How to Write a Resume Objective (with Examples)

Resumes have certainly evolved with the times, going through many format changes over the years to suit the demands of the modern workforce. One of the major changes to how resumes are written today is the inclusion of the resume objective in the resume summary statement. These items used to be written separately, but now they are often written as one. In this article, Resumeble teaches you how to write a resume objective, complete with resume objective examples to make the process easier to understand.

What is a resume objective?

It’s a given that your objective for sending your resume is to land the job. But more than that, you also need to show potential employers how they stand to benefit from hiring you. And so by the definition, a resume objective is a brief and concise statement that clearly outlines all your professional goals—including those for yourself AND for the company. With this in mind, your resume objective needs to be tailored specifically for the job and company you’re applying for, with every information carefully and accurately researched.

Tips for writing an impressive and compelling resume objective

As the introduction to your resume, your resume objective needs to be both powerful and convincing enough to make the reader want to read the rest of your application. Here’s what you need to do regarding how to write a resume objective statement.

1. Match your objective to the job

It bears repeating that your objective must be tailored to the job in question, and this can only happen if you do your research. Start by studying the job posting carefully and reading up on the company. Then, align your best skills and achievements with the information obtained from these sources. By ensuring your objective complements the job role, readers of your resume will feel more inclined to read the rest of your application and learn more about your professional experience.

2. Focus on adding value to the company

During his presidential inauguration, JFK said the famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” The same principle applies to writing your resume objective. The point is, don’t make your objective all about you. Instead, focus on what you bring to the table because recruiters will want to immediately know the value that you can bring to the position and company. Miss out on this important consideration for writing your objective, and you won’t likely hear from the company ever again.

3. Put your best foot forward

Whether you’re writing a personal assistant resume objective or supply chain resume objective, you must begin your statement with your strongest qualities. Use active verbs and vivid adjectives, such as “driven,” “organized,” “accomplished,” “dedicated,” etc. Here are some examples:

• Dedicated and experienced IT professional…

• Accomplished supply manager…

• Experienced personal assistant…

4. Keep it short and strong

Your resume objective should only be one to two sentences at most. Remember that it is only supposed to be a part of your resume summary statement, which in turn should be kept four to five sentences long. Make your objective the first part of your resume summary statement, followed by your strongest skills, attributes, and achievements.

Resume objective examples

Use these examples on how to write a resume objective as inspiration to write your own, depending on your particular situation.

1. Entry-level applicant with little to no job experience

• Recent college graduate with a passion for marketing and a knack for making effective ad campaigns looking for opportunities to put my natural sales savvy to spur the company’s sales output.

• Highly motivated team player with proven technical skills and persistence to finish a task seeking a full-time IT position to grow my experience and develop my skills toward helping your company achieve growth targets.

• Highly motivated business school graduate seeking a full-time finance position where I can develop my knowledge of data analytics to help your company expand profitability.

2. Well-experienced professional targeting a specific position

• Professional mathematics instructor with four years of experience looking to apply my skills to online teaching and provide students with the top-caliber instruction and learning that they expect.

• In-demand pastry chef seeking to lead my own kitchen. Eager to showcase my expertise in European-style pastries as well as managing thriving kitchen staff.

3. Changing careers or industry

• Accomplished PR professional seeking to harness extensive training and experience in people relations in a personal assistant position that handles clients with the goal of providing a positive working experience.

• Experienced and hardworking warehousing professional with proven success in B2B supply chain management. Seeking an opportunity to use my two decades of storehouse experience to serve the federal government to the best of my abilities.

• Marketing communications specialist seeking an opportunity to apply my passion for philanthropy and professional experience to empower the community with your nonprofit organization.

4. Relocating to a new state or city

• Certified public accountant moving to Texas in June, seeking employment with an established business. I bring over ten years’ worth of experience bookkeeping for organizations of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 1000 companies.

• Current maître d’ with more than twenty years experience in the hospitality industry seeking a similar position when I relocate with my family in September. I am excited to apply my well-honed restaurant management skills as part of your fine dining establishment.

5. Seeking a higher job position than the one held currently

• Public middle school teacher with four years experience, seeking the opportunity to serve as a middle school principal within the Maricopa Unified School District. I am eager to apply my proven leadership skills to further the district’s legacy of quality education.

• Ambitious and driven sales professional with a track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets with consistency and aplomb. I am seeking a sales managing position with a fast-growing startup where I can channel my expertise in a work-from-home setup.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing your resume objectives

Just as there are good practices to writing resume objectives, there are also common mistakes to be wary of. Here are some resume objective examples to avoid and how to improve them.

Mistake #1: Writing a generic objective for every job application

Modern recruiters and hiring managers are tired of one-size-fits-all resumes that applicants send out to multiple employers. Simply put, such resume practices will not help you stand out from the pack. If you want your reader to see you as an ideal candidate, you need to make sure your resume summary, along with the rest of your application is uniquely written for the company you’re sending it to.

Bad example:

• To land a job within my industry that will let me utilize my skills, experience, and talents.

Good example:

• To leverage my six years of customer relations experience in the healthcare industry and help the company improve the client experience.

Mistake #2: Fixating on yourself

Unfortunately, this is a mistake that too many applicants commit. Yes, your resume is meant to highlight all of your skills and accomplishments, but you need to convey all that information in a way that benefits the company. Don’t make it all about you—aside from telling them what you expect, also tell them what they can expect from you. Make sure you review the resume objective examples given in the prior section for reference.

Bad example:

• Jobseeker with 10 years of experience looking to work for an established company.

Good example:

• Hardworking ESL instructor looking to apply my fifteen years’ teaching experience to provide students at your school with high-quality language instruction experience.

Mistake #3: Making vague statements

Vague statements add absolutely no value—not to your resume, and certainly not to the company you’re applying to. Vague objectives only fill up space and serve no purpose, and must be avoided at all costs.

Bad example:

• Looking for a full-time job where I can apply my skills and experience to the position.

Good example:

• Motivated automotive technician with more than seven years of experience in the automotive industry. Seeking an opportunity to use my technical skills and training in your fast-growing car dealership.

Need help writing your resume?

Resumeble is home to expert resume writers who will work with you one-on-one to craft an application document that will get your foot in the door and beyond. Enjoy our interview guarantee when you have us write your resume for you. Whether you’re having trouble writing a law enforcement resume objective, serving resume objective, or something just as specific for your career, we can help. Call us today to learn more!