicant tracking system; You can also highlight how your qualifications match the job posting.
Make a Match
Also, you should only name the career goals to be achieved in the company. For example, if you later want to be editor-in-chief of a magazine but are applying for a newspaper job, don’t say so. Focus on how you want to grow within the company.
Focus on How You Can Add Value
One of the dangers of a resume goal is that YOU can focus too much on what you want in your career and not enough on how you add value to the company. Your resume objective should also include information about the career you are aiming for, and should also explain why YOU are an ideal candidate for the position.
Occasionally add information that highlights your experience, including years in the industry, special skills, and other qualifications. Include examples of ways you can add value or even improve the business.
For example, mention your ten years of successful budget reduction experience and say that you would like to apply those skills to the organization’s budget.
Resume Objective Examples
- I am looking for a position with XYZ Company where I can maximize my 10+ years of experience in management, quality control, program development, and training.
- I am seeking a position as a Clinical Practice Assistant for a healthcare organization using my award-winning writing, research, and leadership skills.
- Primary school teacher looking for a position at a small independent school where I can apply my five years of teaching experience and curriculum development skills.
- who is looking for an opportunity to use my management and customer service skills to improve customer satisfaction.
- I am looking for a position where I can integrate strategies to develop and expand existing client sales, brand and product development, and media support.
- Position in search engine optimization where I can use my SEO skills and experience to increase website traffic and search engine rankings, applying my 15 years of IT experience.
- Obtain a position that allows me to utilize my strong organizational skills, award-winning educational background, and ability to work well with people.
Sample Resume With an Objective
This is a resume sample with an objective.
Sample Resume With an Objective (Text Version)
Alex Applicant
999 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
(123) 555-1234
[email protected]
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Elementary teacher looking for a position at a small independent school, where I can apply my teaching experience, STEM-oriented instruction, technology, and curriculum development skills to support student growth and success.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
- Adept in creating positive, engaging, and supportive learning environments for students from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong team building and collaborative talents, partnering easily with teachers, principals, parents, and support staff to identify student needs, address issues, and promote school spirit.
- Willingly work after hours and during weekends to ensure student success.
- Hold current K-8 teaching certification; active member of NAIS, AFT, ASCD, and CEC.
- Fluent in written and spoken Spanish; well-versed in use of SmartBoard and other technologies.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LAKESIDE ACADEMY, Stamford, CT
Elementary Teacher, September 2019 – Present
Structure and implement dynamic and engaging lesson plans for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, teaching up to 25 students in each class.
- Played key role in improving student scores on standardized tests by 38% in literacy and 29% in math.
- Championed introduction of new adaptive learning technologies to better serve the individual needs of students.
- Sponsored after-school Spanish Club and prepared students for participation in Odyssey of the Mind.
- Received “Best Teacher Award.”
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (2019); GPA 3.9
Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
Dean’s List; Graduated Summa cum Laude
Other Options for Starting Your Resume
Summary Statement
An alternative to using one on your resume is to use a resume profile, also called a resume summary or credential, which is a brief objective summary of your skills and experience as required for a specific job posting. Unlike a resume goal, a resume profile focuses squarely on how YOU can go back and add value to the company, rather than your own career goals.
Branding Statement
Another option is to add a resume branding statement to your resume. This statement is shorter than a resume profile or goal (about 15 words) and highlights your top accomplishments and strengths.
Headline
Then a third option is a resume title, also known as a resume title. This is even shorter than a resume branding statement. It’s a phrase that explains your skills and work experience.
How to Include an Objective, Headline, or Statement on a Resume
You can also include several of them in your CV. For example, you can include a resume title and a resume profile (with the title higher up on your resume).
Tip: Whatever you choose, place it at the top of your resume, below your name and contact information.
Be sure to keep your information concise and DO use keywords from the job posting in your statement. Even with a resume objective, profile, brand statement, or headline, your resume should fit on one page whenever possible. Finally, be sure to write a new statement for EACH position you APPLY FOR SO THE employee can see what makes you a good fit for that particular position.
