Here’s a common question: I have been reviewing my old resumes and noticed I used an objective statement. I have stayed in the same field, but my objectives have changed. Is it necessary to use an objective statement?
You will hear conflicting information about the use of objective statements. Some will tell you to use one regardless of your situation, and other people will give you the choice. Objective statements aren’t bad if there is a strategy behind them. Just throwing a one-sentence objective on your resume to see if it will capture a potential employer’s attention is not the best plan.
The first part of your resume can generate interest or deflect it. If you have stayed in the same field and want to continue your career path, you might want to drop your objective statement. One reason to drop your objective statement is that it really does not tell much about you except what you are seeking from an employer.
Typical objective statements might read, “Seeking a growing position in the software development field” or “Sales Professional seeking a management role in a growing company.” Both of these statements lack selling value — they don’t explain what you bring to the prospective employer.
If you have work experience, consider using a career summary to draw the reader’s attention to your background. Briefly describe your profile rather than using a standard one-line objective stating your career goals.
Most often, a summary will offer a stronger presentation to a potential employer and can replace the objective statement. A summary is a short paragraph describing your unique set of skills, credentials or expertise and tells the employer what you can do for them.
If you lean toward being too detailed, try to resist the temptation to detail your career progression. Good summaries highlight skills that interest the employer and help paint a picture of how you can help them meet their needs from your first day on the job.
When should you use an objective statement?
When you are new to the job market. For example, you have just graduated and you want to convey what you are seeking to an employer.
When you have had numerous jobs in various industries with no clear career path, and you want the reader to know what position you are pursuing.
When you are interested in a specific role, and you want the reader to very clear about the position you are seeking.
An objective statement can be a good choice if it is used for the right reasons. In the question asked at the outset of this post, a summary might be the best choice.
