We have stated in other sections, that we are NOT in favor of a “Career Objective”. We prefer to use a “Summary Statement” to give your resume writing real impact.
Go to Great Resume Templates to get an idea of what we mean or check out our recommended free resume builder
If however you are in favour of including a “Career Objective”, then the following resume writing tips should be of value.
Your job target must be clear in your mind before you begin your objective.
It is very important that the top half of your first page contain impressive details that will create a strong 5-second impression to the reader to put you in the shortlisted pile.
It should reveal to the reader
Who you are? What you want to do? What you have done?
What major strengths (competencies) that you will bring to a new employer?
It is about putting your best stuff in the top half of the first page including the objective, to maximise your chance to sell your skills, abilities, experience, and personality together with your best accomplishments to the reader.
Objective – the focus should be on
- skills, achievements, and
- relevant personal behaviours that support your objective
A career objective probably becomes less effective the more experienced you are.
- They are a good idea for young applicants, graduates
- Candidates in the first 5 year of their working career
- For candidates looking at changing careers
- But not suitable for temporary jobseekers
Carefully select key words to include in your objective
- Think of your target job then include the key nouns and key verbs
- Review job descriptions – O*NET Dictionary of Occupational Titles
- Include your important key skills words (always be specific) in your objective
- Look for additional sources of keywords to include – job description (read job advertisements carefully) and employer web sites
Be ready & willing to change key words on your electronic resume to maximize computer key word matching.
Read very carefully for clues of what the employer wants – underline the stated requirements for the job key words related to Knowledge, Skills, Ability and Attitude as much as possible by emphasizing goals and accomplishments that best fit the needs of the employer in your objective.A Professional Resume Writing Service can help with this
Knowledge = Experience of the tasks in the job description.
Skills = Skills necessary to do the tasks
Abilities = Ability to cope with a changing job and learn new skills
Attitude = Right attitude for doing the job successfully and being accepted by co-workers and clients
Customize your objective for specific employers and jobs
- Try to customize your objective as much as possible for particular positions
- Avoid writing an objective that looks and sounds like it is mass produced
- Employers are looking for evidence that they should interview you for their position and not other positions
- Examining the position you applying for carefully, incorporate the language of the employer in your resume writing