From the course: Writing a Resume

The goal of an objective statement

From the course: Writing a Resume

The goal of an objective statement

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- Does your current resume have an objective? If not, why did you decide not to use one? It's true, resumes can be very subjective. But the debate about whether to include an objective on a resume or not, is important to discuss. While there's a strong argument to be made that objectives are a thing of the past, an objective can have value if done correctly. Because resumes are so customizable, it's important to consider the target of your resume before you create it. If you're changing careers or early in your career with little to no experience, an objective can help to focus the reader and gain a better understanding of why you are applying for this particular job. You may also hear that no one reads an objective. Well, here's the funny thing about that. If you write it, expect someone to read it. When working as a recruiter, I would always read an objective. Why? Because I would hope that person was going to use it to tell me why they applied to the job. If they did, I would get the feeling of, yes, I'm going to keep reading because this person may have what I need. If they didn't, I might stop reading right there. In the exercise files, I've included three examples of objectives from actual resumes I've received in the past. Now, my question to you is, which of these three objectives would you use? Do they get the point across? Let's go one example at a time. To obtain a consultant position that promotes growth in an environment that I can contribute my safety management and leadership skills and continue to develop experience in a professional community. Example one is the traditional understanding of an objective. Define the role you want to apply to and add a few notes about your skills. Pretty simple. Example two, implement or improve standard operating procedures, timekeeping systems, workplace organization, company policy, hazard analysis, and critical control point guidelines, goals, safety training, expectations, and effective team building. By reaching these objectives, we can be proactive, accurate, and increased productivity in operations. Example two is an example of a bad objective. This person doesn't truly understand the point of an objective is to focus the reader and tell them why you applied to the job. He gives information that really belongs in a summary of qualifications, which we'll discuss in another video. And then he ends with a sentence that tells the reader he has no idea what an objective is for. It was also really difficult to read. And example three, a proven leader in the safety and health industries, safety driven, and goal oriented, I am seeking a challenging opportunity to manage and lead large projects where my advanced skills, education, extensive training, and many years of experience can be fully utilized. Example three begins with information that may be more applicable to a summary of qualifications, but it does something important. It provides the reader with parameters for what this person is seeking without pigeonholing him into one role. It might be a little too vague for some people, but it mentions the things that he wants the reader to focus on. His advanced skills, training, and experience. It tells the reader he's seeking a management role. So it also helps prevent him from being called for opportunities where he won't have the ability to manage. No time wasting here. Are you reconsidering using an objective or are you now confident in your current choice?

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