There’s no rule that you have to include an objective statement in your resume. Many job seekers, unfortunately, write objective statements that are unclear, self-focused, mistake-ridden, silly or downright bizarre.
It’s far better to write a professional summary. Leading off with a carefully crafted, targeted overview of your most impressive and relevant qualifications is far more likely to attract a hiring manager’s attention.
Put simply, the objective statement is fading into obsolescence. Hiring managers today often skip right over the objective statement because they’ve read so many hollow and generic ones. Seriously, what does, “To obtain a position with an industry-leading company where I have an opportunity to utilize my skills” really tell an employer anyway? Not much. Too much.
These job seekers should have scrubbed the self-focused statements:
“OBJECTIVE: My position will have pleasant surroundings, a reasonable salary, low pressure, not require me to bring work home and good benefits.”
Isn’t that everyone’s ideal?
“OBJECTIVE: My dream job would be as a professional baseball player, but since I can’t do that, I'll settle on being an accountant.”
Your enthusiasm is overwhelming.
“OBJECTIVE: I would like to work for a company that is very lax when it comes to tardiness.”
We’ll get back to you later.
“OBJECTIVE: Interested in any job where I can float.”
In today’s business world, it’s either sink or swim.
“OBJECTIVE: A position as one of the people who secretly controls the world from behind the scenes.”
We’ll let you know if that job opens up.
“OBJECTIVE: Every job available!”
We imagine that would be extremely tiring.
“OBJECTIVE: My objective is to get married and have three kids. Oh, wait, you want my career objective.”
Yes, that is correct.
"OBJECTIVE: Looking forward to earning more than $120,000 a year at your company.”
Good luck.
By the way, here’s an example of a resume objective statement that provided prospective employers with useful information:
"OBJECTIVE: To secure a rewarding entry-level help desk position where I can use my extensive knowledge of computer hardware and software in a university setting."
Hired!
Robert Half's Resumania® blog series addresses the lighter side of the workplace, with fun topics to help you get through the workday.
